Ida.

Now—promise me—now—

William.

I swear to you now—

[A piercing scream from the next room cuts his words short. Startled and terrified they stand looking into each other’s eyes. Voice of Mrs Scholz:—“My husband’s dying, my dear good Fritz is dying, my husband!”—Loud crying.]

William.

My God!—What?—Father!!! Father!!!

[Is about to rush into next room, Ida stops him.

Ida.

William!—Control yourself, and—don’t go without me.