Adolf. Quite. [He gets up.] Do you know how Bret Harte describes the adulteress?

Thekla [laughs]. No, I've never read that Bret What-do-you-call-him.

Adolf. Oh! she's a pale woman who never blushes.

Thekla. Never? Oh yes, she does; oh yes, she does. Perhaps when she meets her lover, even though her husband and Mr. Bret didn't manage to see anything of it.

Adolf. Are you so certain about it?

Thekla [as before]. Absolutely. If the man isn't able to drive her very blood to her head, how can he possibly enjoy the pretty spectacle?

[She passes by him toward the right.]

Adolf [raving]. Thekla! Thekla!

Thekla. Little fool!

Adolf [sternly]. Thekla!