METROPOLIS The voice of his father said: «Freder... :~ He fell on his knees. He stretched out his arms. His head fell forward into his father's hands. He burst into tears, into despairing sobs.... A door slid to. He Hung his head around. He sprang to his feet. His eyes swept the room, "Where is sheP" he asked. "WhoP" "She...." "Who-P" "She.... who was here " ""Nobody was here, Freder ," The boy's eyes glazed. "What did you say-?" he stammered. "There has not been a soul here, Freder, but you and I."
Freder twisted his head around stimy. He tugged the shirt from his throat. He looked into his father's eyes as though looking into well-shafts. • "You say there was not a soul here.... I did not see you ...• when you were holding Maria in your arms, ... I have been dreaming.... I am mad, aren't I? .. .o' "I give you my word," said Joh Fredersen, "when you came to me th?,re was neither a woman nor any other living soul here.... Freder remained silent. His bewildered eyes were still searching along the walls. "You are ill, Freder," said his father's voice. Freder smiled. Then he began to laugh. He threw himself into a chair and laughed and laughed. He bent down, resting both elbows upon his knees, burrowing his head between his hands and arms. He rocked himself to and fro, shrieking with laughter. Joh Fredersen's eyes were upon him.
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