CONSUL. Now they're screaming again, this time in the stairway——
STARCK. [Withdrawing into the gateway and speaking in a low voice] I don't want to have anything to do with this.
GERDA, the divorced wife of the MASTER, comes running from the house into the square. She is bareheaded, with her hair down, and very excited. The CONSUL approaches her, and they recognise each other. She draws back from him.
CONSUL. So it's you—my former sister-in-law?
GERDA. Yes, it is I.
CONSUL. How did you get into this house, and why can't you let my brother enjoy his peace?
GERDA. [Bewildered] They didn't give us the right name of the tenant below—I thought he had moved—I couldn't help it——
CONSUL. Don't be afraid—you don't have to be afraid of me, Gerda! Can I be of any help to you? What's happening up there?
GERDA. He was beating me!
CONSUL. Is your little girl with you?