Dear daughter, Carl is only a bungler. He has killed his mother, and what does it mean? His father remains alive! So, come to his aid—you cannot ask him to do everything alone. You must make an end of me! The old trunk still looks rugged, doesn't it? But it has begun to totter already—it will not cost you much trouble to fell it! You need not reach for the ax. You have a pretty face—I have never praised you, but today I will tell you, so that you may acquire courage and confidence. Your eyes, nose, mouth are surely admired! Become—You understand me?—Or tell me, I have an idea that you are already—
CLARA (almost crazy, throws herself with uplifted arms at the feet of her mother, and cries out like a child).
Mother! Mother!
ANTONY.
Take your mother's hand and swear to me that you are what you should be!
CLARA.
I—swear—that—I—will—never—bring—disgrace-on—you!
ANTONY.
Good!
[He puts on his hat.]