CAPTAIN. Yes, she has been a faithful mate, a splendid mother—excellent—but [with a glance at the door on the right] she has a devilish temper. Do you know, there have been moments when I cursed you for saddling me with her.
CURT. [Good-naturedly] But I didn't. Listen, man——
CAPTAIN. Yah, yah, yah! You talk nonsense and forget things that are not pleasant to remember. Don't take it badly, please—I am accustomed to command and raise Cain, you see, but you know me, and don't get angry!
CURT. Not at all. But I have not provided you with a wife—on the contrary.
CAPTAIN. [Without letting his flow of words be checked] Don't you think life is queer anyhow?
CURT. I suppose so.
CAPTAIN. And to grow old—it is no fun, but it is interesting. Well, my age is nothing to speak of, but it does begin to make itself felt. All your friends die off, and then you become so lonely.
CURT. Lucky the man who can grow old in company with a wife.
CAPTAIN. Lucky? Well, it is luck, for the children go their way, too. You ought not to have left yours.
CURT. Well, I didn't. They were taken away from me——