Later.

MARIE.

[Appearing in the doorway.] Will she stay? [Magda shrinks at the sound of the voice.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

'Sh! [Exit Mrs. Schwartze and Marie.

HEFFTERDINGT.

You have no home, Miss Magda? Did you hear the old mother beseeching and alluring with the best that she has, though it's only a poor dish? Did you hear Marie's voice trembling with tears in the fear that I should not prevail? They trust me too much; they think I only need to speak the word. They don't suspect how helpless I stand here before you. Look! Behind that door are three people in a fever of sorrow and love. If you cross this threshold, you rob each of them of so much life. And you have no home?

MAGDA.

If I have one, it is not here.

HEFFTERDINGT.