ll 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 Bob has withdrawn._) Now don't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?

LULU. The circus.

SCHIGOLCH. How much does he get?

LULU. Ask him if it interests you. (_To Bob._) Shut the doors. (_Bob
goes out lower left, shutting the door behind him._)

SCHIGOLCH. (_Sitting down._) The truth is, I'm in need of money. I've
hired a flat for my mistress.

LULU. Have you taken another mistress here, too?

SCHIGOLCH. She's from Frankfort. In her youth she was mistress to the
King of Naples. She tells me every day she was once very bewitching.

LULU. (_Outwardly with complete composure._) Does she need the money
very badly?

SCHIGOLCH. She wants to fit up her own apartments. Such sums are of
no account to *you*. (_Lulu is suddenly overcome with a fit of
weeping._)

LULU. (_Flinging herself at Schigolch._) O God Omnipotent!

SCHIGOLCH. (_Patting her._) Well? What is it now?

LULU. (_Sobbing violently._) It's too horrible!

SCHIGOLCH. (_Draws her onto his knee and holds her in his arms like a
little child._) Hm--You're trying to do too much, child. You must go
to bed, now and then, with a story.--Cry, that's right, cry it all
out. It used to shake you just so fifteen years ago. Nobody ha