Theresa.—God, this is dreadful. We must help each other—this man has the audacity to tell me this so quietly because he knows of my sins. You are an evil and dangerous fellow.
Valenta.—No, Gnädige, I am not.
Theresa.—Prove it then, swear that you will never utter a word, and that you will go away and never cross my husband’s or my path.
Valenta.—But, Gnädige Frau, I am a poor, miserable man. My enemies have ruined me. I have nothing to eat. I am penniless.
Theresa.—So that’s the game. (Goes into adjoining room.) Wait (Short pause. She returns presently with a roll of bank notes.) There you are. There’s more there than you expected.
Valenta (just glances at the bank notes, then quickly puts them into his coat pocket).—God bless you, Gnädige Frau.
Theresa.—Now, go quickly and don’t let me hear from you again.
Valenta.—No—no. I’ll leave the city to-day, and you shall never see me again.
Theresa.—Thank God for that.
Valenta.—You have saved a destitute man, Gnädige Frau. (He takes her hand and wants to kiss it; she quickly withdraws it and points to the door.)
Theresa.—Go!—and quickly
(Valenta exit.)
Theresa (sighs). That’s over, God! Now for a new, clean life. (Calls.) Mary! Is there no one here? (Calls.) Mary! (Runs from one door to another excitedly.) Always alone—always. (Presses bell-button nervously, and continuously.) God! (She clenches her hands and brings one to her lips.)
Mary.—You rang, Gnädige Frau?
Theresa.—Where have you been all this time? There’s no one in the whole house. Nice order! A strange man walks
