ALICE. Have you—heard anything—from your children?
CURT. No.
ALICE. I hope you pardon me—but was it not rather inconsiderate to leave them like that——
CURT. I didn't leave them, but the court gave them to the mother.
CAPTAIN. Don't let us talk of that now. I for my part think it was lucky for you to get out of that mess.
CURT. [To ALICE] How are your children?
ALICE. Well, thank you. They are at school in the city and will soon be grown up.
CAPTAIN. Yes, they're splendid kids, and the boy has a brilliant head—brilliant! He is going to join the General Staff——
ALICE. If they accept him!
CAPTAIN. Him? Who has the making of a War Minister in him!