Now I am sleepy, so if you have any more fantastic visions
keep them till to-morrow.
CAPTAIN. First, a word more about realities. Do you hate me?
LAURA. Yes, sometimes, when you are a man.
CAPTAIN. This is like race hatred. If it is true that we are
descended from monkeys, at least it must be from two separate
species. We are certainly not like one another, are we?
LAURA. What do you mean to say by all this?
CAPTAIN. I feel that one of us must go under in this struggle.
LAURA. Which?
CAPTAIN. The weaker, of course.
LAURA. And the stronger will be in the right?
CAPTAIN. Always, since he has the power.
LAURA. Then I am in the right.
CAPTAIN. Have you the power already then?
LAURA. Yes, and a legal power with which I shall put you under the
control of a guardian.
CAPTAIN. Under a guardian?
LAURA. And then I shall educate my child without listening to your
fantastic notions.
CAPTAIN. And who will pay for the education when I am no longer
here?
LAURA. Your pension will pay for it.
CAPTAIN [Threateningly]. How can you have me put under a guardian?
LAURA [Takes out a letter]. With this letter of which an attested
copy is in the hands of the board of lunacy.
CAPTAIN. What letter?
LAURA [Moving backward toward the door left]. Yours! Your
declaration to the doctor that you are insane. [The Captain stares
at her in silence.] Now you have fulfilled your function as an
unfortunately necessary father and breadwinner, you are not needed
any longer and you must go.
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