CURT. Not at all.
CAPTAIN. It is hard to keep peace on this island, but we ought to set a good example——
CURT. Yes, can you explain this to me? When I came here I made friends with all the officials and became especially intimate with the regimental auditor—as intimate as men are likely to become at our age. And then, in a little while—it was shortly after your recovery—one after another began to grow cold toward me—and yesterday the auditor avoided me on the promenade. I cannot tell you how it hurt me! [The CAPTAIN remains silent] Have you noticed any ill-feeling toward yourself?
CAPTAIN. No, on the contrary.
ALICE. [To CURT] Don't you understand that he has been stealing your friends?
CURT. [To the CAPTAIN] I wondered whether it might have anything to do with this new stock issue to which I refused to subscribe.
CAPTAIN. No, no—But can you tell me why you didn't subscribe?
CURT. Because I have already put my small savings into your soda factory. And also because a new issue means that the old stock is shaky.
CAPTAIN. [Preoccupied] That's a splendid lamp you have. Where did you get it?
CURT. In the city, of course.