Well, at least it is a good sign that she has recovered her voice.
Yes, it is a good sign.
That poor husband of hers! The silly fool is in such a way about it that it makes one almost die of laughing to see him. A short while ago he was in raptures because his wife was pregnant, and kept saying that he hoped the baby would be a boy. Perhaps he thought that any boy of his would grow up to be a Minister of State or a general at the very least! But now he wants neither boy nor girl, but only fusses about and weeps.
When the pangs come upon her he seems to suffer almost as much as she does. He grows absolutely livid in the face!
A short while ago they sent him to the chemist's for some medicine; but, after kicking his heels about outside the shop for two mortal hours, he was still unable to remember what he had come for, and had to go home again empty-handed.
[The Old Women burst into renewed chuckles, while the screams behind the scenes increase for a moment, and then die away again into silence.]
What ails her now? Surely she has not expired?
Not she! Had that been so, we should have heard the waiters beginning their lament, and the doctor running about the house, and chattering his foolish nonsense. Besides, her husband would have been gone off into a dead faint and been brought in here, and then we should have had some work to do. No, no; she's not dead.
Then why need we stay here longer?
Oh, ask Him. How can we tell what is going to happen?