AXEL. And play the defeated lion before the triumphant chariot? No, indeed, I'll need my time to learn my part for this evening's performance.
BERTHA. Good-bye then.
AXEL. Good-bye, Bertha. Let me ask you one thing.
BERTHA. What then?
AXEL. Don't come home intoxicated. It would be more disagreeable today than ever.
BERTHA. Does it concern you how I come home?
AXEL. Well, I feel sort of responsible for you, as for a relative, considering that you bear the same name that I do, and besides, it is still disgusting to me to see a woman intoxicated.
BERTHA. Why is it any more disgusting than to see a man intoxicated?
AXEL. Yes, why? Perhaps because you don't bear being seen without a disguise.
BERTHA [Starting]. Good-bye, you old talking-machine. You won't come along?