George.

What?--Secretly--without telling any one? Is that what you mean?

Marie.

Don't you?

George.

[_Laughs bitterly_.] No, no!

Marie.

Well, what then?

George.

Face to face, like a man. There he stands--I here. If he will give me back my word, 'tis well. If he refuses [_determined_], 'tis also well.

Marie.

My G.o.d! You know his temper! He will kill us--he will kill us both!

George.

'Tis death either way----

Marie.

George--think----

George.

Oh, I have thought of it for two days and two nights. One is madness and the other insanity. There is no other way. [_Pained_.] Only the thought of the child gives me pain----

Marie.

Of course, if your feelings for Gertrude----

George.

Then it is your desire? [_She nods a.s.sent_.] Very well! So be it! But remember, it is a question of life and death!--And, therefore, you yourself must be present.

Marie.

[_In terror_.] I?--I be present when you ask him?

George.

What?--You, who wish to become my helpmate and partner in life, and share all my life's troubles--you would desert me now--desert me in this hour?--and I very much fear, not the worst in store for us?

Marie.

No, no, George; it's not that--not that! But you know how we have feared him and have trembled for years--and now I should----

George.

If you can't even do that----

Marie.

If necessary--yes I--I will do it.

George.

Then--as soon as he returns. [Brauer _is heard breathing heavily_.] Ah, here he is!

Brauer.

[_Enters_.] Why, that is almost an old-time Biblical miracle. Just think, children, think of it---- But where is Gertrude? Well? Can't you speak?

Marie.

[_Trembling_.] I think she is dressing!

Brauer.

Well, it will interest you also, so listen: I met the a.s.sistant pastor as he came from the house here, and he told me, rather piqued, that our good old pastor had suddenly risen from his bed and limpingly insisted upon delivering the wedding discourse himself. Well--what's the matter?

Aren't you glad?

George.

H'm----

Brauer.

Of course, you are a perfect heathen! But I say, our a.s.sistant pastor must have been terribly put out. He had been preparing for that same address for days. He looked rather crestfallen; but then, there is no help for it.

George.

Pardon me, uncle; in order to save time, I must ask you for an interview.

Brauer.

What, again? Can't you wait till afternoon?

George.