BEERMANN [with, a false pathos]. Lena, dear, do you realize what things you are saying?
FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, fully.
BEERMANN [as above]. That is dreadful. Every word is a ... catastrophe! I have until today, I have until this hour, believed in our established quiet happiness. Now shall all this pass away?
FRAU BEERMANN. Nothing but your confidence in my blindness shall pass away.
BEERMANN. Think it over. There can be no real family life after people lose faith in each other.
FRAU BEERMANN. Oh, a person gets used even to that.
BEERMANN. No. Lena, listen. Someone has been telling you tales and I cannot defend myself, because I don't know what I am accused of. You must tell me everything right now. I demand it of you.
FRAU BEERMANN. If I wanted to do that, I would have to begin "many, many years ago ..."
BEERMANN. Well, why didn't you do it then?
FRAU BEERMANN. You can well understand, I had my reasons.