HASSENREUTER But, man alive, you want to become an actor--you, with your round shoulders, with your spectacles and, above all, with your hoarse and sharp voice. It's impossible. SPITTA If such fellows as I exist in real life, why shouldn't they exist on the stage too? And I am of the opinion that a smooth, well-sounding voice, probably combined with the Goethe-Schiller-Weimar school of idealistic artifice, is harmful rather than helpful. The only question is whether you would take me, just as I am, as a pupil? HASSENREUTER [_Hastily draws on his overcoat._] I would not. In the first place my school of acting is only one of the schools of idealistic artifice which you mention. In the second place I wouldn't be responsible to your father for such an action. And in the third place, we quarrel enough as it is--every time you stay to supper at my house after giving your lessons. If you were my pupil, we'd come to blows. And now, Spitta, I must catch the car. SPITTA My father is already informed. In a letter of twelve pages, I have given him a full history of the change that has taken place within me.... HASSENREUTER I'm sure the old gentleman will feel flattered! And now come along with me or I'll go insane! _HASSENREUTER forcibly takes SPITTA out with him. The door is heard to slam. The room grows silent but for the uninterrupted roar of Berlin, which can now be clearly heard. The trap-door to the loft is now opened and WALBURGA HASSENREUTER clambers down in mad haste, followed by MRS. JOHN._ MRS. JOHN [_Whispering vehemently._] What's the matter? Nothin' ain't happened. WALBURGA Mrs. John, I'll scream! I'll have to scream in another second! Oh, for heaven's sake, I can't help it much longer, Mrs. John! MRS. JOHN Stuff a handkerchief between your teeth! There ain't nothin'! Why d'you take on so? WALBURGA [_With chattering teeth, making every effort to suppress her sobs._] I'm frightened! Oh, I'm frightened to death, Mrs. John! MRS. JOHN I'd like to know what you're so scared about! WALBURGA Why, didn't you see that horrible man? MRS. JOHN That ain't nothin' so horrible. That's my brother what sometimes helps me clean up your pa's things here. WALBURGA And that girl who sits with her back to the chimney and whines? MRS. JOHN Well, your mother didn't act no different when you was expected to come into the world. WALBURGA Oh, it's all over with me. I'll die if papa comes back. MRS. JOHN Well then hurry and get out an' don' fool roun' no more! [_MRS. JOHN accompanies the horrified girl along the passage, lets her out, and then returns._ MRS. JOHN Thank God, that girl don' know but what the moon _is_ made o' cheese! [_She takes the uncorked bottle, pours out a glass full of wine and takes it with her to the loft into which she disappears._ _The room is scarcely empty when HASSENREUTER returns._ HASSENREUTER