STRANGER. I'm not asking you whether you know of it, but whether you believe it.
MOTHER (changing the subject). What are you trying to do here?
STRANGER. I'm making experiments concerning atmospheric electricity.
MOTHER. And that's the lighting conductor, that you've connected to the desk!
STRANGER. Yes. But there's no danger; for the bells would ring if there were an atmospheric disturbance.
MOTHER. That's blasphemy and black magic. Take care! And what are you doing there, in the fireplace?
STRANGER. Making gold.
MOTHER. You think it possible?
STRANGER. You take it for granted I'm a charlatan? I shan't blame you for that; but don't judge too quickly. At any moment I expect to get a sworn statement of analysis.
MOTHER. I dare say. But what are you going to do if Ingeborg doesn't come back?