Thekla. You think you're a thief, don't you?

Adolf. Pretty near.

Thekla. All right. You steal women like you steal children or fowl. You regard me to some extent like his real or personal property. Much obliged.

Adolf. No; I regard you as his wife, and that's more than property: it can't be made up in damages.

Thekla. Oh yes, it can. If you happen to hear one fine day that he has married again, these whims and fancies of yours will disappear. [She comes over to him.] Haven't you made up for him to me?

Adolf. Have I?—and did you use to love him in those days?

Thekla [goes behind him to the fireplace on the right]. Of course I loved him—certainly.

Adolf. And afterwards?

Thekla. I got tired of him.

Adolf. And just think, if you get tired of me in the same way?