Now, Christie, don't let your temper get the better of you again! I've kept the truth from you till now because I know you're a bit harsh in such matters. You remember the little maid that you put straight out o' the house, and the trunk-maker to whom you gave a beating! Now this lass o' ours made a confession to me long ago—maybe eight weeks. An' we have to consider that 'tis not only Rose that's to be considered now, but … a second being … the one that's on the way. Did you understand me? Did you?
FLAMM
[With self-repression.] No! Not entirely, mother, I must say frankly. I've got a kind of a … just to-day … it comes over me … the blood, you know … it seems to go to my head suddenly, once in a while. It's like a … it's horrible, too … like an attack of dizziness! I suppose I'll have to … at least, I think I'll have to take the air a bit. But it's nothing of importance, mother. So don't worry.
MRS. FLAMM
[Looking at him through her spectacles.] And where do you want to go with your cartridge belt?
FLAMM
Nowhere! What did I want to do with the cartridge belt? [He hurls the belt aside which he has involuntarily picked up.] One learns nothing … is kept in the dark about everything! And then a point comes where one suddenly feels blind and stupid … and a stranger … an utter stranger in this world.
MRS. FLAMM
[Suspiciously.] Will you tell me, Christie, the meanin' of all this?