Alma. Yes, to-morrow!
Robert. Good! (Gets up and walks back and forth excitedly) I don't want to make you feel badly, dear, but I must admit I don't share your great hopes.
Heinecke. Eh?
Robert. How many a young girl is enticed into these things purely through ambition and vanity! And it's dangerous! More dangerous than you realize--Of course I am sure that the young manager has the highest and the noblest of motives, but--Well, however that may be, to-morrow I'll hear myself what the teacher says, and if my doubts are groundless, I promise to take care of you myself, and we shan't rest a moment until you have reached the climax of your art! (Alma takes the vase from the table and buries her face in the flowers) Wouldn't it be strange if we were to owe everything--even this piece of good fortune--to the house of Muhlingk!
(Michalski laughs mockingly.)
Alma. Mama, who sent me this bouquet?
Frau Heinecke. That's a welcome to--(Indicates Robert) from the Gnadiges Fraulein!
Alma. Oh, from her! (She puts down the vase)
Robert. Wait a minute! One question! It seems that every time I mention the "Avenue" or any of the family, someone bursts out laughing, or makes some disapproving remark. Herr Muhlingk junior is the only one who seems to meet with your approval. Now, frankly, what have you against our benefactor? What has he done to offend you? (A pause) You, for instance. Brother-in-law, what made you laugh so scornfully? (Silence) Or you. Alma, that you won't have anything to do with the flowers that came from Miss Muhlingk! Mother just told me how kind she has always been!
Alma. Kind, is she? She's a stuck-up thing, that can't poke her nose high enough in the air when she meets me!--Never says a word to me; why, it's all she can do to return my bow! Oh, she----!