Dr Scholz (still on the stairs).
Eh! Nonsense! To the right, Friebe. Eh! My elbow! leave go, leave go! Confound you.
[During the Doctor’s approach William shows more and more excitement. His colour changes quickly, he thrusts his hands through his hair, breathes deeply, makes movements with his right hand as though playing the piano. It is quite evident that he is torn by different emotions, that his resolution is shaken. He seems about to rush away, but is stopped by the Doctor’s entrance. He has caught hold of the back of a chair to support himself and stands there white and trembling. The Doctor, drawn up to his full imposing height, measures his son with a look in which terror, hate and contempt are expressed. There is a silence. Friebe, who has entered with the Doctor, whom he has led and lighted down the stairs, makes use of the pause to slink away into the kitchen. William shows marked signs of his mental conflict. He tries to speak, his voice fails him, only his lips move noiselessly. He takes his hand from the chair back and steps up to the old man. He stumbles, staggers, and almost falls; stops and tries to speak again, and cannot; drags himself nearer, and clasping his hands, sinks at the old man’s feet. In Doctor Scholz’s face the expression has changed from hate to astonishment, growing sympathy and confusion.
Dr Scholz.
My boy—my dear boy! My—(he tries to raise him by his hands.) Only get up! (He takes William’s head, which has sunk between both hands, and turns it towards him.) My boy—only look at me! Ah! what is the matter?
[William moves his lips.
Dr Scholz (with trembling voice).
What—what are you saying to me?
William.