Clara.
Why don’t I do it then? Shall I never do it? Shall I put it off from day to day? Just as I’m putting it off now, from minute to minute—yes, away then, away! And yet I stay here. I feel as if hands were raised in my womb, as if eyes——(Sits down on a chair.) What does this mean? Am I too weak to do it? Well, am I strong enough to see my father with his throat cut? (Standing up.) No! No!—Our Father, which art in Heaven—Hallowed be thy kingdom. O God, my poor head! I can’t even pray. Karl! Karl! Help me!
Karl.
What’s wrong?
Clara.
The Lord’s Prayer. (Recollects.) I felt as if I was in the water and sinking, and had forgotten to pray. I—(Suddenly.) Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. That’s it. Yes! Yes! Of course I forgive him. I’d forgotten all about him. Good-night, Karl.
Karl.
Are you going to bed so early? Good-night!
Clara (like a child, going through the Lord’s Prayer).
Forgive us——