ELIS. Then you are lost! But how could you do that?
BENJAMIN [Submissively]. I can't, explain it—I knew how it should be. I meant to do it right, but some way I wrote it wrong. [Seats himself dejectedly near dining table.]
ELIS [Sinks dozen near writing desk and opens Benjamin's portfolio]. Yes, here it is—the indicative, oh!
CHRISTINE [Faintly, with effort]. Well, better luck next time—life is long.
ELIS. Terribly long.
BENJAMIN. Yes, it is.
ELIS [Sadly but without bitterness]. But that everything should come at the same time! You were my best pupil, so what can I expect of the others? My reputation as a teacher is lost. I shall not be allowed to teach any longer and so—complete ruin! [To Benjamin.] Don't take it to heart so—it is not your fault.
CHRISTINE [With great effort]. Elis, courage, courage, for God's sake.
ELIS. What shall I get it from?
CHRISTINE. What you got it from before.