She stepped into the adjoining room. Helmer was standing before the center table, contemplating the great basket of violets on which was still attached Prince Victor Adolph’s visiting-card.
Franka offered him her hand: “It was good of you to come....”
“Since you have summoned me....”
“Oh. Do not be so ceremonious.... I wanted to see Brother Chlodwig.... I need your encouragement, your advice....”
He seemed ill at ease. “My advice? Perhaps in regard to this business,” and he indicated the violets.
“What business? Oh, indeed, you think ... no, no, listen.... I will tell you what I want.”
Just at that moment Frau Eleonore entered by the other door. “Do I disturb you”?
“Frankly, yes. I wanted to talk over my lecture with Mr. Helmer.”
“Very well; then I will write some letters”; and she vanished again into her own room.
“So now you know what it is about.... I am simply in despair about my lecture. You must help me, just as at the first time. You showed me the way and made it smooth, and here this day I am standing again on a crossway, or rather before a wall.... Help me over, reach me your hand!”