You were in the Tiergarten all night, Erich? Is that the reason why your hands are so icy cold, and why you look so utterly worn out? Erich, you must take my purse! No, please, you must! Oh, I assure you what is mine is yours! If you don't feel that, you don't love me. Erich, you're suffering! If you don't take my few pennies, I'll refuse all nourishment at home! By heaven, I'll do it, I'll do it, unless you're sensible about that!
SPITTA
[Chokes down his rising tears and sits down.] I'm nervous; I'm overwrought.
WALBURGA
[Puts her purse into his pocket.] And you see, Erich, this is the real reason why I asked you to meet me here. To add to all my misfortunes I received yesterday this summons from the court.
SPITTA
[Regards a document which she hands to him.] Look here? What's behind this, Walburga?
WALBURGA
I'm quite sure that it must have some connection with the stolen goods upstairs in the loft. But it does disquiet me terribly. If papa were to discover this … oh, what would I do then?
MRS. JOHN enters, carrying the child in her arms. She is dressed for the street, and looks dusty and harassed.