Augusta.
Oh! what do you expect? Who could help being frightened—in pitch darkness—absolutely alone—
Mrs Buchner (putting her arms round Augusta’s waist from behind—soothingly).
Madcap! Madcap! to flare up like that for nothing! Come now. (Helping her to take off her jacket, etc.) There!—you see?—
Augusta.
Ah! but it is true, Mrs Buchner!
Mrs Buchner.
Now my dear people, listen! Four long days already since we came to stay with you. I’ve been thinking—sha’n’t we drop all these formalities?—Mayn’t I call you Augusta? Eh?—Good—then—(embraces her and kisses Mrs Scholz).
Mrs Scholz (before she responds to the embrace).