(Major makes signals to him behind his mother's back.)

Fritz.

Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.

Frau von Drosse.

You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you scolded him.

Fritz.

Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?

Agnes.

Why do you ask me, Fritz?

Major.