KARL. I don't want to go to school this afternoon.
[He doubles his fists.
MRS. BAUER. [Turning on him fiercely.] Why not? [In an undertone.] You talk that way before your little brother.—Have you no sense?
FRITZI. [Beginning to whimper.] I d-d-d-on't want to go to school this afternoon.
MRS. BAUER. You just go 'long to school and mind your own business.
KARL and Fritzi. [Together.] But the boys....
MRS. BAUER. They ain't a-goin' to keep it up forever. Don't you answer them. Just go 'long together and pay no attention.
KARL. Then they get fresher and fresher.
FRITZI. [Echoing Karl.] Yes, then they get fresher and fresher.
[Mrs. Bauer begins to take up the dinner. The sound of footfalls just outside the door is heard.