[_Shows by a sudden gleam in her eyes that she understands the truth and has received the confession. But she continues to speak quietly._] You see, lass, that's what I've learned. I've learned that one thing which the world has forgotten. I don't know very much about anything else. As much as most people, maybe, an' that's not any real knowledge. [_She lays down the child's shift carefully on her lap._] Well, now you go home an' be of good courage! I'll be thinkin' things over for you. 'Tis well so far. I'll ask you no more just now. You're different now ... all's different. An' I'll be doubly careful. I don't want to know anything, but I want you to depend on me. Little I care, anyhow, who the father is--if 'tis a councillor or a beggar. It's we who have to bring the children into the world, an' no one can help us there. Three things you must think about--how about your father, and about August ... an' something more. But I have time enough! I'll think it all over an' I'll feel that I'm still good for something in this world. ROSE [_Has arisen and passed again into a state of moral numbness._] No, no, Mrs. Flamm, don't do that! You can't! Don't take no interest in me! I've not deserved it of him nor of no one! I know that! I've got to fight it through--alone! There's no help in others for me; it's ... no, I can't tell you no clearer!... You're as good to me as an angel! Dear God, you're much too good! But it's no use! I can't take your help. Good-bye.... MRS. FLAMM Wait a little! I can't let you go this way. Who knows what you may be doin'? ROSE No, you can be reel quiet about that, Mrs. Flamm. I'm not that desperate yet. If there's need, I can work for my child. Heaven's high an' the world is wide! If it was just me, an' if it wasn't for father an' if August didn't seem so pitiful ... an' then, a child ought to have a father! MRS. FLAMM Good. You just be resolute. You were always a brave girl. An' 'tis better if you can keep your courage up!--But, if I've understood you rightly, I can't see at all why you want to fight against the weddin'. ROSE [_Becomes sullen, pale and fearful._] What can I say? I don't hardly know! An' I don't want to fight against it no more. Only ... Streckmann.... MRS. FLAMM Be open with me, you understand? For my part you can go home now! But come back to-morrow! An' listen to this thing I say: Be glad! A woman ought to be glad of her child.... ROSE An' God knows that I am! An' I will fight it all through! Only--nobody can't help me to do it! [_Exit quickly._ MRS. FLAMM [_Alone. She looks after ROSE, sighs, takes the child's shift from her lap, unfolds it as before and says:_] Ah, lass,'tis a good fortune that you have, not an evil! There's none that's greater for a woman! Hold it fast! THE CURTAIN FALLS THE THIRD ACT