Gertrude.

Yes! I suppose so!

Marie.

Shall I ask him?

Gertrude.

Oh, if you would do that for me----

Marie.

There now, it is done. Here is the comb and the rest of the hairpins.

Now go!

Gertrude.

And do you really think he would tell you?

Marie.

I am sure he will.

Gertrude.

Oh, Marie, how grateful I shall be to you----

Marie.

[_Pushes her out of the door_.] Go now, go! [_Stretches herself_.]

Ah--ah--ah---- [_Calls softly_.] George! [_There is a knock at the door_.] Come in!

Paul.

[_Enters_.] Pardon me, Miss Marie; is Mr. Brauer in?

Marie.

No, Mr. Paul!

Paul.

The a.s.sistant pastor would like to speak to him--but here he is, himself.

Pastor.

[_Enters_.] Good-morning, Miss Marie!

Marie.

[_Offers her hand hesitatingly_.] Good-morning!

Pastor.

I will wait here, Mr. Paul!

Paul.

Then, Miss Marie, will you please give me the key to the cellar? I want to put the beer on the ice.

Marie.

[_Gets key from keyboard_.] Here it is.

Paul.

Thank you!

[_Exit_.]

[_Pause_.]

Pastor.

And have you nothing to say to me?

Marie.

What shall I say, Pastor?

Pastor.

Are you not happy this day?

Marie.

[_Hard_.] No!

Pastor.

Not even on account of our betrothal?

Marie.

We will have no betrothal, Pastor!

Pastor.