Robert. Will you please explain what--- Heinecke. Explain?--What is there to explain--Don't look at me like that! What are you looking at me that way for. Mother, I won't stand it!
Frau Heinecke. Go on! Go on!
Heinecke. Well, as I said, it's simple enough. The Herr Councillor was here.
Robert. He? Why didn't you call me.
Heinecke. Ah--In the first place because it was not the young Muhlingk--When your friend comes, then you can receive him. The old gentleman is my friend--We've promised to call on each other. And second: because I don't have to ask my son what is right for me to do--Now you know--See?
Frau Heinecke. Oh, Father!
Heinecke. Don't interrupt me when I'm giving my son a little admonition. From now on I'm not going to be fooled with.
Michalski. (Behind him) That's the way to talk.
Robert. Was the discussion about Alma?
Heinecke. In the first place the discussion was about you. You have been discharged from his service, because of insubordination. Frankly, I expected more gratitude.