Enter, the SECRETARY.

SECRETARY.

Good day!

CLARA (seizes a chair to keep from falling).

He! Oh, if only he had not come back!

SECRETARY. Your father is not at home?

CLARA.

No!

SECRETARY.

I bring you good news. Your brother—No, Clara, I cannot talk to you in this formal way. All these tables, chairs, and cupboards that I know so well—Good day, old friend!