Frau Muhlingk. (To her husband) Do you hear that? I haven't slept for nights and nights!
Leonore. Because of me, mama?
Frau Muhlingk. Every day these mad ideas, these unconventional acts! Now what does it mean this time, when you plunder the hothouse to send flowers to a clerk!
Leonore. You mean Robert?
Frau Muhlingk. The young Herr Heinecke, I mean.
Leonore. He isn't a clerk. He is almost a member of the family!
Kurt. Oh, thank you.
Frau Muhlingk. (Mildly) That is, we brought him up out of the gutter.
Muhlingk. (As the servant enters) Eh?
Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the alley sends word that he will take the liberty of----