Mrs. von Tiedemann. It was before your day. You were not here then. I have a dim recollection, when I was quite a young girl.
Mrs. Schnaase (all ear, seizes her arm). Is it possible? What was it?
Mrs. von Tiedemann (subdued). She had an affair with him ...
Mrs. Schnaase. With whom, pray tell?
Mrs. von Tiedemann. The man with whom she is standing there.
Mrs. Schnaase. Why that is young Mr. Warkentin.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Pst. They are coming. (Quite subdued.) Later she married her husband out of spite, because she did not get him!
Mrs. Schnaase (squints curiously at Antoinette). To think that she would still talk to him!
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Heavens, what does she care! (To Dr. Bodenstein, who is quietly conversing with Mertens at the fireplace.) Doctor, just a word!
Dr. Bodenstein. At your service, madam! (He straightens up promptly and hastens to her.)