I can't do it, Wendla.
Wendla.
Oh, why can't you, Mother dear!——I will kneel here at your feet and lay my head in your lap. You can cover my head with your apron and talk and talk, as if you were entirely alone in the room. I won't move, I won't cry, I will bear all patiently, no matter what may come.
Frau Bergmann.
Heaven knows, Wendla, that I am not to blame! Heaven knows it!——Come here in God's name! I will tell you, child, how you came into this world.——Listen to me, Wendla.——
Wendla.
(Under the apron.)
Frau Bergmann.
(Extatically.)