Perhaps this is the better way. You go into the library for the present. [_He escorts PAULINE, MRS. KIELBACKE and the child into the library._] And now, Mr. Schierke, we might risk letting that fury enter in here. SCHIERKE [_Opening the door slightly._] All right. But only Mrs. Knobbe! Come in here a minute. _MRS. SIDONIE KNOBBE appears. She is tall and emaciated and dressed in a badly worn but fashionable summer gown. Her face bears the stigma, of a dissolute life but gives evidence of a not ungentle origin. Her air is curiously like that of a gentlewoman. She talks affectedly and her eyes show addiction to alcohol and morphine._ MRS. KNOBBE [_Sailing in._] There is no cause for any anxiety, Mr. Hassenreuter. Those without are principally little boys and girls who have come with me because I am fond of children. Pray pardon me if I intrude. One of the children told me that two women had sneaked up here with my little boy. I am looking for my little son, named Helfgott Gundofried, who has actually disappeared from my dwelling. At the same time I do not wish to incommode you. SCHIERKE An' you better not do that if I has any say about it. MRS. KNOBBE [_Disregarding these words except by a proud toss of the head._] To my great regret I caused a certain amount of disturbance in the yard. From the yard as a place of vantage it is possible to command every window and I made inquiries of the poor cigar maker in the second story and of the consumptive little seamstress in the third as to whether my Selma and my little son were with either of them. But nothing is farther from my intention than to create a scandal. I want you to know--- for I am quite conscious of being in the presence of a distinguished, indeed, of a famous man--you are to know that where Helfgott Gundofried is concerned I am obliged to be strictly on my guard! [_With quivering voice and an occasional application of her handkerchief to her eyes._] I am an unfortunate woman who is pursued by fate, who has sunk low but who has seen better days. I do not care to bore you with my troubles. But I am being pursued and there are those who would rob me of my last hope. SCHIERKE Aw, hurry up an' say what you has to! MRS. KNOBBE [_As before._] It is not enough that I was forced to lay aside my honest name. Later I lived in Paris and then married a brutal person, a south German inn-keeper, because I had the foolish thought that my affairs might be bettered thereby. O these scoundrels of men! SCHIERKE This don't lead to nothin'! You cut it short, I tell you. MRS. KNOBBE