MARIE standing in one corner, fearfully watching WOYZECK as he hovers nearby. Staring at her. The baby asleep in a basket.
WOYZECK … nothing. I can’t see anything. Not at all. (Squints.) It should show on you! I should be able to spot it all over you … hold it in my hands.
MARIE What’re you raving about, Franz? What’s wrong?
WOYZECK Lots of people walk past, don’t they? Down your street … and you can talk to anyone you choose. Can’t you? (Moves closer.) Did he stand here … this close to you? Oh, I wish I’d been him!
MARIE What’re you saying? I can’t stop anyone from coming past. Walking by my window …
WOYZECK And your lips, so beautiful … they’re not your fault, either, are they? (Beat.) A sin. Such a great, big, fat one like that … it stinks! Enough to knock the angels out of Heaven, and yet your lips … so red … and not a mark on them. (Cries.) Why? Why are you so beautiful, Marie? You’re as lovely as sin itself.
MARIE You’re delirious …
WOYZECK Did he stand right here? Just like this?!
MARIE Franz, the world is old … and it’s been a long day. Many people can be in one place, one after the other after the next …
WOYZECK But I can see him! Here, with you.
MARIE You can see many things … as long as you’re not blind and the sun is out.
WOYZECK … bitch!
This incenses WOYZECK, who steps toward her suddenly and raises a fist. She steps back but holds her head up. Defiant.
MARIE Don’t. (Firm.) Don’t you touch me. I’d rather have you put a knife in my guts than lay a hand on me. Not even my own father could do that lf I looked at him, not since I was ten years old. And you won’t either, not now.
WOYZECK Whore!
Slowly, though, WOYZECK drops his hand and backs away. He stares at her. Studies her as he mumbles to himself.
WOYZECK Still … it should show. Your sin. Even at the bottom of this abyss. (Beat.) She stands there, looking so innocent … but there’s a stain on you. Yes. On your robe. (Beat.) Can I be sure? Who can ever be …?
WOYZECK backs slowly away, his eyes growing wide. Exits. MARIE watches him go, then clutches her robe more tightly around herself as the baby starts to whimper. Stops.
After a moment, MARIE pulls a shawl around her shoulders and slips out through the front door.
Sound of a beer hall band growing in intensity.
Blackout.