Yes, yes, my boy, who would have thought it! I’m not saying—I blame no one, but just to-day you surely might have kept from quarrelling.—However, we must just hope for the best.—At least his mind’s not wandering any more. If Ida only doesn’t overlook anything! Any one of us would have a hundred times more experience. Why he should have taken so to Ida!—I don’t bite!—Though I will say in other ways—Ida—she’s really a good girl—and you of all people! (patting him on his shoulders) You may thank the Lord! You might wait long enough before you’d find another one like Ida! (Cautiously, confidentially) Tell me,—are the Buchners well off?
William (roused).
Oh leave me alone! How should I know!—What do I care!
Mrs Scholz.
What now!—I suppose I’ve a right to ask!—You’re a perfect bear!
William.
Ah mother, let me alone.—If you have a spark of pity for me, let me alone.—Don’t trouble about me, let me alone.
Mrs Scholz.
Oh yes, of course, I’m always in the way. An old woman—good for nothing but to snap at.