The MASTER is seen outside, passing by the door leading to the pantry; he carries a letter in his hand; then he disappears, only to become visible again a moment later in the hallway, where he opens the outside door and steps out.
CONSUL. [In the doorway at the right] He went out to the mail-box.
GERDA. No, this is too much for me! How can I possibly ask him to help me with this divorce? I want to get out! It's too brazen!
CONSUL. Stay! You know that his kindness has no limits. And he'll help you for the child's sake.
GERDA. No, no!
CONSUL. And he is the only one who can help you.
MASTER. [Enters quickly from the hallway and nods at GERDA, whom, because of his near-sightedness, he mistakes for LOUISE; then he goes to the buffet and picks up the telephone, but in passing he remarks to GERDA] So you're done already? Well, get the pieces ready then, and we'll begin all over again—from the beginning.
GERDA stands paralysed, not understanding the situation.
MASTER. [Speaks in the telephone receiver, with his back to Gerda] Hello!—Good evening! Is that you, mother?—Pretty well, thank you! Louise is waiting to play a game of chess with me, but she is a little tired after a lot of bother—It's all over now—everything all right—nothing serious at all.—If it's hot? Well, there has been a lot of thundering, right over our heads, but nobody has been struck. False alarm!—What did you say? Fischer?—Yes, but I think they are going to leave.—Why so? I know nothing in particular.—Oh, is that so?—Yes, it leaves at six-fifteen, by the outside route, and it gets there—let me see—at eight-twenty-five.—Did you have a good time?—[With a little laugh] Oh, he's impossible when he gets started! And what did Marie have to say about it?—How I have had it during the summer? Oh, well, Louise and I have kept each other company, and she has got such an even, pleasant temper.—Yes, she is very nice, indeed!—Oh, no, nothing of that kind!
GERDA, who has begun to understand, rises with an expression of consternation on her face.