Please!—that’s better.

Jo.

Your beard——

Geert.

They didn’t like my beard—The government took that—become ugly, haven’t I?—Look as if I’d lost my wits? Eh?

Jo.

[With hesitating laugh.] You? No—What makes you think that? You don’t show it at all. [Sobs again softly.]

Geert.

Well, damn it! Is that all you have to say. [She laughs hysterically. He points to his temples.] Become grey, eh?

Jo.