WALTHER
You’re hardly ever seen without the girl. Can’t you leave her with her mother?
HENSCHEL
She’s always scourin’ an’ workin’. The little thing is just in her way! [_He sits down on a bench along the wall near the bar, not far from his brother-in-law. He keeps the little girl on his lap. HILDEBRANT sits down opposite him._] How is it, Hildebrant, what shall we have? I think we’ve earned a bumper o’ beer? Two of ’em, then, an two glasses o’ brandy.
HILDEBRANT
That son of a–actually broke my skin!
HENSCHEL
Nothin’ but a foal neither an’ has the strength o’–… Good mornin’, Hauffe.
HAUFFE
Mornin’.
HENSCHEL
He’s a bit surly. Let’s not bother him.
FABIG
Mr. Henschel, won’t you buy something o’ me? A needle box for the wife, maybe, or a pretty little comb to stick in the hair! [_All laugh._] George, the waiter, he bought one too.
HENSCHEL
[_Laughing good-naturedly with the others._] Don’t you come botherin’ me with your trash! [_To WERMELSKIRCH._] Give him a measure o’ beer!–‘Tis a quaint little chap he is. Who is it?
HILDEBRANT
‘Tis Fabig from Quolsdorf, I think–the most mischievous little scamp in the county.
HENSCHEL
Well, I got a little native from Quolsdorf here too.
FABIG
[_To BERTHA._] We’re good old friends, eh?
BERTHA
[_To FABIG._] Why don’t you dive me some nuts?
FABIG
Aha, she knows who I is! I’ll look an’ see if I c’n find some!
BERTHA
Outside in the waggon!
FABIG
No, they’re here in my pocket! [_He gives them to the child._] You see, you don’t get out o’ the pubs. Long ago your grandfather took you along; now you got to go about with Henschel.
HENSCHEL
[_To BERTHA._] Tell him to attend to his bit o’ trash! Tell him you’re bein’ looked out for! Tell him that!
_GEORGE comes vivaciously out of the billiard room._
GEORGE
[_Without noticing HENSCHEL._] Well,–I never saw the likes o’ that! That there feller c’n eat glass like anythin’. Put it down on the reckoning, Miss Franziska: a lot o’ beer! There’s five o’ us!
FRANZISKA
[_Has taken BERTHA on her arm. She goes with the child behind the bar._] Bertha won’t permit it; I can’t do it now!
GEORGE
Good heavens, Mr. Henschel, there you are too!
HENSCHEL
[_Without noticing GEORGE, to HILDEBRANT._] Your health, Hildebrant!
[_They clink their glasses and drink._
FABIG
[_To GEORGE who, a little taken aback, lights his cigar at one of the tables._] Tell me this, mister George, you’re a kind of a wizard, eh?
GEORGE
Well, I do declare! What makes you think so?
FABIG
‘Cause a while ago, you was gone like a light that’s blown out.
GEORGE
Well, what’s the use o’ huntin’ for disagreeable things. Siebenhaar an’ me–we can’t agree, that’s all.
FABIG
[_With the gesture of boxing another’s ears._] People do say that somethin’ happened.–[_Passing by, to HAUFFE._] Did you win in the lottery? eh?
HAUFFE
You damned vermin!
FABIG
Yes, that’s just what I am.
HENSCHEL
Is it true that you’re working down at Nentwich’s now?
HAUFFE
What business is it o’ yours?
HENSCHEL
[_Laughing and quite even-tempered._] Now look at that feller. He pricks like a weasel wherever you touches him.
WALTHER
I s’pose you’ll be our host here pretty soon now?
HENSCHEL
[_After he has glanced at him in astonishment._] That’s the first ever I’ve heard of it!
WALTHER
Oh, I thought! I don’t know exackly who ’twas that told me.
HENSCHEL
[_Drinking: indifferently._] Whoever told you that must ha’ been dreamin’!
[_Pause._]
HILDEBRANT
In this here house everythin’ is bein’ turned upside down now. An’ what I says is this: You’ll be all sighin’ to have Siebenhaar back some day.
HENSCHEL
[_To HAUFFE._] You might go over to Landeshut. I got two coach horses standin’ there. You might ride them in for me.
HAUFFE
The hell I will–that’s what I’ll do for you.
HENSCHEL
[_Laughing and calmly._] Well, now you c’n sit there till you gets blue in the face. I won’t concern myself that much about you!
HAUFFE
You c’n keep busy sweepin’ before your own door.
HENSCHEL
‘Tis well, ’tis well. We’ll let that there be.
HAUFFE
You got filth enough in your own house!
HENSCHEL
Hauffe, I tell you right now: I wouldn’t like to do it. But if you’re goin’ to start trouble here–I tell you that–I’ll kick you out!
WERMELSKIRCH
Peace, gentlemen! I beg of you: peace!
HAUFFE
You’re not the host here an’ you can’t kick nobody out! You has no more right to say anythin’ here than me! I don’t let you nor nobody tell me to hold my tongue. No, not you an’ not your wife, no matter how you scheme, you two! That don’t scare me an’ don’t bother me that much!
_Without any show of anger, HENSCHEL grasps HAUFFE by the chest and pushes him, struggling in vain, toward the door. Just before reaching it he turns slightly, opens the door, puts HAUFFE out, and closes it again. During this scene the following colloquy takes place:_
HAUFFE
Let go, I tell you! I just warn you: let go!
WERMELSKIRCH
Mr. Henschel, that won’t do; I can’t permit that!
HENSCHEL
I gave you fair warnin’! There’s no help for you now.
HAUFFE
Are you goin’ to choke me? Let go, I tell you! You’re not the host here!
MRS. WERMELSKIRCH
[_From behind the bar._] What’s the meaning of this? That will never do, Ludwig! You can’t permit yourself to be treated that way!
FABIG
[_While HENSCHEL, holding HAUFFE, is rapidly approaching the door._] You might as well let it be. There’s nothin’ to be done. That there man–he’s like an athlete. He’ll bite his teeth into the edge of a table, and he’ll lift the table up for you so steady, you won’t notice a glass on it shakin’. If he went an’ took the notion, I tell you, we’d all be flyin’ out into the street different ways!
_HAUFFE has been put out, HENSCHEL returns._
HENSCHEL
[_Resuming his seat amid a general silence._] He wouldn’t give no rest–he’s that stubborn.
FIRST FIREMAN
[_Who has come in out of the billiard room and drunk a glass of whisky at the bar._] I’d like to pay. A man had better go. In the end anybody might be flyin’ out o’ here, you know.
WERMELSKIRCH
Yon take another glass of beer. That would be the last straw. After all, I am still master here.
WALTHER
If that’s the way you’re goin’ to do, Henschel, when you stands behind the bar and runs this here place instead o’ Wermelskirch–you won’t keep many customers, I c’n tell you that!
HENSCHEL
Customers like that don’t matter.
WALTHER
You won’t be able to pick ’em out, though. Hauffe don’t pay with counterfeit money neither.
HENSCHEL
He c’n pay anyway he wants to, for all I care. But I tell you again now: Don’t start that there business over again. I won’t be takin’ this place at all. If I was goin’ to take it, I ought to know better than anybody else. Well, then: if I’m ready to buy a pub some day–I’ll let you know! Afterward you c’n give me your advice. An’ if you don’t like the place an’ don’t patronise it–well, then, Lord A’mighty, you don’t has to!
_The FIREMAN goes out slamming the door angrily behind him._
WALTHER
I s’pose it’s just as well to go….
[_He prepares to pay his score._
WERMELSKIRCH
Mr. Henschel, surely that isn’t right of you. You drive my customers out.
HENSCHEL
Well, my goodness! Now tell me: If that man runs out, what has I to do with it? For my part he can stay here till mornin’.
WALTHER
[_Pocketing his money again._] You got no right to put anybody out o’ here. You’re not the host.
HENSCHEL
Anythin’ else you know?
WALTHER
People knows a good deal. Only they rather keep still. Wermelskirch knows that best of all!
WERMELSKIRCH
Why I exactly? Now, look here, that’s …
HENSCHEL
[_Firmly and collectedly._] What is’t you know? Out with it! One o’ you knows one thing an’ another another, an’ altogether you don’t know that much!
[_Pause._]
WALTHER
[_In a changed tone._] If you were only the same man you used to be! But God only knows what’s gotten into you! In those days you had a standin’ among men. People came from far an’ wide to get your advice. An’ what you said, that was–you might say–almost like the law o’ the land. ‘Twas like Amen in church. An’ now there’s no gettin’ along with you!
HENSCHEL
Go right ahead with your preachin’.
WALTHER
Very well, I s’pose you’re noticin’ it all yourself. Formerly, you had nothin’ but friends. Nowadays nobody comes to you no more; an’ even if they did want to come they stay away on account o’ your wife. Twenty years Hauffe served you faithful. Then, suddenly, he don’t suit your wife, an’ you take him by the scruff an’ put him out. What’s the meanin’ o’ that! That woman has but to look at you an’ you’re jumpin’ at her beck, instead o’ goin’ an’ takin’ a stout rope an’ knockin’ the wickedness out o’ her!
HENSCHEL
If you don’t keep still this minute–I’ll take you by the scruff too.
GEORGE
[_To HENSCHEL._] Don’t forget yourself, whatever you do, Mr. Henschel! That man don’t know no better, you see.
[_Exit rapidly into the billiard room._
WALTHER
I believe, Henschel, if a man comes nowadays an’ tells you the truth, you’re capable o’ flingin’ him against the wall. But a feller like that, a worthless windbag like George–he c’n lie to you day an’ night. Your wife an’ he–they c’n compete with each other makin’ a fool o’ you! If you want to be cheated–all right! But if you got a pair o’ eyes left in your head, open ’em once an’ look around you an’ look at that there feller good an’ hard. Them two deceive you in broad daylight!
HENSCHEL
[_About to hurl himself upon WALTHER, masters his rage._] What did you say–eh? Nothin’! Aw, it’s all right.
[_Pause._]
FABIG
It’s reg’lar April weather this day. Now the sun shines an’ now it blows again.
HAUFFE’S VOICE
[_From without._] I’ll pay you back for this! You watch out! You c’n let it be now! We’ll meet again: we’ll meet at court–that’s where.
WALTHER
[_Finishes his glass._] Good-bye. I’m meanin’ well by you, Henschel.
HENSCHEL
[_Lays his hand about WALTHER’S wrist._] You stay here! Y’ understan’?
WALTHER
What is I to do here?
HENSCHEL
You’ll see for yourself. All I says is: You stay! [_To FRANZISKA._] Go down an’ tell my wife she’s to come up!
_FRANZISKA goes._
WERMELSKIRCH
But, dear Mr. Henschel, I beg you, for heaven’s sake, don’t cause a scandal here! The police will be coming at me next, and then …
HENSCHEL
[_In an outburst of towering, withering rage–bluish-red of face._] I’ll beat you all to death if Hanne don’t come here–now!!!
WALTHER
[_In helpless perplexity._] Wilhelm, Wilhelm, don’ go an’ commit some foolishness now! I wish I hadn’t said nothin’. An’ it didn’t mean nothin’. You know yourself how people will talk!
HILDEBRANT
Wilhelm, you’re a good man. Come to your senses! My God, how you look! Think, man, think! Why, you fairly roared! What’s the matter with you? That must ha’ been heard all over the house!
HENSCHEL
Anybody c’n hear me now that wants to. But you stay here an’ Hanne is to come here.
WALTHER
Why should I be stayin’ here? I don’t know what for! Your affairs–they don’t concern me a bit. I don’t mingle in ’em an’ I don’t want to!
HENSCHEL
Then you should ha’ thought before you spoke!
WALTHER
Everythin’ else that’s between us’ll be settled in court. There we’ll see who’s in the right. I’ll get hold o’ my money; never fear! Maybe you’re wife’ll think it over once or twice before she goes an’ perjures herself. The rest don’t concern me. I tell you to let me go. I has no time. I has to go to Hartau, an’ I can’t be kept waitin’ here.
_SIEBENHAAR re-enters._
SIEBENHAAR
What’s happened here?
WERMELSKIRCH
Goodness, gracious, I don’t know! I don’t know what Mr. Henschel wants!
HENSCHEL
[_Who continues to imprison WALTHER’S wrist._] Hanne is to come here: that’s all.
MRS. WERMELSKIRCH
[_To SIEBENHAAR._] The men were drinking their beer quite peacefully. Suddenly Mr. Henschel came in and began a dispute as though he were master here.
SIEBENHAAR
[_With a deprecating gesture._] All right; all right. [_To HENSCHEL._] What’s happened to you, Henschel?
HENSCHEL
Mr. Siebenhaar, it’s no fault o’ mine. I couldn’t help things comin’ about this way. You may think what you please, Mr. Siebenhaar. I give you my word–’twasn’t my fault.
SIEBENHAAR
You needn’t excuse yourself to me, Henschel. I know you’re a man of peace.
HENSCHEL
Yes. I was in your father’s service long ago, an’ even if it looks that way a thousand times over–it wasn’t my fault that this here has happened. I don’t know myself what I has done. I never was quarrelsome–that’s certain! But now things has come about …! They scratch an’ they bite at me–all of ’em! An’ now this man here has said things o’ my wife that he’s got to prove–prove!!–or God help him!
SIEBENHAAR
Why don’t you let the people gossip?
HENSCHEL
Proofs! Proofs! Or God help him!
WALTHER
I can prove it an’ I will. There are not many people in this room that don’t know it as well as I. That there woman is on an evil way. ‘Tis no fault o’ mine, an’ I wouldn’t ha’ mentioned it. But I’m not goin’ to let you strike me. I’m no liar. I always speaks the truth! Ask it of anybody! Ask Mr. Siebenhaar here on his honour an’ conscience! The sparrows is twitterin’ it on every roof–an’ worse things ‘n that!
SIEBENHAAR
Think over what you’re saying carefully, Walther.
WALTHER
He forces me to it! Why don’t he let me go? Why is I to suffer for other people? You know it all as well as I? How did you used to stand with Henschel in other years when his first wife was alive? D’you think people don’t know that? An’ now you don’t cross his threshold.
SIEBENHAAR
The relations between us are our private affair. And I will not permit remark or interference.
WALTHER
All right. But if first his wife dies, though she’s as well as anybody, an’ when Gustel goes an’ dies eight weeks later, then, I’m thinkin’ it’s more’n a private affair!
HENSCHEL
What?–Hanne is to come!
_MRS. HENSCHEL enters suddenly and quickly, just as she has come from her work and still drying her hands._
MRS. HENSCHEL
What’re you roarin’ about so?
HENSCHEL
‘Tis well that you’re here.–This man here says–
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Makes a movement as if to go._] Damned rot that it …
HENSCHEL
You’re to stay here!
MRS. HENSCHEL
Are you all drunk together? What’re you thinkin’ of, anyhow? D’you think I’m goin’ to stay here an’ play monkey tricks for you?
[_She is about to go._
HENSCHEL
Hanne, I advise you … This man here says …
MRS. HENSCHEL
Aw, he c’n say what he wants to, for all I cares!
HENSCHEL
He says that you deceive me before my face an’ behind my back!
MRS. HENSCHEL
What? What? What? What?
HENSCHEL
That’s what he says! Is he goin’ to dare to say that? An’ that … my wife …
MRS. HENSCHEL
Me? Lies! Damned lies!
[_She throws her apron over her face and rushes out._
HENSCHEL
That I … that my wife … that we together … that our Gustel … ‘Tis well! ‘Tis well!
[_He releases WALTHER’S hand and lets his head sink, moaning, on the table._
WALTHER
I won’t be made out a liar here.
THE CURTAIN FALLS.
THE FIFTH ACT
_The same room as in the first three acts. It is night, but the moonlight throws a moderate brightness into the room. It is empty. Several days have passed since the occurrences in the fourth act._
_A candle is lit in the small adjoining room; at the end of a few seconds HENSCHEL enters, carrying the candle in a candlestick of tin. He wears leathern breeches but his feet are cased in bedroom slippers. Slowly he approaches the table, gazes hesitatingly first backward, then toward the window, finally puts the candlestick on the table and sits down by the window. He leans his chin on his hand and stares at the moon._
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Invisible, from the adjoining chamber, calls:_] Husband! Husband! What are you doin’ out there?–the same mortal foolishness all the time! –[_She looks in, but half-clad._] Where are you? Come ‘n go to bed! ‘Tis time to sleep! To-morrow you won’t be able to go out again! You’ll be lyin’ like a sack o’ meal and everythin’ ‘ll go upside down in the yard. [_She comes out, half-clad as she is, and approaches HENSCHEL hesitatingly and fearfully._] What are you doin’, eh?
HENSCHEL
–Me?
MRS. HENSCHEL
Why are you sittin’ there an’ not sayin’ a word?
HENSCHEL
I’m lookin’ at the clouds.
MRS. HENSCHEL
Oh, no, my goodness; it’s enough to confuse a person’s head! What’s to be seen up there, I’d like to know! The same worry, night after night. There’s no rest in the world for nobody no more. What are you starin’ at? Say somethin’, won’t you?
HENSCHEL
Up there!… That’s where they are!
MRS. HENSCHEL
You’re dreaming, eh? You, Wilhelm, wake up! Lay down in your bed an’ go to sleep. There’s nothin’ but clouds up there!
HENSCHEL
Anybody that has eyes c’n see what there is!
MRS. HENSCHEL
An’ anybody that gets confused in his mind goes crazy.
HENSCHEL
I’m not confused.
MRS. HENSCHEL I’m not sayin’ that you are! But if you go on actin’ this way, you will be!
[_She shivers, pulls on a jacket, and stirs the ashes in the oven with a poker._
HENSCHEL
What time is it?
MRS. HENSCHEL
A quarter of two.
HENSCHEL
You’ve got a watch hangin’ to you; it used to hang behind the door.
MRS. HENSCHEL
What fancies is you goin’ to have next? ‘Tis hangin’ where it always did.
HENSCHEL
[_Rising._] I think I’ll go over to the stables a bit.
MRS. HENSCHEL
I tells you to go to bed, or I’ll raise an alarm. You got nothin’ to do in the stable now! ‘Tis night, an’ in bed is where you belong!
HENSCHEL
[_Remains standing quietly and looking at HANNE._] Where’s Gustel?
MRS. HENSCHEL
What are you botherin’ for? She’s lyin’ in bed asleep! What are you always worritin’ over the girl for? She don’t lack for nothin’! I don’t do nothin’ to her!
HENSCHEL
She don’t lack for nothin’. She’s gone to bed. She’s gone to sleep betimes–Gustel has. I don’t mean Berthel.
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Wailing, stuffs her apron into her mouth._] I’ll run away! I won’t stay here!
HENSCHEL
–Go to bed, go! I’ll come too. Your cryin’ can’t help no more now. ‘Tis our Lord alone knows whose fault it is. You can’t help it; you don’t need to cry.–Our Lord an’ me–we two, we knows.
_[He turns the key in the door._
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Hastily turning it back again._] Why d’you lock the door? I won’t stand bein’ locked in.
HENSCHEL
I don’t rightly know why I turned the key.
MRS. HENSCHEL
Them people has gone an’ addled your brains for you! They’ll have to answer some day for the things they’ve put into your head! I took as good care o’ your girl as I did o’ my own. She wouldn’t ha’ died o’ that! But I can’t wake the dead. If a body is to die, she dies–in this world. There’s no holdin’ people like that; they has to go. There never was much strength in Gustel–you know that as well as I. Why do you go axin’ me an’ lookin’ at me as if I done God knows what to her!
HENSCHEL
[_Suspiciously._] Maybe you did somethin’. ‘Tis not impossible.
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Beside herself._] Oh, if somebody’d foretold this–I’d ha’ gone beggin’ my bread first. No, no, O my goodness, if I’d ha’ known that! To have to listen to things like that! Didn’t I want to go? An’ who kept me back? Who held me fast in the house here? I could ha’ made my livin’ any time! I wasn’t afraid; I could always work. But you didn’t let up. Now I got my reward. Now _I_ got to suffer for it!
HENSCHEL
‘Tis true, maybe, that you has to suffer for it. Things comes _as_ they come. What c’n a body do?
[_He locks the door again._
MRS. HENSCHEL
You’re to leave the door open, Wilhelm, or I’ll cry for help!
HENSCHEL
–Sh! Keep still! Did you hear? There’s somethin’ runnin’ along the passage. D’you hear? Now it goes to the washstand. D’you hear the splashin’? She’s standin’ there an’ washin’ herself!
MRS. HENSCHEL
You! Wilhelm! You’re dreamin’! The wash-stand is in here!
HENSCHEL
That’s just it! I know very well! They can’t deceive me. I know what I know, [_Hurriedly._] That’s all I say.–Come, come, let’s go to bed. Time’ll show.
[_While he approaches the door of the next room, Mrs. HENSCHEL softly unlocks the door to the hall and slips out._
HENSCHEL
[_Taking down a whip from the frame of the door._] Why, that’s my old Triest whip! Where does that old thing come from? I haven’t seen it for over a year. That was bought in mother’s time. [_He listens._] What d’you say? Eh?–O’ course … Certainly.–Nothin’!–Well, s’posin’! An’ why not? ‘Tis well!–I know what I has to do!–I won’t be stubborn.–You let that be too.
_SIEBENHAAR enters by the door which is slightly ajar. By means of gestures he signifies to WERMELSKIRCH, who follows him, that the latter is to remain behind, also to MRS. HENSCHEL. He is fully clad except that he wears a silk kerchief instead of a collar. WERMELSKIRCH is in his dressing-gown._
SIEBENHAAR
Good evening, Mr. Henschel! What? Are you still up? You’re not well, eh? What’s the matter with you?
HENSCHEL
[_After he has, for several seconds, regarded him with perplexity; simply:_] I just can’t sleep. I don’t get sleepy at all! I’d like to take some medicine, if I knew any. I don’t know how it comes. God knows!
SIEBENHAAR
I’ll tell you somethin’, old friend: You go quietly to bed now, and to-morrow, real early, I’ll send the doctor in. You must really take some serious step now.
HENSCHEL
No doctor won’t be able to help me.
SIEBENHAAR
You mustn’t say that; we’ll see about that! Doctor Richter knows his business. My wife couldn’t sleep for weeks; her head ached as if it would burst. Last Monday she took a powder, and now she sleeps all night like the dead.
HENSCHEL
Yes, yes … well, well … ‘Tis possible! I’d like it well enough if I could sleep.–Is the madam reel sick?
SIEBENHAAR
Oh, we’re all a little under the weather. When once Monday is past, everything will straighten out again.
HENSCHEL
I s’pose you has to turn over the property on Monday.
SIEBENHAAR
Yes, I hope it will be possible to arrange it by Monday. In the meantime the work is heaping up so–what with writing and making the inventory–that I scarcely get out of my clothes. But come now, Henschel, and go to bed. One man has one trouble and another has another. Life is no joke and we must all see how we can best fight our way through. And even if many strange thoughts pass through your head–don’t take them to heart so!
HENSCHEL
Thank you many times, Mr. Siebenhaar. Don’t take anythin’ in ill part, please. An’ good luck to you an’ your wife!
SIEBENHAAR
We’ll see each other again to-morrow, Henschel. You owe me no thanks for anything. We’ve done each other many a service in the years that we’ve lived together here. And those services compensate for each other. We were good friends and, surely, we will remain such.
HENSCHEL
[_Silently takes a few steps toward the window and looks out._]–Ah, them’s queer things here. Time don’t stand still in this world. Little Karl, he never came to see us no more … I can’t make no objection. Maybe you was right. The lad couldn’t ha’ learned nothin’ good here. ‘Twas different–once!
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, I don’t know what you mean now!
HENSCHEL
An’ you didn’t cross my threshold neither. ‘Tis nine months since you did.
SIEBENHAAR
I had too much to worry me; that’s all.
HENSCHEL
Those were the very times you used to come before. No, no, I know. You were right. An’ the people are right too–all of ’em. I can’t take no pride in myself no more.
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, you must take some rest now.
HENSCHEL
No, no; we c’n talk about it a bit. You see, I know ’tis all my fault–I know that, an’ with that we can let it be. But before I went an’ took this woman–Hanne, I mean–before that it all began … slowly it began, slowly–but downhill right along. First thing, a good bonehandled whip broke. After that, I remember it right well, I drove over my dog an’ he died. ‘Twas the best little dog I had. Then, one right after another, three o’ my horses died; an’ one of ’em was the fine stallion that cost me five hundred crowns. An’ then, last of all … my wife died. I noticed it well enough in my own thoughts that fate was against me. But when my wife went away from me, I had a minute in my own mind when I thought to myself: Now it’s enough. There’s not much else that c’n be taken from me. But you see, there was somethin’ else.–I don’t want to talk about Gustel. A man loses first his wife an’ then a child–that’s common. But no: a snare was laid for me an’ I stepped into it.
SIEBENHAAR
Who laid a snare for you?
HENSCHEL
Maybe the devil; maybe, too, somebody else. It’s throttlin’ me–that’s certain.
[_Pause._]
SIEBENHAAR
That’s a most unhappy notion of yours …
HENSCHEL
An’ I’m denyin’ nothin’. A bad man I’ve come to be, only it’s no fault o’ mine. I just, somehow, stumbled into it all. Maybe it’s my fault too. You c’n say so if you want to. Who knows? I should ha’ kept a better watch. But the devil is more cunnin’ than me. I just kept on straight ahead.
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, you’re just your own worst enemy. You’re fighting phantoms which have no existence at any time or place. The devil has done nothing to you, nor have you stepped into any snare. And no one is throttling you either. That is all nonsense. And such fancies are dangerous.
HENSCHEL
We’ll see; we c’n wait an’ see.
SIEBENHAAR
Well, tell me something definite. You won’t be able to do it, however you try. You are neither bad, as you say, nor are you burdened by any guilt.
HENSCHEL
Ah, I know better.
SIEBENHAAR
Well, what is your guilt?
HENSCHEL
Here stood the bed. An’ she was lyin’ in it. An’ here I gave her my promise. I gave her my promise an’ I’ve broken it!
SIEBENHAAR
What promise was that?
HENSCHEL
You know well enough!–I broke it an’ when I did that, I was lost. I was done for. The game was up.–An’ you see: now she can’t find no rest.
SIEBENHAAR
Are you speaking of your dead wife?
HENSCHEL
‘Tis of her, of her exackly that I’m speakin’. She can’t find no rest in the grave. She comes an’ she goes an’ she finds no rest.–I curry the horses; there she stands. I take a sieve from the feed-bin, an’ I see her sittin’ behind the door. I mean to go to bed in the little room; ’tis she that’s lyin’ in the bed an’ lookin’ at me.–She’s hung a watch aroun’ my neck; she knocks at the wall; she scratches on the panes.–She puts her finger on my breast an’ I’m that smothered, I has to gasp for air. No, no, I know best. You got to go through a thing like that before you know what it is. You can’t tell about It. I’ve gone through a deal–you c’n believe me.
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, this is my last word to you: Gather all the strength you have in you; plant yourself firmly on both legs. Go and consult a physician. Tell yourself that you are ill, very ill, but drive these phantoms away. They are mere cobwebs of the brain, mere fancies.
HENSCHEL
That’s what you said that there time, too. Just so or somethin’ like it you said.
SIEBENHAAR
Very likely, and I’m willing to stand by it now. What you did in the matter of your marriage, it was your entire right to do. There was no question of any sin or guilt.
_WERMELSKIRCH steps forward._
WERMELSKIRCH
Henschel, come over to me. We’ll light the gas and play cards. We’ll drink beer or whatever you want to and smoke a pipe with it; then the ghosts can come if they want to. In two hours it will be bright daylight. Then we can drink some coffee and take a walk. The devil is in this if you can’t be made to be your old self again.
HENSCHEL
Maybe so; we c’n try it all right.
WERMELSKIRCH
Well then, come along.
HENSCHEL
I won’t go to your place no more.
WERMELSKIRCH
On account of that little nonsense the other day? That was only a misunderstanding. And all that has been cleared up. I simply won’t let Hauffe come in any more. The fellow is always drunk; that’s a fact. Things are often said in heat that simply enter at one ear and pass out at the other. And that’s the way to treat such incidents, I always do.
HENSCHEL
An’ that’d be best too. You’re quite right. But no–I won’t be comin’ into the barroom no more. I’m goin’ to travel about a good bit, I think. Maybe they won’t follow me all roun’. An’ now sleep well. I’m feelin’ sleepy too.
SIEBENHAAR
How would it be, Henschel, if you came up with me? There’s light upstairs and my office is heated. There we can all three play a little game. I wouldn’t lie down to-night anyhow.
HENSCHEL
Yes, yes; we could be doin’ that together. ‘Tis long since I’ve touched a card.
MRS. HENSCHEL
That’s right. Go on up. You wouldn’t be able to sleep nohow.
HENSCHEL
I’m not goin’! Y’ understand me now?
MRS. HENSCHEL
Well, if you’re goin’ to stay, then I won’t. God knows what you’ll be up to this night. You’ll begin to be playin’ aroun’ with knives again. Yes, that’s what he did yesterday. A body’s not sure o’ her life no more.
HENSCHEL
You won’t see me goin’ up there. He advised me to do what I did, an’ then he was the first one to despise me for doin’ it.
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, I never despised you. You’re an honourable fellow, through and through; don’t talk nonsense now. There are certain fates that come upon men. And what one has to bear is not easy. You have grown ill, but you have remained a good man. And for that truth I’ll put my hand in the fire!
HENSCHEL
Maybe that’s true too, Mr. Siebenhaar.–Let it be; we’ll talk about somethin’ else. ‘Tisn’t your fault; I always said that. An’ I can’t blame my brother-in law neither. He knows where he gets all that from, ‘Tis she herself goes roun’ to people an’ tells ’em. She’s everywhere–now here an’ now there. I s’pose she was with her brother too.
WERMELSKIRCH
Who is it that goes about among people? Not a soul is thinking of that affair of the other night, That’s quite forgotten by this time.
HENSCHEL
It sticks to me–it does–turn it any way you please. _She_ knows how to go about it. She’s everywhere, an’ she’ll persuade folks. An’ even, if people was goin’ to be silent for my sake an’ wasn’t after me like so many dogs–nothin’ c’n do any good. It’ll stick to me.
SIEBENHAAR
Henschel, we won’t go away until you’ve put that, out of your mind. You must calm, yourself entirely.
HENSCHEL
Oh, I’m sensible now an’ quiet, reel quiet.
SIEBENHAAR
Very well. In that case we can talk quite frankly. You see for yourself how your wife repents. That waiter fellow is gone; he’s far away by this time and you’ll never set your eyes on him again. Anyone may fall into sin–no matter who it is. And so take each other’s hands. Bury that matter, hide it out of sight and be at peace.
HENSCHEL
I don’t has to make no peace with her. [_To HANNE._] I c’n give you my hand! I don’t mind. That you’ve gone an’ made a mistake–the Lord c’n judge that in this world. I won’t condemn you on that account.–If only … about Gustel … if only we could know somethin’ … about that … for certain!
MRS. HENSCHEL
You c’n both kill me this minute. May I drop dead if I did any harm to Gustel!!
HENSCHEL
That’s what I’ve been sayin’: It’ll stick to me.–Well, we c’n talk it over again to-morrow. Before we get through talkin’ about that, many a drop o’ water’ll have time to run into the sea, I’m thinkin’.
WERMELSKIRCH
Why don’t you build a comfortable fire and cook a cup of hot coffee. After rain comes the sunshine. That’s the way it is between married people. There will be storms in every marriage. But after the storm everything grows greener. The main thing is: Bye, baby, bye–[_He imitates the gesture of one rocking a child in his arms._]–That’s the right way. That’s the thing that you two must get for yourselves. [_Jovially patting HENSCHEL’S shoulder._] That’s what the old man likes. You two must get together and buy a toy like that. Confound it, Henschel! It would be queer if that weren’t easy. A giant of a man like you! Good night all.
SIEBENHAAR
Everything changes. One must have courage.
WERMELSKIRCH
Just keep cool and dress warmly–that’s it!
_SIEBENHAAR and WERMELSKIRCH withdraw. HENSCHEL goes slowly to the door and is about to lock it again._
MRS. HENSCHEL
You’re to leave that open!
HENSCHEL
All right; I don’t mind.–What are you doin’ there?
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Who has been bending down before the oven, draws herself up quickly._] I’m makin’ a fire. Don’t you see that?
HENSCHEL
[_Sitting down, heavily by the table._] For my part you c’n light the lamp too.
[_He pulls out the drawer of the table._
MRS. HENSCHEL
What are you lookin’ for?
HENSCHEL
Nothin’.
MRS. HENSCHEL
Then you c’n push it back in. [_She steps forward and shuts the drawer._] I s’ppose you want to wake Berthel up?
[_Pause._]
HENSCHEL
Monday he’s goin’. Then we’ll be alone.
MRS. HENSCHEL
Who’s goin’ on Monday?
HENSCHEL
Siebenhaar. The Lord knows how we’ll get along with the new owner.
MRS. HENSCHEL
He’s a rich man. He won’t borrow money of you at least.
HENSCHEL
–Hanne, one of us two’ll have to go. One of us two. Yes, yes,’tis true. You c’n look at me. That can’t be changed.
MRS. HENSCHEL
I’m to go away? You want to drive me away?
HENSCHEL
We’ll see about that later–_who_ has to go! Maybe ’twill be me, an’ maybe ’twill be you. If I was to go … I know this for sure–you wouldn’t be scared about yourself. You’re able to look after the business like a man.–But ‘s I said: it don’t matter about me.
MRS. HENSCHEL
If one of us has to go–I’ll go. I’m still strong enough. I’ll leave an’ nobody needn’t see me no more. The horses an’ the waggons–they’re all yours. You got the business from your father an’ you can’t go an’ leave it. I’ll go an’ then the trouble’ll be over.
HENSCHEL
‘Tis easy sayin’ that. We got to consider one thing at a time.
MRS. HENSCHEL
There’s no use in drawin’ it out. What’s over and done with is over.
HENSCHEL
[_Rising heavily and going toward the adjoining room._] An’ Berthel? What’s to become o’ the lass?
MRS. HENSCHEL
She’ll have to go to father, over in Quolsdorf.
HENSCHEL
[_At the door of the bedroom._] Let it be. To-morrow is another day. Everythin’ changes, as Siebenhaar says. To-morrow, maybe, everythin’ ‘ll look different.
[_Pause._]
HENSCHEL
[_Invisible in the next room._] Berthel is sweating all over again.
MRS. HENSCHEL
That won’t do her no harm to be sweatin’ a bit. The drops are runnin’ down my neck too. Oh, what a life–[_She opens a window._]–a body’d rather be dead.
HENSCHEL
What are you talkin’ about? I don’t understand.
MRS. HENSCHEL
Lie down on your side an’ leave me alone.
HENSCHEL
Are you comin’ too?
MRS. HENSCHEL
It’s most day now.
[_She winds the clock._]
HENSCHEL
Who’s windin’ the clock?
MRS. HENSCHEL
You’re to keep still now. If Berthel was to wake up it’d be a fine to do. She’d howl for half an hour. [_She sits down at the table and leans both elbows upon it._] ‘Twould be best if a body got up an’ went away,
_SIEBENHAAR peers in._
SIEBENHAAR I’m lookin’ in once more. Is your husband calmer now?
MRS. HENSCHEL
Yes, yes, he lay down to sleep. [_She calls._] Husband! Wilhelm!
SIEBENHAAR
Sh! You’d better be grateful. Hurry and go to bed yourself.
MRS. HENSCHEL
There’s nothin’ else left to do. I’ll go an’ try. [_She goes to the door of the bedroom, stands still as if spellbound and listens._] Wilhelm! You might answer.–[_Louder and more frightened._] Wilhelm! You’re not to frighten me this way! Maybe you think I don’t know that you’re still awake!!–[_In growing terror._]–Wilhelm, I tell you!… [_BERTHEL has waked up and wails._] Berthel, you look out an’ keep still! Keep still or I don’t know what’ll happen!–Wilhelm! Wilhelm!
[_She almost shrieks._
SIEBENHAAR looks in again.
SIEBENHAAR
What’s the matter, Mrs. Henschel?
MRS. HENSCHEL
I call an’ call an’ he don’t answer!
SIEBENHAAR
Are you crazy? Why do you do that?
MRS. HENSCHEL
–‘Tis so still … Somethin’s happened.
SIEBENHAAR
What?–[_He takes up the candle and goes toward the bedroom door._] Henschel, have you fallen asleep?
[_He enters the bedroom._
[_Pause._]
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Not daring to follow him._] What is it? What is it? What’s goin’ on?
_WERMELSKIRCH looks in._
WERMELSKIRCH
Who’s in there?
MRS. HENSCHEL
Mr. Siebenhaar.–‘Tis so still. Nobody don’t answer.–
SIEBENHAAR
[_Very pale and holding BERTHEL on his arm hurries out of the bedroom._] Mrs. Henschel, take your child and go up to my wife.
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_Already with the child in her arms._] For God’s sake, what has happened?
SIEBENHAAR
You’ll find that out all too soon.
MRS. HENSCHEL
[_With a voice that is first repressed and at last rises to a scream._] O God, he’s done hisself some harm!
_[She runs out with the child._
WERMELSKIRCH
Shall I call the doctor?
SIEBENHAAR
Too late! He could give no help here.
THE CURTAIN FALLS.
ROSE BERND
LIST OF PERSONS
BERND.
ROSE BERND.
MARTHEL.
CHRISTOPHER FLAMM.
MRS. FLAMM.
ARTHUR STRECKMANN.
AUGUST KEIL.
HAHN. HEINZEL. GOLISCH. KLEINERT. _Field Labourers_
OLD MRS. GOLISCH.
THE HEAD MAID SERVANT.
THE ASSISTANT MAID SERVANT.
A CONSTABLE.
THE FIRST ACT
_A level, fertile landscape. It is a clear, warm, sunny morning in May. Diagonally from the middle to the foreground extends a path. The fields on either side are raised slightly above it. In the immediate foreground a small potato patch on which the green shoots are already visible. A shallow ditch, covered with field flowers, separates the path from the fields. To the left of the path on a slope about six feet in height an old cherry tree, to the right hazelnut and whitethorn bushes. Nearly parallel with this path, but at some distance in the background, the course of a brook is marked by willows and alder trees. Solitary groves of ancient trees add a park-like appearance to the landscape. In the background, left, from among bushes and tree-tops arise the gables and the church steeple of the village. A crucifix stands by the wayside in the foreground, right. It is Sunday._
_ROSE BERND, a beautiful, vigorous peasant girl of twenty-two emerges, excited and blushing, from the bushes at the left and sits down on the slope, after having peered shyly and eagerly in all directions. Her skirt is caught up, her feet are bare, as are her arms and neck. She is busily braiding one of her long, blonde tresses. Shortly after her appearance a man comes stealthily from the bushes on the other side. It is the landowner and magistrate, CHRISTOPHER FLAMM. He, too, gives the impression of being embarrassed but at the same time amused. His personality is not undignified; his dress betrays something of the sportsman, nothing of the dandy–laced boots, hunter’s hose, a leather bottle slung by a strap across his shoulder. Altogether FLAMM is robust, unspoiled, vivid and broad-shouldered and creates a thoroughly pleasant impression. He sits down on the slope at a carefully considered distance from ROSE. They look at each other silently and then break out into inextinguishable laughter._
FLAMM
[_With rising boldness and delight sings ever louder and more heartily, beating time like a conductor._]
“In heath and under greenwood tree,
There is the joy I choose for me!
I am a huntsman bold
I am a huntsman bold!”
ROSE
[_Is at first frightened by his singing; then, more and more amused, her embarrassment gives way to laughter._] Oh, but Mr. Flamm …
FLAMM
[_With a touch of jaunty boldness._] Sing with me, Rosie!
ROSE
Oh, but I can’t sing, Mr. Flamm.
FLAMM
Ah, that isn’t true, Rosie. Don’t I hear you often and often singing out on the farm:
“A huntsman from the Rhineland …” Well! “Rides through the forest green.”
ROSE
But I don’t know that song a bit, Mr. Flamm.
FLAMM
You’re not to say Mr. Flamm! Come now!
“Girlie, come and move
Here to my favourite si-i-ide!”
ROSE
[_Anxiously._] The people will be comin’ from church in a minute, Mr. Flamm.
FLAMM
Let ’em come! [_He gets up and takes his rifle from the hollow cherry tree to the left._] I’d better hang it around again anyhow. So.–And now my hat and my pipe! Good. They can come whenever they please. [_He has slung his gun across his shoulder, straightened his hat which is ornamented with a cock’s feather, taken a short pipe out of his pocket and put it between his lips._] Look at the wild cherries. They’re thick. [_He picks up a handful of them and shows them to ROSE. With heartfelt conviction:_] Rosie, I wish you were my wife!
ROSE
Goodness, Mr. Flamm!
FLAMM
I do, so help me!
ROSE
[_Nervously trying to restrain him_] Oh no, no!
FLAMM
Rosie, give me your dear, good, faithful little paw. [_He holds her hand and sits down._] By heaven, Rosie! Look here, I’m a deucedly queer fellow! I’m damned fond of my dear old woman; that’s as true as …
ROSE
[_Hiding her face in her arm._] You make me want to die o’ shame.
FLAMM
Damned fond of her I tell you … but–[_His patience snaps._]–this doesn’t concern her a bit!
ROSE
[_Again tempted to laugh against her will._] Oh, but how you talk, Mr. Flamm!
FLAMM
[_Filled with hearty admiration of her._] Oh, you’re a lovely woman! You are lovely! You see: my wife and I … that’s a queer bit of business, that is. Not the kind of thing that can be straightened out in a minute. You know Henrietta … She’s sick. Nine solid years she’s been bedridden; at most she creeps around in a wheel chair.–Confound it all, what good is that sort o’ thing to me?
[_He grasps her head and kisses her passionately._
ROSE
[_Frightened under his kisses._] The people are comin’ from church!
FLAMM
They’re not thinking of it! Why are you so worried about the people in church to-day?
ROSE
Because August’s in church too.
FLAMM
That long-faced gentry is always in church! Where else should they be? But, Rosie, it isn’t even half past ten yet; and when the service is over the bells ring. No, and you needn’t be worried about my wife either.
ROSE
Oh, Christopher, she keeps lookin’ at a body sometimes, so you want to die o’ shame.
FLAMM
You don’t know my old lady; that’s it. She’s bright; she can look through three board walls! But on that account …! She’s mild and good as a lamb … even if she knew what there is between us; she wouldn’t take our heads off.
ROSE
Oh, no! For heaven’s sake, Mr. Flamm!
FLAMM
Nonsense, Rosie! Have a pinch, eh? [_He takes snuff._] I tell you once more: I don’t care about anything! [_Indignantly._] What is a man like me to do? What, I ask you? No, don’t misunderstand me! Surely you know how seriously I think of our affair. Let me talk ahead once in a while.
ROSE
Mr. Christie, you’re so good to me …! [_With a sudden ebullition of tenderness, tears in her eyes, she kisses FLAMM’S hand._] So good … but …
FLAMM
[_Moved and surprised._] Good to you? No wonder! Deuce take me, Rosie. That’s very little, being good to you. If I were free, I’d marry you. You see, I’ve lost the ordinary way in life! Not to speak of past affairs! I’m fit for … well, I wonder what I _am_ fit for! I might have been a royal chief forester to-day! And yet, when the governor died, I went straight home and threw over my career. I wasn’t born for the higher functions of society. All this even is too civilised for me. A block house, a rifle, bear’s ham for supper and a load of lead sent into the breeches of the first comer–that would be …!
ROSE
But that can’t be had, Mr. Flamm! And … things has got to end sometime.
FLAMM
[_Half to himself._] Confound it all to everlasting perdition! Isn’t there time enough left for that spindle-shanked hypocrite? Won’t there be far too much left for that fellow anyway? No> girlie, I’d send him about his business.
ROSE
Oh, but I’ve kept him danglin’ long enough. Two years an’ more he’s been waitin’. Now he’s urgent; he won’t wait any longer. An’ things can’t go on this way no more.
FLAMM
[_Enraged._] That’s all nonsense; you understand. First you worked yourself to the bone for your father. You haven’t the slightest notion of what life is, and now you want to be that bookbinder’s pack horse. I don’t see how people can be so vulgar and heartless as to make capital out of another human being in that way! If that’s all you’re looking forward to, surely there’s time enough.
ROSE
No, Christie … It’s easy to talk that way, Mr. Flamm! But if you was put into such circumstances, you’d be thinkin’ different too.–I know how shaky father’s gettin’! An’ the landlord has given us notice too. A new tenant is to move in, I believe! An’ then it’s father’s dearest wish that everythin’s straightened out.
FLAMM
Then let your father marry August Keil, if he’s so crazy about the fellow. Why, he’s positively obsessed. It’s madness the way he’s taken with that man!
ROSE
You’re unjust, Mr. Flamm; that’s all.
FLAMM
Say rather … Well, what? What was I going to say?… I can’t bear that sanctimonious phiz! My gorge rises at the sight of him. God forgive me, Rosie, and forgive you especially! Why shouldn’t I be open with you? It may be that he has his merits. They say, too, that he’s saved up a few shillings. But that’s no reason why you should go and drown yourself in his paste-pot!
ROSE
No, Christopher! Don’t talk that way! I musn’t listen to such talk, the dear Lord knows!–August, he’s been through a lot!–His sickness an’ his misfortunes–that goes right to a person’s soul …
FLAMM
A man can never understand you women folks. You’re an intelligent and determined girl, and suddenly, on one point, your stupidity is simply astonishing–goose-like, silly! It goes straight to your soul, does it? From that point of view you might as well marry an ex-convict, if pity or stupidity are reasons. You ought to raise a bit of a row with your father for once! What’s hurting August? He grew up in the orphan house and succeeded in making his way for all that. If you won’t have him, his brethren in the Lord will find him another. They’re expert enough at that!
ROSE
[_With decision._] No, that won’t do. And–it has got to be, Mr. Flamm.–I’m not sorry for what’s happened, though I’ve had my share o’ sufferin’ in quiet. All to myself, I mean. But never mind. An’ nothin’ can change that now. But it’s got to come to an end some day–it can’t never an’ never go on this way.
FLAMM
Can’t go on? What do you mean by that exactly?
ROSE
Just … because things is no different in this world. I can’t put him off no longer; an’ father wouldn’t bear with it. An’ he’s quite right in that matter. Dear Lord ha’ mercy! ‘Tis no easier on that account! But when it’ll all be off a body’s soul … I don’t know–[_She touches her breast._] they calls it, I believe, strain o’ the heart, Oh, times are when I has real pains in my heart … An’ a person can’t feel that way all the time.
FLAMM
Well, then there’s nothing more to be done just now. It’s time for me to be getting home. [_He gets up and throws the rifle across his shoulder._] Another time then, Rosie. Good-bye!
_ROSE stares straight in front of her without answering._
FLAMM
What’s the matter, Rosie? Won’t there be another time?
_ROSE shakes her head._
FLAMM
What, have I hurt you, Rosie?
ROSE
There’ll never be another time–like this–Mr. Flamm.
FLAMM
[_With despairing passion._] Girl, I don’t care if it costs me everything …
[_He embraces her and kisses her again and again._
ROSE
[_Suddenly in extreme terror._] For the love o’ … some one’s comin’, Mr. Flamm!
_FLAMM in consternation, jumps up and disappears behind a bush._
_ROSE gets up hastily, straightens her hair and her dress and looks anxiously about her. As no one appears she takes up the hoe and begins to weed the potato patch. After a while there approaches, unnoticed by her, the machinist ARTHUR STRECKMANN dressed in his Sunday coat. He is what would generally be called a handsome man–large, broad-shouldered, his whole demeanour full of self-importance. He has a blond beard that extends far down his chest. His garments, from his jauntily worn huntsman’s hat to his highly polished boots, his walking coat and his embroidered waistcoat, are faultless and serve to show, in connection with his carriage, that STRECKMANN not only thinks very well of himself but is scrupulously careful of his person and quite conscious of his unusual good looks._
STRECKMANN
[_As though but now becoming conscious of ROSE’S presence, in an affectedly well-modulated voice._] Good day, Rosie.
ROSE
[_Turns frightened._] Good day, Streckmann. [_In an uncertain voice_] Why, where did you come from? From church?
STRECKMANN
I went away a bit early.
ROSE
[_Excitedly and reproachfully._] What for? Couldn’t you put up with the sermon?
STRECKMANN
[_Boldly._] Oh, it’s such beautiful weather out. An’ that’s why! I left my wife in the church too. A feller has got to be by himself once in a while.
ROSE
I’d rather be in church.
STRECKMANN
That’s where the women folks belongs.
ROSE
I shouldn’t wonder if you had your little bundle o’ sins. You might ha’ been prayin’ a bit.
STRECKMANN
I’m on pretty good terms with the Lord. He don’t keep such very particular accounts o’ my sins.
ROSE
Well, well!
STRECKMANN
No, he don’t bother with me much.
ROSE
A vain, fool–that’s what you is!
_STRECKMANN laughs in a deep and affected tone._
ROSE
If you was a real man, you wouldn’t have to go an’ beat your wife at home.
STRECKMANN
[_With a gleam in his eyes._] That shows that I’m a real man! That shows it! That’s proper! A man’s got to show you women that he’s the master.
ROSE
Don’t be fancyin’ such foolishness.
STRECKMANN
That’s so, for all you say. Right _is_ right. An’ I never failed to get what I was wantin’ that way.
_ROSE laughs constrainedly._
STRECKMANN
People says you’re goin’ to leave Flamm’s service.
ROSE
I’m not in Flamm’s service at all. You see now that I’m doin’ other things.
STRECKMANN
You were helpin’ at Flamm’s no later’n yesterday.
ROSE
Maybe so! Maybe I was or maybe I wasn’t! Look after your own affairs.
STRECKMANN
Is it true that your father has moved?
ROSE
Where to?
STRECKMANN
With August over into Lachmann’s house.
ROSE
August hasn’t even bought the house yet. Those people–they knows more than I.
STRECKMANN
An’ they says too that you’ll be celebratin’ your weddin’ soon.
ROSE
They can be talkin’ for all I care.
STRECKMANN
[_After a brief silence approaches her and stands before her with legs wide apart._] Right you are! You can marry him any time. A fine girl like you don’t need to hurry so; she can have a real good time first! I laughed right in his face when he told me. There’s no one believes him.
ROSE
[_Quickly._] Who’s been sayin’ it?
STRECKMANN
August Keil.
ROSE
August himself? An’ this is what he gets from his silly talkin’.
STRECKMANN
[_After a silence._] August he’s such a peevish kind….
ROSE
I don’t want to hear nothing. Leave me alone! Your quarrels don’t concern me! One o’ you is no better’n another.
STRECKMANN
Well, in some things–when it comes to bein’ bold.
ROSE
Oh, heavens! That boldness o’ yours. We knows that. Go about an’ asks the women folks a bit. No, August isn’t that kind.
STRECKMANN
[_Laughs with lascivious boastfulness._] I’m not denyin’ that.
ROSE
An’ you couldn’t.
STRECKMANN
[_Looking at her sharply through half-closed lids._] It’s not comfortable to make a fool o’ me. What I wants of a woman–I gets.
ROSE
[_Jeeringly._] Oho!
STRECKMANN
Yes, oho! What would you wager, Rosie! You been makin’ eyes at me many a time.
[_He has approached and offered to put his arms around her._
ROSE
Don’t be foolish, Streckmann! Keep your hands off o’ me!
STRECKMANN
If it was….
ROSE
[_Thrusts him away._] Streckmann! I’ve been tellin’ you! I don’t want to have nothin’ to do with you men. Go your own way.
STRECKMANN
What am I doin’ to you?–[_After a silence with a smile that is half malicious, half embarrassed._] You wait! You’ll be comin’ to me one o’ these days! I’m tellin’ you: you’ll be comin’ to me yourself some day! You can act as much like a saint as you wants to.–D’you see that cross? D’you see that tree? Confound it! There’s all kinds o’ things! I’ve been no kind o’ a saint myself! But … right under a cross … you might be sayin’ just that … I’m not so very partic’lar, but I’d take shame at that. What would your father be sayin’ or August? Now, just f’r instance: this pear tree is hollow. Well an’ good. There was a rifle in there.
ROSE
[_Has been listening more and more intently in the course of her work.