Mertens. Please, please, as concerns me! (He escorts Mrs. Schnaase. )
Josupeit (catches sight of Paul, suddenly assumes a funereal air). My heartfelt sympathy, Mr. Warkentin! (He seizes his hand and shakes it.)
Paul, (reserved). I thank you! Josupeit (is silent for a moment, then continues). Another man of honor gone. (Paul nods silently. Josupeit again after a brief silence.) Terribly sudden!
Paul (nods again and says). But I must not detain you, Mr. Josupeit!
Josupeit. Once more, my heartfelt sympathy!
[Josupeit and the rest go off to the rear.]
Paul (to Antoinette who has stepped forward to the right near the fireplace). You see, madam, that's the way of it! Just back from the cemetery. One buried forever, and the next moment all of their thoughts somewhere else. Joyous and of good cheer.
Antoinette (stares into the fire, bitterly). Yes, that's the way of it!
Paul. Life rolls on merrily. The dead are dead. We shall have the same fate some day, madam.
Antoinette. Of course we shall. It is immaterial to me.