William (sighing).
Oh mother, do let me alone—I’m troubling nobody!—Has Friebe come back from the Doctor’s?
Mrs Scholz.
No, that he hasn’t. It’s what I always say, as sure as one wants a doctor, there isn’t one to be found.
William.
It is serious, isn’t it, especially if—that were to happen again?
Mrs Scholz.
Ah God! Who knows!
[William stares at his mother, then with sudden passionate sobs lets his head fall in his hands.