Maybe you're right. Only, don't go an' call him Adelbert, mother. That ain't a good thing to do, to call a child by the same name as one that was carried off, unbaptised, a week after it was born. Let that be, mother. I can't stand for that, mother,
A knocking is heard at the door. JOHN is about to open.
MRS. JOHN
What's that?
JOHN
Well, somebody wants to get in!
MRS. JOHN
[Hastily turning the key in the lock.] I ain't goin' to have everybody runnin' in on me now that I'm sick as this. [She listens at the door and then calls out:] I can't open! What d'you want?
A WOMAN'S VOICE
[Somewhat deep and mannish in tone.] It is Mrs. Hassenreuter.