ALICE. At last I have got you to come here! But, I cannot be so cruel as to wish you welcome to your own home——
CURT. Oh, why not? I have passed through three forced sales—and worse than that—It doesn't matter to me.
ALICE. Did he call you?
CURT. It was a formal command, but on what basis I don't understand.
ALICE. Why, he is not your superior!
CURT. No, but he has made himself king of the island. And if there be any resistance, he has only to mention the Colonel's name, and everybody submits. Tell me, is it to-day the Colonel is coming?
ALICE. He is expected—but I know nothing with certainty—Sit down, please.
CURT. [Sitting down] Nothing has been changed here.
ALICE. Don't think of it! Don't renew the pain!
CURT. The pain? I find it merely a little strange. Strange as the man himself. Do you know, when I made his acquaintance as a boy, I fled him. But he was after me. Flattered, offered services, and surrounded me with ties—I repeated my attempt at escape, but in vain—And now I am his slave!