NEIGHBOUR. Yes, I heard him. What kind of foolish idea was that?
AMELIA. He thought he heard the starlings that had come to eat the grapes.
NEIGHBOUR. Poor fellow! As if the starlings were abroad nights!—And the children?
AMELIA. Well, the children—she is still keeping them in the cellar, and I hope she won't forget to give them something to eat.
NEIGHBOUR. He who feeds the birds will not forget your children, my dear Amelia. And now I'll tell you something which, as a rule, shouldn't be told. There is a small hole in the wall between the Judge's wine-cellar and my own. When I was down there this morning to get the place aired out, I heard voices. And when I looked through the hole, I saw Eric and Thyra playing with a strange little boy.
AMELIA. You could see them, neighbour? And——
NEIGHBOUR. They were happy and well——
AMELIA. Who was their playmate?
NEIGHBOUR. That's more than I can guess.
AMELIA. This whole dreadful house is nothing but secrets.