ELEONORA. One should not confine human beings, one should free them.
BENJAMIN. You have freed me from a delusion.
ELEONORA. You are a charity pupil?
BENJAMIN. Yes, it is my sorrowful lot to have to live upon the charity of this poor family.
ELEONORA. You must not use harsh words or I shall have to go away. I am so sensitive I cannot bear anything harsh. Nevertheless it's my fault that you are unhappy.
BENJAMIN. Your father's fault, you mean.
ELEONORA. That is the same thing, for he and I are one and the same person. [Pause.] Why are you so dejected?
BENJAMIN. I have had a disappointment!
ELEONORA. Should you be downcast on that account? "Rod and punishment bring wisdom, and he who hates punishment must perish—" What disappointment have you had?
BENJAMIN. I have failed in my Latin examination—altho' I was so sure I would pass.