LOUISE. Yes, he cannot help fearing that the mother may have married again, and then, of course, everything depends on how the child's stepfather turns out.
STARCK. I have been told that the wife refused alimony at first, but that now, when five years have passed, she has sent him a lawyer with a demand for many thousands——
LOUISE. [With reserve] I know nothing about it.
STARCK. I believe, however, that she was never more beautiful than in his memory——
THE LIQUORDEALER'S MAN. [Enters, carrying a crateful of bottles] Excuse me, but does Mr. Fischer live here?
LOUISE. Mr. Fischer? Not so far as I know.
STARCK. Perhaps Fischer is the name of that fellow on the second floor? Around the corner—one flight up.
THE LIQUORDEALER'S MAN. [Going toward the square] One flight up—thanks. [He disappears around the corner.
LOUISE. Carrying up bottles again—that means another sleepless night.
STARCK. What kind of people are they? Why don't they ever show themselves?