DOBLER. When any one spoke to me it sounded as if he stood a great
distance off--a great distance.

FRAU BOLLAND. Our set never dreams of such things.

BEERMANN. How did it all turn out?

DOBLER. What do you mean?

BEERMANN. Well, in the end you got something to eat again?

DOBLER. Finally I fainted; I was found lying in a meadow, and was
taken to the hospital.

FRAU BEERMANN [sighing]. Are such things still possible in our
day?

FRAU BOLLAND. What can you expect--of these idealists! DR. HAUSER.
They deserve nothing better.

BEERMANN. And after you were in the hospital--how did you get
out?

DOBLER. As soon as I got stronger. Later on I became a printer--
found a position--studied and published my book.

BEERMANN. That's all in your novel, I know. But the part where you
describe how you were a tramp--that's not true?

DOBLER. Yes, I "hoboed" almost a whole year.