Leonore. (Indignantly) Oh, I did not mean it that way, papa!
Muhlingk. Oh, that's all right.
Frau Muhlingk. And, Kurt, you must take care that the young fellow doesn't make any faux pas. He comes from the alley, you know. A thing like that might spoil the whole affair.
Kurt. (Standing up) Pardon me, did you expect I would invite my friends?
Muhlingk. Certainly, your friends, too! Bachelors always have plenty of time.
Kurt. (Standing up) Pardon me, I should like to ask to be excused from doing that. I can't be expected to introduce gentlemen of good family to the son of (Indicating the alley) Herr Heinecke.
Leonore. (Aside) Would you rather have the brother of Miss Heinecke here?
Kurt. (Shocked, then gathering himself together) What do you mean?
Leonore. Be thankful I don't insist on an answer.
Kurt. Really!