Thekla.[Makes a grimace.] Like that?

Adolf. Quite. [He gets up.] Do you know how Bret Harte describes the adulteress?

Thekla.[Laughs.] No, I’ve never read that Bret What-do-you-call-him.

Adolf. Oh! she’s a pale woman- who never blushes.

Thekla. Never? Oh yes, she does; oh yes, she does. Perhaps when she meets her lover, even though her husband and Mr. Bret didn’t manage to see anything of it.

Adolf. Are you so certain, about it?

Thekla.[As before.] Absolutely. If the man isn’t able to drive her very blood to her head, how can he possibly enjoy the pretty spectacle? [She passes by him toward the right.]

Adolf.[Reiving.] Thekla! Thekla!

Thekla. Little fool!

Adolf.[Sternly.] Thekla!