Same as before. The elevator boy. Two chambermaids. A scrubwoman. MÜller. proprietor of the hotel. The valet.

Elevator Boy (enters, looks at Gerardo and at Helen). Mr.—Mr. Gerardo! (Gerardo does not move. Boy steps up to Helen. Two chambermaids and a scrubwoman, scrubber in hand, edge their way in hesitatively and step up to Helen. )

Scrubwoman (after a pause). She's still alive.

Gerardo (jumps up, rushes to the door and runs into the proprietor. Pulls him forward). Send for the police! I must be arrested! If I leave now, I am a brute and if I remain, I am ruined, for it would be a breach of contract. (Looking at his watch.) I still have a minute and ten seconds left. Quick! I must be arrested within that time!

MÜller. Fritz, get the nearest policeman!

Elevator Boy. Yes, Sir!

MÜller. Run as fast as you can! (Exit elevator boy. To Gerardo.) Don't let it upset you, Mr. Gerardo. That kind of thing is an old story with us here.

Gerardo (kneels down beside Helen, takes her hand). Helen! She's still alive! She's still alive! (To MÜller. ) If I am arrested, it counts as a legal excuse. How about my trunks?—Is the carriage at the door?

MÜller. Has been there the last twenty minutes, Sir. (Goes to the door and lets in the valet who carries down one of the trunks.)

Gerardo (bending over Helen). Helen!—(In an undertone.) It can't hurt me professionally. (To MÜller. ) Haven't you sent for a physician yet?

MÜller. The doctor has been 'phoned to at once. Will be here in just a minute, I am sure.

Gerardo (putting his arms under Helen's and half raising her). Helen!—Don't you recognize me, Helen?—Come now, the physician will be here in just a moment!—Your Oscar, Helen!—Helen!

Elevator Boy (in the open door). Can't find a policeman anywhere!

Gerardo (forgets everything, jumps up, lets Helen fall back to the floor). I must sing "Tristan" tomorrow! (Colliding with several pieces of furniture, he rushes out through the centre door.)