Leonore. Have pity! Robert!
Robert. (Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his hands. Kurt struggling for breath sinks to sofa) Oh!
(Enter Frau Muhlingk.)
Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (Rushing to him) Help! Murder! Murder! Ring, Theodore!
Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get out!
Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (At a movement from Leonore) Yes, Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!
Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done!
Robert. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you! You stole my home and my trust in God and man! You stole my sense of shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!
Muhlingk. (After a pause) Shall I have the servants put you out?
Leonore. (Stepping between) That you won't do, Father.