GERDA. She is my child. She's mine by law, and my husband is her father——
CONSUL. Now you are too harsh about it! And you have grown cruel and vulgar—Hush! Here he comes now.
The MASTER enters from the left with a newspaper in his hand; he goes into the house pensively by the back door, while the CONSUL and GERDA remain motionless, hidden behind the corner of the house.
Then the CONSUL and GERDA come down the stage. A moment later the MASTER becomes visible in the dining-room, where he sits down to read the paper.
GERDA. It was he!
CONSUL. Come over here and look at your home. See how he has kept everything as it was—arranged to suit your taste.—Don't be afraid. It's so dark out here that he can't see us. The light in the room blinds him, you know.
GERDA. How he has been lying to me!
CONSUL. In what respect?
GERDA. He hasn't grown old! He had grown tired of me—that was the whole thing! Look at his collar—and his tie—the very latest fashion! I am sure he has a mistress!
CONSUL. Yes, you can see her photograph on the mantelshelf, between the candelabra.
GERDA. It is myself and the child! Does he still love me?