[The MAN, his WIFE, little HANS, and the GRANDFATHER sit at the table eating the noon meal.]
MAN. Be careful, father! You are spilling the soup on your coat.
GRANDFATHER (trying to steady his trembling hand). Yes, yes, I'll be careful.
[Short pause.]
WIFE (sharply). Grandfather! You have spilled the soup on my clean tablecloth!
GRANDFATHER (embarrassed). Dear me! Dear me!
[Short pause.]
MAN. Here, father, is your plate of meat.
[The old man takes the plate, but lets it fall.]
WIFE (angrily). There now! Just see what you have done!