Just as if I had done him any harm! Surely I have always been the same—I have always done my best—Do be just, Robert!—I have cooked him his hot dinners, he’s had his warm stockings—
Robert.
Ah, leave it alone, mother! What good is this everlasting lamentation?
Mrs Scholz.
Yes, that’s what you say. It’s all very well for you! But if you have worried yourself sick all your life—if one has beaten one’s brain to know:—Have I done this right? have I done that right?—and then strange people come, and one sees them preferred!
Robert.
Ida is with him still?
Mrs Scholz.
A perfect stranger!—Ah, I might as well be dead—and that lump!—that Friebe!—Creature!—The airs he gives himself!—But Gussie’s let him have it!—Gussie talked to him pretty straight! The fellow’s as impudent—he wanted to push her out of the room. The girl was beside herself!—His own daughter! No—You children! What my life has been!—I wouldn’t wish a dog to lead it.