(A knock is heard. Enter Councillor Muhlingk. All start up frightened.)
Muhlingk. Good-morning, my people. Is your son at home?
Heinecke. (Humbly) Yes, sir.
Frau Heinecke, (Opening the door) Robert! (Tenderly) Oh, the dear boy, he's fallen asleep in his chair! He didn't sleep a wink all night--Bobby! The Herr Councillor--He's sound asleep!
Muhlingk. (Kindly) Ah? so much the better! Don't wake him.
Heinecke. Shut the door!
Frau Heinecke. But didn't he say----
Heinecke.--If the young Herr Muhlingk came, he said--(He shuts the door quietly)
Auguste. (To Michalski , with gesture of counting money) Watch!
Muhlingk. (Who has been looking around the room) You seem to be living in a very comfortable place, my good people.