Gran. Why do you use such words as that?
Flink. Words! Do you think it is nothing but words? No, my friend, if you did what—what I did not allow you to say—I should come here one day to call you to account. And if you refused to fight me, I should shoot you like a dog!
Gran (gently). You would not do that.
Flink (heatedly). Not do it?—Have I given you the deepest affection of which my heart is capable, only for you to turn traitor to it? Am I to see the man whose character is the crowning achievement of my life, betraying our cause—and, by reason of his great personal prestige, dragging thousands down with him? On the head of all the disillusionments I have suffered, am I to have this one in the evening of my life—? (Stops, overcome by his emotion. A pause.) You shouldn't jest about such things you know. (Walks away. ANNA has placed herself in front of GRAN, as if to protect him.)
Koll. I think we had better change the subject, and go out for a little!
The King (aside, to him). Yes, get him away!
Flink (in the background, as if he were addressing an invisible audience). We must have discipline in the ranks!
Koll. Gran, ask your maid to hurry up with the supper.
Gran. Yes, I will.
Koll (to the KING). What do you say to a turn in the garden, meanwhile?