STUDENT. [On his way out to telephone] What a ludicrous adventure!
HUMMEL. Are you a sportsman?
STUDENT. Yes, that has been my misfortune.
HUMMEL. Then we'll turn it into good fortune.—Go and telephone now.
The STUDENT goes out. HUMMEL begins to read his paper again. In the meantime the DARK LADY has come out on the sidewalk and stands talking to the JANITRESS. HUMMEL is taking in their conversation, of which, however, nothing is audible to the public. After a while the STUDENT returns.
HUMMEL. Ready?
STUDENT. It's done.
HUMMEL. Have you noticed this house?
STUDENT. Yes, I have been watching it.... I happened to pass by yesterday, when the sun was making every window-pane glitter.... And thinking of all the beauty and luxury that must be found within, I said to my companion: "Wouldn't it be nice to have an apartment on the fifth floor, a beautiful young wife, two pretty little children, and an income of twenty thousand crowns?"...
HUMMEL. So you said that? Did you really? Well, well! I am very fond of this house, too....