CAPTAIN. [Angrily] That's because he goes to the city and truckles to the Colonel. Truckle, you know—if one could only do that!
ALICE. [Deals] I used to be friendly with Gerda, but she played me false——
CAPTAIN. They are all false! What did you turn up for trumps?
ALICE. Put on your spectacles.
CAPTAIN. They are no help—Well, well!
ALICE. Spades are trumps.
CAPTAIN. [Disappointed] Spades——?
ALICE. [Leads] Well, be that as it may, our case is settled in advance with the wives of the new officers.
CAPTAIN. [Taking the trick] What does it matter? We never give any parties anyhow, so nobody is the wiser. I can live by myself—as I have always done.
ALICE. I, too. But the children? The children have to grow up without any companionship.