Pastor.

Unfortunately!!!

Brauer.

But to come back to my nephew----

Pastor.

Pardon me, another question. What became of the mother?

Brauer.

Ah, that is a bad story--and just to-day----

Pastor.

Yes----

Brauer.

Oh--nothing, nothing. Anyway--that woman really did return, and as we did not want the child to see her, we gave her more money. Of course she remembered that and so finally she became a positive plague.

Mrs. Brauer.

Oh, Henry, I have often thought since, perhaps a mother's heart prompted her----

Brauer.

You think so, eh? Then perhaps a mother's heart also prompted her to steal at the same time! for every time she honored us with a visit, something or other disappeared, until I grew suspicious, had her watched, she was caught red-handed--and, of course, a long term in prison was the result.

Pastor.

And the girl--does she know or suspect anything at all?

Mrs. Brauer.

We told her, her mother was dead. But one day she really did see her.

Pastor.

How did that misfortune happen?

Mrs. Brauer.

It was on her confirmation day, just as the girls left the church in a body, when we heard a cry. What had happened? Why, that woman had been lying in wait for the procession; when suddenly she appeared, seized her child, and kneeling before her in the road, pa.s.sionately covered her hands and feet with kisses.

Pastor.

[_Shuddering_.] Horrible!!!!!!

Mrs. Brauer.

I tore the child from her arms, of course, and carried her into the house. We had to make some kind of an explanation; a drunken vagabond, I told her! Did she believe it?--H'm?--Then she fell ill----

Pastor.

And how is it now?

Brauer.

[_Humorously_.] Why, Pastor, you seem very much interested.

George.

[_Enters_. Gertrude _follows him in_.] I presume I am pretty well done by this time.

Brauer.

We haven't even started with your case. The pastor is interested in something of far greater importance.

Pastor.

[_With meaning and moved_.] You must not believe that, Mr. von Harten; but there are lives whose fates are surrounded by so much mystery---- [_with a glance at_ Marie, _who enters L. with package of linen_.]

George.

[_Who follows his glance_.] Yes, yes, you are right.

Pastor.

If you will allow me, I will call again about the sermon.

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Giving him her hand_.] Pastor, you know you are always welcome in this house.

Brauer.

Give my regards to our good old pastor. Towards evening we will see him, as usual.

Pastor.

Oh, I had almost forgotten! He desires me to ask you kindly, should you again favor him with eggnog, to please add a little more sugar, for the last was a trifle tart.

Mrs. Brauer.

Why, of course, the poor old soul.