CAPTAIN. That's what happened! What has he been doing in America since then? Well, I cannot say that I am longing for him—but he was a nice chap, and I liked to argue with him.
ALICE. Because he was so tractable——
CAPTAIN. [Haughtily] Tractable or not, he was at least a man one could talk to. Here, on this island, there is not one person who understands what I say—it's a community of idiots!
ALICE. It is rather strange that Curt should arrive just in time for our silver wedding—whether we celebrate it or not——
CAPTAIN. Why is that strange? Oh, I see! It was he who brought us together, or got you married, as they put it.
ALICE. Well, didn't he?
CAPTAIN. Certainly! It was a kind of fixed idea with him—I leave it for you to say what kind.
ALICE. A wanton fancy——
CAPTAIN. For which we have had to pay, and not he!
ALICE. Yes, think only if I had remained on the stage! All my friends are stars now.