VAIN WOMAN. [Interrupting.] Tell him that it is very important, that I am in great distress and that he must see me at once.
IMP. [Loudly.] I said that he was not down yet.
[Seeing that she does not understand, he takes a writing-pad from his desk, scribbles a few words, and standing in front of her, holds it up for her to read.
VAIN WOMAN. [After reading.] Oh, when will he be here? Can't you get him to come right away? Oh, I am so unhappy.
[She walks the floor in agitation.
[The Former Poor Man grunts in irritation and turns his back on her.
VAIN WOMAN. I cannot hear a word that is said to me. No one seems to want me around, and I am not invited out any more. I have the feeling that people are making fun of me instead of praising my beauty. Oh, it is dreadful to be deaf. [Getting hysterical.] I want the Judge to take away this deafness. I would rather have my wrinkles.
[Imp shakes his head in pretended sympathy, saying: "Too bad, too bad."
[She misunderstands and cries out.
VAIN WOMAN. Has the Judge given away my wrinkles? I want them back. I want my very own wrinkles, too. Wrinkles are distinguished-looking. [Beginning to sob.] I don't want to be deaf any longer.