102
THE PRIME MINISTER
Otto.
In flames. I've just seen it fall.
Others.
In flames?
Otto.
A flaming ball of fire.
[A low murmur, half moan, half growl.
Doctor.
God pity the poor brave souls who have perished
in it!
Fritz.
And God punish the incarnate fiends who killed
them! [The sound of cheering comes from without—faint and far away—as if the whole city were shouting in joy.] Listen! Shouting, cheering, rejoicing!
Hoffmann.
Yet we are " the barbarians"!
[Derisive laughter about the table.
Doctor.
Come, let us get on then. Has Margaret arrived?
Otto.
Not yet, sir.
Doctor.
Where are your aunt and Freda?
Otto
In auntie's bedroom.
