Oh, Erich, sh! I have a perfect horror of the woman. Can you understand anyhow why policemen are guarding the entrance downstairs and why they won't let us go out into the street? I'm so awfully afraid that, maybe, they'll arrest us and take us along to the station. SPITTA Oh, but there's not the slightest danger, Walburga! You're seeing ghosts by broad daylight. WALBURGA When the plain clothes man came up to you and looked at us and you asked him who he was and he showed his badge under his coat, I assure you, at that moment, the stairs and the hall suddenly began to go around with me. SPITTA They're looking for a criminal, Walburga. It is a so-called raid that is going on here, a kind of man hunt such as the criminal police is at times obliged to undertake. WALBURGA And you can believe me, too, Erich, that I heard papa's voice. He was talking quite loudly to some one. SPITTA You are nervous. You may have been mistaken. WALBURGA [_Frightened at MRS. JOHN, who is speaking in her sleep._] Listen to her: do! SPITTA Great drops of sweat are standing on her forehead. Come here! Just look at the rusty old horseshoe that she is clasping with both hands. WALBURGA [_Listens and starts with fright again._] Papa! SPITTA I don't understand you. Let him come, Walburga. The essential thing is that one knows what one wants and that one has a clean conscience. I am ready. I long for the explanation to come about. _A loud knocking is heard at the door._ SPITTA [_Firmly._] Come in! _MRS. HASSENREUTER enters, more out of breath than usual. An expression of relief comes over her face as she catches sight of her daughter._ MRS. HASSENREUTER Thank God! There you are, children! [_Trembling, WALBURGA throws herself into her mother's arms._] Girlie, but what a fright you've given your old mother. [_A pause in which only the breathing of MRS. HASSENREUTER is heard._ WALBURGA Forgive me, mama: I couldn't act differently. MRS. HASSENREUTER Oh, no! One doesn't write letters containing such thoughts to one's own mother. And especially not to a mother like me. If your soul is in pain you know very well that you can always count on me for help and counsel. I'm not a monster, and I was young myself once. But to threaten to drown yourself ... and things like that ... no, that's all wrong. You shouldn't have done that. Surely you agree with me, Mr. Spitta. And now this very minute ... heavens, how you both look!... this very minute you must both come home with me!--What's the matter with Mrs. John? WALBURGA Oh yes, help us! Don't forsake us! Take us with you, mama! Oh, I'm _so_ glad that you're here! I was just paralysed with fright! MRS. HASSENREUTER