Paul (looks at her). Yes, there is no help for it, madam. (Escorts her through the passage to the table.)
Laskowski (following them). And I, old boy. Where am I to go?
Paul (grimly). Wherever you please! The world is wide and there is room for all. (He leads Antoinette around the table to her place.)
Laskowski. I guess the shortest way is the best! I'm going to sit right here. (He sits down beside Mrs. von Tiedemann, all the rest have also gradually taken their places. The order at the visible central portion of the table is as follows, from left to right: Outside, Kunze, Laskowski, Mrs. von Tiedemann, Director Mertens, Mrs. Schnaase; opposite these inside, Mrs. Borowski, Paul, Antoinette, Mr. von Tiedemann, Dr. Bodenstein. During the whole of the following scene they are eating and drinking. Lene and Fritz, in livery, move to and fro, serving. Aunt Clara comes in and goes out as the occasion demands. She has her seat with those who are hidden and whose voices are only heard at times. At first the conversation remains subdued.)
Kunze (rises). Ladies and gentlemen! Before sitting down at the board, to regale ourselves with food and drink, does it not involve upon us to devote a few words to the memory of the beloved deceased, whose mortal remains we have today conducted to the last resting place. And how can we do that more fittingly, ladies and gentlemen, than by recalling the words recorded in holy writ. Ladies and gentlemen, what are the words of the psalmist? The days of our years are three-score years and ten; and if, by reason of strength, they be four-score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away! Ladies and gentlemen! He who no longer dwells in our midst in the body, but whose spirit is looking down upon all of us, the beloved deceased, may he rest in peace.
[Silence. Short pause as they continue to eat.]
Laskowski (the first to finish his soup, leans back). A soup like that does warm a fellow up.
von Tiedemann. Especially when you have been out in your sleigh for nearly two hours.
Laskowski. And then a full hour at the cemetery on top of it.
Mrs. von Tiedemann (quickly). But the sermon was really touching. From the very heart. Any one who had known the dead man ...