Bos.
Come now, be strong.
[Mathilde enters.]
Mathilde.
Clemens! Ach, poor, dear Kneir, I am so sorry for you. It’s dreadful! It is frightful! Two sons!
Kneirtje.
[Staring.] My husband and four sons——
Mathilde.
[Consoling.] But don’t you worry. We have written an appeal, the Burgomaster’s wife and I, and it’s going to be in all the papers tomorrow. Here, Kaps——[Hands Kaps a sheet of paper which he places on desk—Bos motions to her to go.] Let her wait a while, Clemens. [Sweetly.] I have a couple of cold chops—that will brace her up—and—and—let’s make up with her. You have no objections to her coming again to do the cleaning? We won’t forget you, do you hear? Good day, Kneir. Be brave. [Exits.]
Bos.