Heinecke. Aw, nuthin'!
Robert. And I have sworn that I won't slacken in his service until I've drawn my last breath!
Heinecke. I should think by this time you'd have done about enough for them!
Frau Heinecke. You've scraped and slaved for them for ten years!
Robert. Oh, it wasn't as bad as that, Mother. But now let's not talk about them this way any more. Every day we have one reason or other for thanking the Muhlingks. The letters I had from the Councillor, and from Kurt especially,--he's a partner now,--were like letters from a close friend.
Heinecke. Kurt--Oh, he's a fine young gentleman! But as for the rest--"The Moor has paid his debt"[4] as the Berliner says--show me the rabble! (Robert swallows his answer and turns away, frowning) But, Bobby, look around! Don't you notice anything? He don't see anything, Mother!
Frau Heinecke. Oh, stop your chatter!
Heinecke. Chatter! Ho! When I try to welcome my dear son back to his father's house, then it's chatter! (Leads Robert to the placard) W--what do you say to that, eh?
Robert. Did you make that, Father, you with your lame arm?
Heinecke. Ah! I make lots of things. If the poor old cripple didn't take a hand this fine family would have starved long ago!--(Rather roughly) What are you standing there staring at. Mother? Where's the coffee?