Thekla [leans on the chimneypiece]. There has been a great deal besides that. And even if you did give me everything, I accepted it. What do you mean by coming now and handing the bill for your presents? If I did take them, I proved to you by that very fact that I loved you. [She approaches him.] A girl only takes presents from her lover.
Adolf. From her lover, I agree. There you spoke the truth. [With a step to the left.] I was just your lover, but never your husband.
Thekla. A man ought to be jolly grateful when he's spared the necessity of playing cover, but if you aren't satisfied with the position you can have your congé. I don't like a husband.
Adolf. No, I noticed as much, for when I remarked, some time back, that you wanted to sneak away from me, and get a set of your own, so as to be able to deck yourself out with my feathers, to scintillate with my jewels, I wanted to remind you of your guilt. And then I changed from your point of view into that inconvenient creditor, whom a woman would particularly prefer to keep at a safe distance from one, and then you would have liked to have canceled the debt, and to avoid getting any more into my debt; you ceased to pilfer my coffers and transferred your attention to others. I was your husband without having wished it, and your hate began to arise; but now I'm going to be your husband, whether you want it or not. I can't be your lover any more, that's certain!
[He sits down in his previous place on the right.]
Thekla [half joking, she moves away behind the table and goes behind the sofa]. Don't talk such nonsense.
Adolf. You be careful! It's a dangerous game, to consider every one else an ass and only oneself smart.
Thekla. Everybody does that more or less.
Adolf. And I'm just beginning to suspect that that husband of yours wasn't such an ass after all.
Thekla. Good God! I really believe you're beginning to have sympathy—for him?