THE ICEMAN. [Without coming into the room] It's the ice!
MASTER. Well, it's nice to get ice in this heat. But be careful about those bottles in the box. And put one of the pieces on edge so that I can hear the water drip from it as it melts—That's my water-clock that measures out the hours—the long hours—Tell me, where do you get the ice from nowadays?—Oh, he's gone!—Everybody goes away—goes home—to hear their own voices and get some company-[Pause] Is that you, Carl Frederick?
Somebody in the apartment above plays Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu, Opus 66, on the piano—but only the first part of it.
MASTER. [Begins to listen, is aroused, looks up at the ceiling] My Impromptu?
[He covers his eyes with one hand and listens.
The CONSUL enters through the hallway.
MASTER. Is that you, Carl Frederick?
The music stops.
CONSUL. It is I.
MASTER. Where have you been so long?
CONSUL. I had some business to clear up. Have you been alone?