Very much, mamma dear. [_She kisses her_.]

_Enter_ Franziska.

FRANZISKA.

[_Irritably_.] One's always disturbing these affecting tableaux!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What did the General say?

FRANZISKA.

The General? H'm, he was angry enough. "To leave us alone for an hour and a half, that's nice courtesy," he said. And I think myself--

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_To_ Marie, _very sadly_.] There, what did I tell you?

FRANZISKA.

Well, this time I smoothed the thing over, so that the gentlemen went away in a good humor.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Really! Oh, I thank you, Frankie, a thousand times.

FRANZISKA.

Yes, I'm good enough to run errands and play the scullery-maid; but when it comes to being one of the family, an old aunt with her heart full of love--

MARIE.

Who has offended you, Aunt Frankie?

FRANZISKA.

Yes, that's very fine. But a little while ago, when I was so upset, no one troubled himself about me one bit. To guarantee an income so that our little miss can be married, I am--

MARIE.

Aunt Frankie!

FRANZISKA.

But as long as I live--

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What are you talking about?

FRANZISKA.

We know, we two. And to-day. Who brought back your daughter to you?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

But she hasn't yet--

FRANZISKA.

I brought back your daughter to you. And who thanks me for it? And who recognizes that I have pardoned her? For I have pardoned her [_weeping_] everything!

_Enter_ Theresa, _in great excitement_.

MARIE.

What is it, Theresa?

THERESA.

I am so frightened--

MARIE.

What's the matter?

THERESA.

The carriage--

MARIE.

What carriage?

THERESA.

The same as last night.

MARIE.

Is it there? Is it there? [_Runs to the window_.] Mamma, mamma, come, she's there--the carriage--

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Why, there _is_ a carriage.

MARIE.