Shall I lay the supper?

MARIE.

Not yet.

THERESA.

It's half-past seven.

MARIE.

And he left at half-past six. The performance must have been over long ago. She will not come.

THERESA.

Who? Is any one coming to supper?

MARIE.

No, no, no. [_As_ Theresa _is going_.] Theresa! do you suppose you could pick a couple of bouquets in the garden?

THERESA.

I might try, but I couldn't tell what I was getting. It's almost pitch dark.

MARIE.

Yes, yes. You may go.

THERESA.

Shall I try to pick the flowers, or--

MARIE.

No--thank you, no.

THERESA.

[_Aside_.] What is the matter with her?

[_Exit_.

_Enter_ Mrs. Schwartze.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Well, Marie, whatever happens I've put on my other cap,--the one with the ribbons. Is it straight?

MARIE.

Yes, mamma dear, very nice.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Hasn't Aunt Frankie come up yet?

MARIE.

No.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Heavens! I forgot the two gentlemen entirely. And papa has locked himself up, and will hear nothing and see nothing. Oh, if the General should be offended! It is our most aristocratic connection. That would be a misfortune indeed.

MARIE.

Oh, mamma dear, when he hears what is the matter!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Yes, yes, I know. And the pastor has not come either. Marie, one minute. If she should ask you--

MARIE.

Who?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Why, Magda.

MARIE.

Magda!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What am I to you, Marie? They call it stepmother. I'm more than that, am I not?

MARIE.

Certainly, mamma dear.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

You see, then I could not get used to having two such big daughters.

But it's all right now? [Marie _nods_.] And we do love each other?

MARIE.