THE OFFICER. Yes, and that one wrong gave a false twist to my whole life——
THE MOTHER. Perhaps. But please take a look into that wardrobe now——
THE OFFICER. [Embarrassed] You know, then? It is——
THE MOTHER. The Swiss Family Robinson—for which——
THE OFFICER. Don't say any more!
THE MOTHER. For which your brother was punished—and which you had torn and hidden away.
THE OFFICER. Just think that the old wardrobe is still standing there after twenty years—We have moved so many times, and my mother died ten years ago.
THE MOTHER. Yes, and what of it? You are always asking all sorts of questions, and in that way you spoil the better part of your life—There is Lena, now.
LENA. [Enters] Thank you very much, ma'am, but I can't go to the baptism.
THE MOTHER. And why not, my girl?