Ugh, that frightful clarinet!
Rorlund: It is really high time the police interfered.
Bernick: Oh no; we must not be too hard on foreigners. Of course
these folk have none of the deep-seated instincts of decency
which restrain us within proper bounds. Suppose they do behave
outrageously, what does it concern us? Fortunately this spirit of
disorder, that flies in the face of all that is customary and
right, is absolutely a stranger to our community, if I may say
so--. What is this! (LONA HESSEL walks briskly in from the door
on the right.)
The Ladies (in low, frightened tones): The circus woman! The
manager's wife!
Mrs.Bernick: Heavens, what does this mean?
Martha (jumping up): Ah--!
Lona: How do you do, Betty dear! How do you do, Martha! How do
you do, brother-in-law!
Mrs.Bernick (with a cry): Lona--!
Bernick (stumbling backwards): As sure as I am alive--!
Mrs.Holt: Mercy on us--!
Mrs.Rummel: It cannot possibly be--!
Hilmar: Well! Ugh!
Mrs.Bernick: Lona--! Is it really--?
Lona: Really me? Yes, indeed it is; you may fall on my neck if
you like.
Hilmar: Ugh, ugh!
Mrs.
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