BEERMANN. Speak plainly, won't you?
FRAU BEERMANN. No. I am not going to speak more plainly.
BEERMANN. As your husband, I demand it.
FRAU BEERMANN. N-no.
BEERMANN. That is very sad. There should be no secrets at all between husband and wife.
FRAU BEERMANN. Is this a principle again? Fancy all these great secrets! [Beermann shrugs his shoulders.] No. Now take it for granted that I know a thing or two about you.
BEERMANN [with anxiety]. You?
FRAU BEERMANN. Several things. Some which you must know only too well. After all, that principle of yours has not been violated. There remain no secrets whatever between us.
BEERMANN. I assure you I shall not rack my brains about it.
FRAU BEERMANN. Nor would I want you to regard me as sitting in judgment on your acts.