Helms. Or Summensen?
Krakau. Do you suppose Caroline would mix up with a couple of swine like that?
Helms. Of course I don't. It's you that's been putting such things in my head. You don't know what you are talking about.
Krakau. I know what I know.
Helms [pounds on the table]. Who was he then? Speak up or admit that you are a filthy liar.
Krakau [with sudden determination]. I was her father. Now you know it.
Helms [derisively]. You!... Ha, ha, ha!... You! God knows how you hit on that idea. Do tell us about it.
Krakau [savagely; he is on his own side of the room now]. Yes, I'll tell you about it.... With pleasure, my dear Helms!... I had made up my mind to carry the secret with me to the grave ... but I can't stand your overbearing ways any more.... Now it comes out.... And thank God for it.... You were a devil to your wife and you have been a devil to me, Helms, all the fifteen years we have lived in this room.
Helms. Ha, ha! So I've been a devil, eh? The things one lives and learns!
Krakau. Yes, a devil—a devil on wheels. You whine and crow and fuss and scold ... nothing suits you ... no matter how hard I try ... and you are mean and niggardly.... Every pfennig must be pulled out of you like a tooth.