You forget that the child on whose account this union is to be consummated will keep the severely inclined away from us.
VON KELLER.
Yes, I know, dear Magda, it will be painful for you; but this child must of course remain the deepest secret between us. No one must suspect--
MAGDA.
[Astounded and incredulous.] What--what do you say?
VON KELLER.
Why, it would ruin us. No, no, it is absurd to think of it. But we can make a little journey every year to wherever it is being educated. One can register under a false name; that is not unusual in foreign parts, and is hardly criminal. And when we are fifty years old, and other regular conditions have been fulfilled, [laughing], that can be arranged, can't it? Then we can, under some pretext, adopt it, can't we?
MAGDA.
[Breaks into a piercing laugh; then, with clasped hands and staring eyes.] My sweet! My little one! Mio bambino! Mio povero--bam--you--you--I am to--ha, ha, ha! [Tries to open the folding door.] Go! go!
Enter Schwartze.