‘Thea, your Thea! Do you know that she goes to bed with all your friends, with anyone she picks up in the street, completely indiscriminately, like a common whore? Do you know, yes or no? Do you know that she was having an affair with her boss, Dr Ostwald, when you met her; and she’s never stopped since? Do you know that she makes fun of you, in front of you and behind your back, that she brags of all her exploits in public, in the café, to all your friends? They know everything! Every detail of your lives together and her own intimate life — and from her own mouth! They know that she hits you, that the baby wasn’t yours — everything! She sits there and exposes you to the world with a cynicism that has to be heard to be believed! I could have killed her without batting an eyelid! She’s a monster! Tell me — where did you sleep a few nights ago?’

‘I … I … at h-home …’

‘At home? You’re lying! You didn’t sleep at home for two nights in a row! She threw you out of the house!’

‘H-how do you kn-know?’

‘How do I know? Everybody knows! Your wife, Thea, told the story in the café! And she laughed in delight, your darling wife! You should be ashamed to the depths of your soul! It’s a disgrace to exchange a single word with a woman like her!’