CURT. [Rising] Where have I landed? Where am I?
ALICE. Oh, you know!
CURT. [Looking around with horror] I believe almost——
CAPTAIN. [Enters from the right, looking wretched, leaning on a cane] Curt, may I have a talk with you—alone?
ALICE. Is it about that departure in safety?
CAPTAIN. [Sits down at the sewing-table] Curt, will you kindly sit down here by me a little while? And, Alice, will you please grant me a moment—of peace!
ALICE. What is up now? New signals! [To CURT] Please be seated. [CURT sits down reluctantly] And listen to the words of age and wisdom—And if a telegram should come—tip me off! [Goes out to the left.
CAPTAIN. [With dignity, after a pause] Can you explain a fate like mine, like ours?
CURT. No more than I can explain my own!
CAPTAIN. What can be the meaning of this jumble?