Frau Hebenstreit. So it's really true?--Your son is home?
Frau Heinecke. Sh! sh!--for the Lord's sake--he's asleep!
Frau Hebenstreit. There is Alma's bedroom?
Frau Heinecke. Yes!--I don't know what I'm about!--I'm actually dizzy from joy! (Drops into the work-stool)
Frau Hebenstreit. Do the folks on the avenue know about it yet?[1]
Frau Heinecke. He had to report to 'em to-day because they're his boss. To-morrow he'll make the visit.
Frau Hebenstreit. How long has he been gone, anyway?
Frau Heinecke. Seven--eight--nine and a half years. It's as long as that since I've seen my boy! (She sobs)
Frau Hebenstreit. And did you recognize him right off?
Frau Heinecke. Well, how should I? Last night about eight--Heinecke was half asleep over the Lokal Anzeiger.[2] and I'm sitting there sewing a lace hem on Alma's underwaist,--that girl's always got to have something new for her underwear!--Well, all of a sudden there was a knock, and a man come in, and Lord save us if there didn't stand a gentleman, a fine gentleman in a beaver coat--there it hangs!--just feel that beaverskin once!--I thought to myself: it's one of Alma's swell acquaintances, one of young Herr Kurt's friends----