MORITZ.

That might happen with animals----

MELCHIOR.

I believe the same of human beings. I a.s.sure you, Moritz, if your boys sleep in the same bed with the girls, and the first emotion of manhood comes unexpectedly to them--I should like to wager with anyone----

MORITZ.

You may be right--but after all----

MELCHIOR.

And when your girls reached the same age it would be the same with them! Not that the girls exactly--one can't judge that the same, certainly--at any rate, it is supposable--and then their curiosity must not be left out of account.

MORITZ.

A question, by the way----

MELCHIOR.

Well?

MORITZ.

But you will answer?

MELCHIOR.

Naturally!

MORITZ.

Truly?!

MELCHIOR.

My hand on it.----Now, Moritz?

MORITZ.

Have you written your composition yet??

MELCHIOR.

Speak right out from your heart!----n.o.body sees or hears us here.

MORITZ.

Of course, my children will have to work all day long in yard or garden, or find their amus.e.m.e.nt in games which are combined with physical exercise. They must ride, do gymnastics, climb, and, above all things, must not sleep as soft as we do. We are weakened frightfully.----I believe one would not dream if one slept harder.

MELCHIOR.

From now until fall I shall sleep only in my hammock. I have shoved my bed back of the stove. It is a folding one. Last winter I dreamed once that I flogged our Lolo until he couldn't move a limb. That was the most gruesome thing I ever dreamed.----Why do you look at me so strangely?

MORITZ.

Have you experienced it yet?

MELCHIOR.

What?

MORITZ.

How do you say it?

MELCHIOR.

Manhood's emotion?

MORITZ.

M--'hm.

MELCHIOR.

Certainly!

MORITZ.

I also ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

MELCHIOR.

I've known that for a long while!----Almost for a year.

MORITZ.

I was startled as if by lightning.

MELCHIOR.

Did you dream?

MORITZ.

Only for a little while--of legs in light blue tights, that strode over the teacher's desk--to be correct, I thought they wanted to go over it. I only saw them for an instant.