A NAVAL OFFICER. [Takes ALICE, one of the dancers, around the waist and drags her toward the pier] Come quick!
EDITH breaks off abruptly, rises and stares at the couple with an expression of utter despair; stands as if turned to stone.
Now the front wall of the yellow house disappears, revealing three benches full of schoolboys. Among these THE OFFICER is seen, looking worried and depressed. In front of the boys stands THE TEACHER, bespectacled and holding a piece of chalk in one hand, a rattan cane in the other.
THE TEACHER. [To THE OFFICER] Well, my boy, can you tell me what twice two makes?
THE OFFICER remains seated while he racks his mind without finding an answer.
THE TEACHER. You must rise when I ask you a question.
THE OFFICER. [Harassed, rises] Two—twice—let me see. That makes two-two.
THE TEACHER. I see! You have not studied your lesson.
THE OFFICER. [Ashamed] Yes, I have, but—I know the answer, but I cannot tell it——
THE TEACHER. You want to wriggle out of it, of course. You know it, but you cannot tell. Perhaps I may help you.
[Pulls his hair.