Robert. Why, I never heard she was musical!
Heinecke. Awful musical!
(They drink the coffee.)
Frau Heinecke. She was examined by some Italian singer--Seenyora or something--she said she had never heard anything like it before and she would take it as an honor to develop Alma's voice herself at her own cost.
Robert. But why did you keep that from me?
Frau Heinecke. Oh, it was such a long way, clear out to India, you forget such things--and then, we wanted to give you a surprise!
Robert. (Gets up and walks excitedly up and down) Auguste really takes good care of her?
Frau Heinecke. Certainly. She never lets her eye off her. Alma eats at her house and practises at her house and when she stays too late to catch the horsecar she sleeps there--same as she did last night.
Robert. And when she stays away all night, doesn't that worry you?
Heinecke. Huh! Big girl like that!