MAGDA.
Oh, I beg you, none of that. I do not intend to furnish a pendant to the prodigal son. If I came back as a daughter, as a lost daughter, I should not hold my head up before you as I do; I should grovel in the dust in full consciousness of all my sins. [ With growing excitement.] And that I will not do--that I cannot do--for I am what I am, and I cannot be another. [Sadly.] And therefore I have no home--therefore I must go forth again--therefore--
Enter Mrs. Schwartze.
HEFFTERDINGT.
For Heaven's sake, hush!
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
Excuse me, Pastor, I only wanted to know about supper. [Imploringly to Magda, who sits turned away with her hands before her face.] We happen to have a warm joint to-day. You know, Pastor, the gentlemen of the card-club were to be with us. Now, Magda, whether you're going away or not, can't you eat a mouthful in your father's house?
HEFFTERDINGT.
Don't ask now, my dear madam.
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
Oh, if I'm interrupting--I only thought--
HEFFTERDINGT.
Later.
MARIE.
[Appearing in the doorway.] Will she stay? [Magda shrinks at the sound of the voice.]
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
'Sh! [Exit Mrs. Schwartze and Marie.
HEFFTERDINGT.
You have no home, Miss Magda? Did you hear the old mother beseeching and alluring with the best that she has, though it's only a poor dish? Did you hear Marie's voice trembling with tears in the fear that I should not prevail? They trust me too much; they think I only need to speak the word. They don't suspect how helpless I stand here before you. Look! Behind that door are three people in a fever of sorrow and love. If you cross this threshold, you rob each of them of so much life. And you have no home?