Adolf. You seem for once in a way, to be awfully keen on youth?
Thekla.[Standing by the door in the center.] I have always been so, and that’s how it came about that I loved you. Any objection?
Adolf. Not at all. But I should very much prefer to be the only one.
Thekla.[Coming forward on his right, and joking as though speaking to a child.] Let the little brother look here. I’ve got such a large heart that there is room in it for a great many, not only for him.
Adolf. But little brother doesn’t want to know anything about the other brothers.
Thekla. Won’t he just come here and let himself be teased by his little woman, because he’s jealous— no, envious is the right word. [Two knocks with a chair are heard, from the room on the right.]
Adolf. No, I don’t want to fool about, I want to speak seriously.
Thekla.[As though speaking to a child.] Good Lord! he wants to speak seriously. Upon my word! Has the man become serious for once in his life? [Comes on his left, takes hold of his head and kisses him.] Won’t he laugh now a little? [ADOLF lawghs.]
Thekla. There, there!
Adolf.[Laughs involuntarily.] You damned witch, you! I really believe you can bewitch people.