That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him. He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, your honour. FLAMM Good-bye. _STRECKMANN leaves the room._ FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a creature like that! _MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._ MRS. FLAMM What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid retires._]--Did you have any annoyance? FLAMM Oh, yes; a little. MRS. FLAMM Wasn't that Streckmann? FLAMM The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann. MRS. FLAMM How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil? FLAMM [_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures. MRS. FLAMM Do I disturb you, Christie? FLAMM No; only you must keep quiet. MRS. FLAMM If I can't do anything else--you can be sure I can do that. [_Silence._] FLAMM [_Bursting out._] I'll be damned and double damned! There are times when one would like to take a gun and simply shoot down a scoundrel like that! There'd be no trouble about taking that on one's conscience. MRS. FLAMM But, Christie, you really frighten me. FLAMM It isn't my fault! I'm frightened myself!--I tell you, mother, that man is so low, so rotten with evil ... I tell you ... at least he has spells when he's that way ... that a man like myself, who is no saint either, feels as if his very bowels were turning in him! There's no end to that kind of corruption. A man may think he knows life inside out, that he's digested some pretty tough bits himself--but things like that--crimes--I tell you, one never gets beyond the elements in that kind of knowledge! MRS. FLAMM What has roused you so again? FLAMM [_Writing again._] Oh, I'm only speaking in general. MRS. FLAMM I thought it was somehow connected with Streckmann. Because, Christie, I can't rid myself of the thought of that affair. And when it's convenient to you some day, I'd like to have a good talk with you about it! FLAMM With me? How does Streckmann concern me? MRS. FLAMM Not Streckmann exactly--not the man. But surely old Bernd and Rose. As far as the girl is concerned, 'tis bitter earnest for her--the whole thing! And if I weren't tied down here as I am, I would have gone over to see her long ago. She's never seen here any more. FLAMM You ... you want to go and see Rose? What do you want of her? MRS. FLAMM But, don't you see, Christie--you understand that--she isn't exactly the first comer! I ought to see about setting her affairs to rights a bit! FLAMM Ah well, mother! Do what you think is your duty. I hardly think that you'll accomplish much for the girl. MRS. FLAMM How is that, Christie? What do you mean? FLAMM One shouldn't mix up into other people's affairs. All you get for your pains is ingratitude and worry. MRS. FLAMM