[He goes into the den as though to search for something.
The following colloquy of BERND, ROSE and AUGUST is carried on in eager whispers.
BERND
What was Streckmann sayin' to you?
ROSE
Who? But, father …
BERND
Streckmann was out there, talkin' an' talkin' to her!
ROSE
Well, what should he ha' been talkin' to me about?