[Exit on the right. Adolf nods to him, stands up for a short time, looking at the photograph, tears it to pieces, and throws the fragments behind the circular table on the right; he then sits down in his previous place, nervously arranges his tie, runs his fingers through his hair, fumbles with the lapels of his coat, etc. Thekla enters on the left.]
Scene II.
Thekla [frank, cheerful and engaging, goes straight up to her husband and kisses him]. Good-day, little brother; how have you been getting on?
[She stands on his left.]
Adolf [half overcome but jocularly resisting]. What mischief have you been up to, for you to kiss me?
Thekla. Yes, let me just confess. Something very naughty—I've spent an awful lot of money.
Adolf. Did you have a good time, then?
Thekla. Excellent. [She goes to his right.] But not at the Congress. It was as dull as ditch-water, don't you know. But how has little brother been passing the time, when his little dove had flown away?
[She looks around the room, as though looking for somebody or scenting something, and thus comes behind the sofa on the left.]
Adolf. Oh, the time seemed awfully long.