CURT. So you know that?
CAPTAIN. Yes, I know it.
CURT. You don't appear satisfied with your life?
CAPTAIN. [Sighing] Satisfied? The day I could die, I should be satisfied.
CURT. [Rising] That you don't know! But tell me: what is going on in this house? What is happening here? There is a smell as of poisonous wall-paper, and one feels sick the moment one enters. I should prefer to get away from here, had I not promised Alice to stay. There are dead bodies beneath the flooring, and the place is so filled with hatred that one can hardly breathe. [The CAPTAIN sinks together and sits staring into vacancy] What is the matter with you? Edgar! [The CAPTAIN does not move. Slaps the CAPTAIN on the shoulder] Edgar!
CAPTAIN. [Recovering consciousness] Did you say anything? [Looks around] I thought it was—Alice!—Oh, is that you?—Say—[Relapses into apathy.
CURT. This is horrible! [Goes over to the door on the right and opens it] Alice!
ALICE. [Enters, wearing a kitchen apron] What is it?
CURT. I don't know. Look at him.
ALICE. [Calmly] He goes off like that at times—I'll play and then he will wake up.