Alma. Heavens! How you act! This is going to be a regular cross-examination!
Robert. I'm going to ask you a lot of questions.
(Frau and Herr Heinecke group themselves about Alma's chair. Michalski sits on the work table, Auguste beside him on the stool.)
Alma. Go ahead! S'il vous plait. Monsieur!
Michalski. (Aside to Auguste) This will be a nice mess!
Robert. How did you happen to discover this talent?
Alma. It comes like love--can't tell how!
Robert. (Unpleasantly affected) Hum--But someone must have told you about it!
(Alma shrugs her shoulders.)
Frau Heinecke. Don't you remember, child? It was Herr Kurt that----