Krakau [eagerly]. Of course, he is, Helms. We can share him between us. Don't you see? He need never know. No one need know ... just you and I.... We can have him together ... our own little secret.
Helms [looks at him]. Nobody else will know?
Krakau [solemnly]. Not a soul. I swear it.
Helms. Nobody?
Krakau. Nobody.
Helms [a faint smile dispels his frown]. And when we talk about Knut you won't say "So-o" any more?
Krakau. Never ... for hereafter he'll be our Knut ... just as if you were his father and I his mother.
Helms [the idea pleases him, considers it, then gives his assent like a child playing a game]. No, I'll be the mother. And we can quarrel about him ... of course, in a friendly way.
Krakau. Always friendly.
Helms. And just think—we shall have something to talk about all the time.