BOB. Well, it's really Freddy, but they call me Bob, because that's the fashion now.
KADIDIA. (_Enters hesitatingly from lower left._) I beg your pardon, can you tell me if mama is here?
PUNTSCHU. No, my dear. (_Aside._) Devil, she's got breeding!
KADIDIA. I'm hunting all over for her; I can't find her anywhere.
PUNTSCHU. Your mama will turn up again soon, as true as my name's Puntschu! (_Looking at Bob._) And that pair of breeches! God of Justice! It gets uncanny! (_He goes out, upper right._)
KADIDIA. Haven't *you* seen my mama, perhaps?
BOB. No, but you only need to come with me.
BOB. She's gone up in the lift. Come along.
BOB. We can hide up there in the corridor.
KADIDIA. No, no, I can't come, or I'll be scolded. (_Magelone, terribly excited, rushes in, upper left, and possesses herself of Kadidia._)
MAGELONE. Ha, there you are at last, you common creature!
KADIDIA. (_Crying._) O mama, mama, I was hunting for you!
MAGELONE. Hunting for me? Did I tell you to hunt for me? What have you had to do with this fellow? (_Heilmann, Alva, Ludmilla, Puntschu, Geschwitz, and Lulu enter, lower left. Bob has withdrawn._) Now don't bawl before all the people on me; look out, I tell you!
LULU. (_As they all surround Kadidia._) But you're crying, sweetheart! Why are you crying?
PUNTSCHU. By God, she's really been crying! Who's done anything to hurt you, little goddess?
LUDMILLA. (_Kneels before her and folds her in her arms._) Tell me, cherub, what bad thing has happened. Do you want a cookie? Do you want some chocolate?
MAGELONE. It's just nerves. The child's getting them much too soon. It would be the best thing if no one paid any attention to her!
PUNTSCHU. That sounds like you! You're a pretty mother! The courts'll yet take the child away from you and appoint me her guardian! (_Stroking Kadidia's cheeks._) Isn't that so, my little goddess?
GESCHWITZ. I should be glad if we started the baccarat again at last? (_All go into the card-room. Lulu is held back at the door by Bob._)
LULU. (_When Bob has whispered to her._) Certainly! Let him come in! (_Bob opens the door and lets Schigolch enter, in evening dress, his patent-leather shoes much worn, and keeping on his shabby opera hat._)
SCHIGOLCH. (_With a look at Bob._) Where d'd you get him from?
