Marie, you have sworn falsely!!!

Marie.

[_Shrugging her shoulders_.] Will you do as I ask?

George.

'Tis well! I will do as you ask!!!!

[_Curtain_.]

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

ACT TWO

_The same scene as Act I_.

[Marie, _seated, with some linen in her lap, at the sewing-machine, looking dreamily out of the window_.]

Housekeeper Katie.

[_In door R_.]

May I come in, Miss Marie?

Marie.

Oh, is that you? Yes, come in!

Katie.

I see you are working on Miss Gertrude's wedding outfit. How beautiful, fit for a princess. But what I wanted to ask you: Madame has given me the menu for the wedding feast, and as to fish, it calls for carp. Now you know I am economical, but carp--common carp----

Marie.

Why, carp is a very fine fish----

Katie.

Oh yes, and good enough for--say--your wedding feast; but not good enough for Miss Gertrude.

Marie.

For my wedding feast even carp is too good.

Katie.

Oh no; carp is not too good for you, though it may be good enough--and do you know I will prepare a special Polish sauce--but Miss Gertrude--she must have deep sea fish. Now will you see Madame about that, please?

Marie.

Very well, I will speak to mama about it.

Katie.

And you are not offended?

Marie.

Oh no!

Katie.

For, after all, you know, you are only a foundling.

Marie.

Oh yes, I know.

Katie.

But we all love you, Miss Marie, and----

Marie.

Thank you. But have you seen Mr. von Harten this morning?

Katie.

No, I have not! But I have some good news for you--the a.s.sistant pastor has fallen deeply in love with you.

Marie.

Yes?

Katie.

And he is going to ask for your hand!!! I always said you were a lucky girl. Just think, you may be a St. John's-bride.

Marie.

And what is a St. John's-bride?

Katie.