Wendla.
What do you want to ask me, Melchior?
Melchior.
I've heard, Wendla, that you visit poor people's houses. You take them food and clothes and money also. Do you do that of your own free will, or does your mother send you?
Wendla.
Mother sends me mostly. They are families of day laborers that have too many children. Often the husband can't find work and then they freeze and go hungry. We have a lot of things which were laid away long ago in our closets and wardrobes and which are no longer needed.——But how did you know it?
Melchior.
Do you go willingly or unwillingly, when your mother sends you?
Wendla.
Oh, I love to go!——How can you ask?