Beermann.  But I haven’t the time.

Frau Beermann [positively].  That much of it you have.

Effie.  Good-bye, papa dear. [Goes out.]

Frau Beermann [Seats herself on the sofa next to the book-case.  Beermann stands leaning with his back against the desk.  Through the large window the evening sun can be seen so that Beermann’s face is in its light, while Frau Beermann sits in the half-dusk.]

Beermann.  Lena dear, do we really have ...?

Frau Beermann.  We do.

Beermann.  Can’t it be postponed?

Frau Beermann.  I have postponed it many a year, but now it is high time.

Beermann. [disturbed].  Many a year?  What are you referring to?

Frau Beermann.  I have a request to make to you.

Beermann.  With pleasure. ...

Frau Beermann.  Don’t make a laughing-stock of your family.

Beermann.  In what way?

Frau Beermann.  Don’t make a laughing stock of your family, I beg you.

Beermann.  Please don’t talk in riddles.

Frau Beermann.  These are not very great riddles to you.

Beermann.  Speak plainly, won’t you?

Frau Beermann.  No.  I am not going to speak more plainly.

Beermann.  As your husband, I demand it.

Frau Beermann.  N-no.

Beermann.  That is very sad.  There should be no secrets at all between husband and wife.

Frau Beermann.  Is this a principle again?  Fancy all these great secrets! [Beermann shrugs his shoulders.] No.  Now take it for granted that I know a thing or two about you.

Beermann [with anxiety].  You?

Frau Beermann.  Several things.  Some which you must know only too well.  After all, that principle of yours has not been violated.  There remain no secrets whatever between us.

Beermann.  I assure you I shall not rack my brains about it.

Frau Beermann.  Nor would I want you to regard me as sitting in judgment on your acts.

Beermann [with a false pathos].  Instead of telling me freely and frankly of the gossip you have heard about me; then I could defend myself.

Frau Beermann.  That is just what I want to avoid.  To me it appears somewhat childish when a man tries to justify ...

Beermann [just as before].  In this manner, the lowest gossip can destroy the happiness of any family.

Frau Beermann [seriously].  Fritz, really, there is no one listening to us just now.

Beermann.  You are not taking me in earnest.

Frau Beermann.  No, and it is our good fortune that I am not.  At least, my good fortune.