TALKER (airily). Say no more, say no more.
SINGER. But I cannot accept this sacrifice. I pledged myself to serve you for a year, and I'll keep my pledge.
TALKER (considerably upset by this). Wait a moment, Master Duke; I have myself thought of retiring these many months past. Indeed, it was only for your sake—
SINGER. No, no, I cannot allow it. It is only for my sake that you are saying this. We will take the road this afternoon. (Heroically) Indeed, I would infinitely prefer it. I am enamoured of the wandering life.
TALKER. It is a great life. It means everything to me.
(They stand side by side looking gloomily in front of them. Gradually they begin to glance towards each other; they catch each other's eyes—and understand each other thoroughly.)
TALKER (clapping the SINGER heartily on the back). I knew it, I knew it! You and the wandering life!
SINGER (delightedly). You, too, Johannes! You've had enough of it!
(They suddenly turn round and go up and down the room together, piping and singing. A genteel cough is heard outside the window, and the MOTHER is seen for a moment. The TALKER turns round with his pipe to his lips. They go up the room together again, and at the top the TALKER, with a wave of the hand, leaves his companion and goes out. He is seen passing the window.)
[The DAUGHTER comes in.]