BEERMANN [with a false pathos]. Instead of telling me freely and frankly of the gossip you have heard about me; then I could defend myself.
FRAU BEERMANN. That is just what I want to avoid. To me it appears somewhat childish when a man tries to justify ...
BEERMANN [just as before]. In this manner, the lowest gossip can destroy the happiness of any family.
FRAU BEERMANN [seriously]. Fritz, really, there is no one listening to us just now.
BEERMANN. You are not taking me in earnest.
FRAU BEERMANN. No, and it is our good fortune that I am not. At least, my good fortune.
BEERMANN. You call that good fortune? I might have expected something different from you.
FRAU BEERMANN. No, sir, you did not. If you will be honest with me, you will admit that. This many a year, we have been playing a common farce. You acted the true Christian head of the family and I the all-believing audience.
BEERMANN. How nice!
FRAU BEERMANN. Not nice but it's true. Perhaps the fault is not entirely ours, for we learned it from our parents. You men are supposed to impress us with your greatness and we women are to stand by and admire.