Gertrude.

For you see, I am still so young--and think, how ill-mannered I was only this morning! I was so sorry afterwards--but I do love to laugh.

[_Laughs_.]

Marie.

[_With strange y desperate tone of voice_.] And you shall laugh--laugh--laugh--so--so!!!!!!!

Gertrude.

Mama, too, insists that my love for him is only that of a child and not of a woman and a bride; but you see she would rather I'd not marry at all and so remain at home with her all my life. But you will be good to her, won't you? You will soon be her only one.

Marie.

I----?

Gertrude.

Why yes!

Marie.

I shall soon know whose only one I am!

Gertrude.

What are you saying?

Marie.

[_As_ George _enters_.] There he is!

[Gertrude _runs towards him_. Marie _takes a few steps, then hesitates and stops_.]

Gertrude.

[_Pulling him, as she runs towards him_.] Oh, George!!! [_Then_]

Confound you!

George.

[_Reproachfully_.] _Gertrude!!!!!!_

Gertrude.

[_Crushed_.] Why, what did I say?

George.

[_Lovingly_.] Now listen to me, little one. Such language may be excusable in your papa, but never in my bride.

Gertrude.

[_Pouting_.] Everything I say seems to displease you. You never find fault with Marie! You can go and marry her!!!

George.

Marie does not want to marry me.

Marie.

My very best thanks, George!

George.

For what?

Marie.

[_Picking up bouquet_.] For this!

George.

Oh, don't mention it.

Marie.

Were you out in the fields?

George.

Yes.

Gertrude.

Yes, papa is angry with you, too. He is looking for you!

George.

Oh yes--I know----! Well?

Marie.

In what direction did you go?

George.

I have been everywhere.