[The Disagreeable Young Man picks up his book. The Grandmother wants to drop the subject at this point. She does not succeed, but continues to look over toward the young man. He reads on.]
Grandmother. Curt!
The Disagreeable Young Man. Yes, grandma, dear.
Grandmother. Curt, you shall tell me this instant the reason you asked if the incident really happened that way!
The Disagreeable Young Man. But, grandma ... I have already told you that....
Grandmother. Don't you tell me again that you asked because the matter interested you. You would have never asked such a question if you did not have some special reason for it.
The Disagreeable Young Man. But, grandma—
Grandmother. Curt, if you do not this moment tell me why you said that, then I will never—[her voice becomes unusually strong and shakes] I never in my life will speak to you again.
The Disagreeable Young Man. But, grandma, I do not want to insult you.
Grandmother. You will not insult me if you will be sincere and open. Be sincere always.... And you will not insult me. But when your trying to hide something from me, that's when you insult me. This cannot remain in this way. I must know what you are thinking of. I must know that.