Mrs Scholz (disturbed, shamefaced, and a little frightened).

We’re keeping Christmas.

Dr Scholz.

Keeping Christmas!—(after a long pause, lost in memories) It’s a long—long—time (turning and speaking with real emotion). And you—you’ve grown quite white!

Mrs Scholz.

Yes, Fritz—both of us!

[Dr Scholz nodding turns away and goes off through stairway L.

Mrs Buchner (entering quickly from R.).

So your husband has come back?