ALICE. I feel ashamed, so ashamed that I could wish to die—but I can alter nothing!
CURT. Let us go then—as you wish it.
ALICE. And somebody is coming too.
[They go out to the left.
The CAPTAIN and ALLAN enter from the background, both in uniform and wearing cloaks.
CAPTAIN. Sit down, my boy, and let me have a talk with you. [Sits down in the easy-chair.
[ALLAN sits down on the chair to the left.
CAPTAIN. It's raining to-day—otherwise I could sit here comfortably and look at the sea. [Silence] Well?—You don't like to go, do you?
ALLAN. I don't like to leave my father.
CAPTAIN. Yes, your father—he is rather an unfortunate man. [Silence] And parents rarely understand the true welfare of their children. That is to say—there are exceptions, of course. Hm! Tell me, Allan, have you any communication with your mother?
ALLAN. Yes, she writes now and then——