Robert. She can sleep!
Frau Heinecke. Will you get up, you worthless girl?
Heinecke. Come, get up, or there'll be trouble.
Robert. Father, Mother, quick, before she comes! Don't be too hard with her. It will only make her more stubborn.
Frau Heinecke. You are a good deal more clever than your old mother, but just the same I know how to take care of my children. I'll keep her like in a reform-school if it breaks my heart:--cleaning boots, peeling potatoes, cleaning floors, scrubbing steps, she's got to do it all.
Robert. And suppose she runs away some night?
Heinecke. Pah, she'll be locked up. I'll have the key in my pocket. How'll she run away then?
Robert. But think, she is only a child! And the rest are more to blame than she. Her own sister--Ah, if you want to be severe you ought to be severe with that damned procuress!--I hope I can demand once for all that Alma be taken absolutely away from under the influence of her sister and that you'll show Auguste and her husband the door!
Heinecke. Certainly, we'll make a clean sweep of that outfit. I've had enough of Michalski. Now you see. Mother, Robert has to come all the way from India to say it! You haven't any respect for me, poor old man!
Robert. I beg your pardon. Father--this doesn't concern you.