AXEL. As you did?
CARL. As I did. Immediately I took my position as head of the family, to which place I found myself called both because of my superior mind and my natural abilities.
AXEL. And how did your wife like that?
CARL. Do you know, I forgot to ask her! But to judge by appearances, I should say that she found things as they should be. They only need real men—and human beings can be made even out of women.
AXEL. But at least the power should be divided?
CARL. Power cannot be divided! Either obey or command. Either you or I. I preferred myself to her, and she had to adjust herself to it.
AXEL. Yes, but didn't she have money?
CARL. Not at all. She didn't bring more than a silver soup-spoon to our nest. But she demanded an accounting of it; and she got it. She was a woman of principle, you see!—She is so good, so good, but so am I good to her. I think it's really great sport to be married, what? And besides, she's such a splendid cook!
[The Misses Hall come in from right.]
AXEL. Let me introduce you to the Misses Hall, Lieutenant Starck.