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Page 57
Curtain.
ACT II
SCENE I
LABORATORY
[A Garden Pavilion in rococo style with high windows. In the middle
of the room there is a large writing desk on which are various
pieces of chemical and physical apparatus. Two copper wires are
suspended from the ceiling to an electroscope that is standing on
the middle of the table and which is provided with a number of
bells, intended to record the tension of atmospheric electricity.]
[On the table to the left a large old-fashioned frictional electric
generating machine, with glass plates, brass conductors, and Leyden
battery. The stands are lacquered red and white. On the right a
large old-fashioned open fireplace with tripods, crucibles,
pincers, bellows, etc.]
[In the background a door with a view of the country beyond; it is
dark and cloudy weather, but the red rays of the sun occasionally
shine into the room. A brown cloak with a cape and hood is hanging
up by the fireplace; nearby a travelling bag and an alpenstock. The
STRANGER and the MOTHER are discovered together.]
STRANGER. Where is ... Ingeborg?
MOTHER. You know that better than I.
STRANGER. With the lawyer, arranging a divorce. ...
MOTHER. Why?
STRANGER. I told you. No, it's so far-fetched, you'll think I'm
lying to you.
MOTHER. Well, tell me!
STRANGER. She wants a divorce, because I've refused to turn this
man out, although he's deranged. She says it's cowardly of me. ...
MOTHER. I don't believe it.
STRANGER. You see! You only believe what you wish; all the rest is
lies. Well, can you find it in accordance with your interests to
believe that she's been stealing my letters?
MOTHER. I know nothing of that.
STRANGER. I'm not asking you whether you know of it, but whether
you believe it.
MOTHER (changing the subject). What are you trying to do here?
STRANGER. I'm making experiments concerning atmospheric electricity.
MOTHER. And that's the lighting conductor, that you've connected to
the desk!
STRANGER. Yes. But there's no danger; for the bells would ring if
there were an atmospheric disturbance.
MOTHER. That's blasphemy and black magic. Take care! And what are
you doing there, in the fireplace?
STRANGER. Making gold.
MOTHER. You think it possible?
STRANGER. You take it for granted I'm a charlatan? I shan't blame
you for that; but don't judge too quickly. At any moment I expect
to get a sworn statement of analysis.
MOTHER. I dare say. But what are you going to do if Ingeborg
doesn't come back?
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