SCHÖN. (Kicking against the door.) Walter!
ALVA. Shall I force it in?
SCHÖN. I can do that. Who is it coming now? (Standing up.) To enjoy life and let others be responsible for it—
LULU. (Coming back with a kitchen ax.) Henriette has come home.
SCHÖN. Shut the door behind you.
ALVA. Give it here. (Takes the ax and pounds with it between the jamb and the lock.)
SCHÖN. You must hold it nearer the end.
ALVA. It's cracking— (The lock gives; Alva lets the ax fall and staggers back.) (Pause.)
LULU. (To Schön, pointing to the door.) After you. (Schön flinches, drops back.) Are you getting—dizzy? (Schön wipes the sweat from his forehead and goes in.)
ALVA. (From the couch.) Ghastly!