Marie.

Why, I have always known it.

George.

And could you translate it readily?

Marie.

Oh, it means nothing, really--[_makes one or two attempts_.]--"here"--no!

"I look here and I look there--where may be my lover? Rid wid will dai dai--Nowhere is my lover!"

Brauer.

[_Enters during this, unseen by her, puts arms around her. She shrieks_.] There, there--[_caressing her_.] Patience, my darling, some day you will have one--perhaps very soon. Why, what's the matter, dear?

Marie.

[_Leans on him in tearless sobbing_.] Oh, you have frightened me so!

Brauer.

What is the matter with you this morning? What has happened?

Marie.

I have already told you, nothing.

Brauer.

Tut, tut! something has gone wrong! I can see it--and now, I demand that you tell me the truth.

Marie.

Well, then--yes!

Brauer.

What is it? Come, come, out with it.

Marie.

Some one attacked me.

Brauer.

Attacked you?

Marie.

Not far from here.

Brauer.

As you came from the station?

Marie.

Yes.

Brauer.

Well, I never--but everyone around here knows you and your character; how did he look? was it a vagabond?

Marie.

[_Hesitatingly._] N--No. It was--a gentleman----

Brauer.

Did he lay hands on you, or even try to touch you?

Marie.

No.

Brauer.

But you say he attacked you?

Marie.

Attacked me--yes!

Brauer.

You mean he followed you?

Marie.

Yes.

Brauer.

How far?

Marie.