STRÜBEL. Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights—my soul thirsts for the heights every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow, "I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."
FRAU LINDEMANN. [Scornfully.] Bah!
STRÜBEL. Oh, you're thinking that you are my beloved? No, dearest; my beloved stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here—up to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into her window—see?
ROSA. [Laughing.] Oh, so that's why——
FRAU LINDEMANN. Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that? Besides, I've no more time for you. Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right away. Good-by, Herr Strübel. [Goes out.
STRÜBEL. [Laughing.] I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her head?
ROSA. [Mysteriously.] Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads—and—ahem—there are letters with crowns and letters without crowns.
STRÜBEL. Letters—? Are you——?
ROSA. There are maids of honor—and other maids! [Giggles.
STRÜBEL. Permit me. [Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger.] Ow! Ow!