CLARA.

Merciful God!  What shall I do?

ANTONY.

Nothing, nothing, dear child!  I am too severe with you—­I realize it.  Do nothing—­be just as you are, and it is all right.  Oh, I have suffered such rank injustice that I myself must do injustice in order not to succumb to it when it grips me so hard!  Listen!  Not long ago I was going across the street when I met that pock-marked thief, Fritz, whom I had thrown into jail a few years ago because for the third time he had shown himself light-fingered in my house.  Formerly the scoundrel never even dared to look at me; now he walked boldly up and offered me his hand.  I felt like boxing his ears, but I bethought myself and did not even spit.  We have been cousins for a week now, and it is proper for relatives to greet each other!  The minister, the sympathetic man who visited me yesterday, said that no man had anybody to look out for but himself, and that it was unchristian pride for me to hold myself responsible for the sins of my son; otherwise Adam would have to take it just as much to heart as I. Sir, I verily believe that it no longer troubles our first ancestor in Paradise when one of his descendants begins to rob and murder.—­But did not he himself tear his hair over Cain?  No, no, it is too much!  Sometimes I find myself looking around at my shadow to see if it too has not grown blacker.  For I can endure anything and everything, and have given proof of it, but not disgrace!  Put on my back what burdens you choose, but do not sever the nerve that holds me together!

CLARA.

Father, Carl has not yet confessed anything, and they have found nothing on him.

ANTONY.

What difference does that make to me?  I have gone around the town and inquired at the different drinking-places about his debts.  They amount to more than he could have earned under me in a quarter of a year even were he three times as industrious as he is!  Now I know why he always left off work two hours later than I every evening, and why, in spite of that, he got up before me in the morning.  But he soon saw that it all did no good, or else that it was too much trouble for him and took too long; so he embraced the opportunity when it presented itself!

CLARA.

You always believe the worst things you can of Carl!  You have always done so!  I wonder if you still remember how—­

ANTONY.

You talk as your mother would, and I will answer you as I used to answer her—­I will keep quiet!

CLARA.

And supposing Carl is acquitted?  Supposing the jewels are found again?

ANTONY.