BARONESS. The report is false!
JUDGE. Such remarks cannot be made with impunity before this Court.
BARON. May I call attention to the fact that I have voluntarily surrendered the child to the Baroness on certain conditions?
JUDGE. And I have to repeat once more what I said before, namely, that the case will be decided by the Court and not by the parties to it. Therefore: you deny having caused any dissension, Baroness?
BARONESS. Indeed, I do! And it is not the fault of one that two quarrel.
JUDGE. This is no quarrel, Baroness, but a criminal case; and furthermore, you seem now to be displaying a contentious temperament as well as inconsiderate behaviour.
BARONESS. Then you don't know my husband.
JUDGE. Will you please explain yourself, for I can base no decision on mere insinuations.
BARON. Then I must ask to have the case dismissed, so that I can obtain separation in other ways.
JUDGE. The case is already before the Court and will have to be carried to its conclusion—Baroness, you maintain then that your husband has caused the estrangement. Can this be proved?