Robert.

Really! that must have been before my time!

[Goes out through lower door.

Mrs Scholz (listening again on stairway).

When I remember—they’re talking upstairs (she looks up, sees she is alone, listens again uneasily, and finally goes out through stairway, one hand up to her ear, her face expressing fright and curiosity).

[Ida and William enter through the glass door: William is of middle height, strong, healthy-looking; fair hair, cut short; his clothes fit well without being foppish; overcoat, hat, satchel. His left arm is laid round Ida’s shoulders. She has her right arm thrown around him, and with gentle force is pushing him on.]

Ida.

You see now, you’re inside! The worst is over already.

William.

Ah no!