ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH
Now, look here! You don't believe that I'm an ungrateful girl?
HASSENREUTER
[Draws up her veil.] Why, girlie, you've grown younger instead of older.
ALICE RÜTTERBUSCH
[Flushed with delight.] Well, a person would just have to be like everything to say that you had changed to your disadvantage! But, do you know—it's awful dark up here really and—Harro, maybe you wouldn't mind opening a window a little—oh, the air's a bit heavy, too,
HASSENREUTER
"Pillicock sat on Pillicock-hill"
"But mice and rats and such small deer
Have been Tom's food for seven long year."
In all seriousness I have passed through dark and difficult times! In spite of the fact that I preferred not to write you of it, I have no doubt that you are informed.