[Robert enters from one of the doors R.; he is of middle height, slender, pale-faced, and haggard-looking. His eyes are sunken, and at times glitter feverishly; moustache and imperial. He smokes Turkish tobacco out of a noticeably short-stemmed pipe.
Robert (lightly).
You’re going to have it warm here, mother.
Mrs Scholz.
Now he’s beginning!
Augusta.
For all I care!
[Steals sidelong glances at Ida’s dress.
Robert (to Ida, who has looked at him reproachfully).
Yes, that’s how I’m made, Miss Ida!