Magda--oh, Magda!

MAGDA.

[_Taking her mantle_.] Be patient, darling. We'll have a talk soon all to our two selves. And you'll all come to breakfast with me, won't you?

We can have a good chat and love each other!--so much!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

We--breakfast with you?

MAGDA.

I want to have you all under my roof.

SCHWARTZE.

The roof of a hotel?

MAGDA.

Yes, papa dear, I have no other home.

SCHWARTZE.

And this?

MARIE.

Don't you see how you've hurt him?

_Enter the_ Pastor. _He stops, and seems to control strong emotion_.

Magda _examines him with her lorgnette_.

MAGDA.

He too! Let me see.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Just think. She is going away again!

HEFFTERDINGT.

I don't know whether I am known to the lady.

MAGDA.

[_Mockingly_.] You're too modest, Pastor. And now since I have seen you all--[_Puts on her mantle_.]

SCHWARTZE.

[_Quickly, aside_.] You must keep her.

HEFFTERDINGT.

I? If you are powerless, how can I--

SCHWARTZE.

Try!

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Constraining himself, with embarra.s.sment_.] Pardon me, madam, it seems very officious of me--if I--will you give me a few moments'

interview?

MAGDA.

What have we two to say to each other, my dear pastor?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Oh, do, please! He knows best about everything.

MAGDA.

[_Ironically_.] Indeed!

MARIE.

I may never ask you for anything again, but do this one thing for my sake!

MAGDA.

[_Patting her and looking from one to the other_.] Well, the child asks so prettily. Pastor, I am at your service. [Marie _thanks her silently_.]

FRANZISKA.

[_Aside to_ Mrs. Schwartze.] Now he'll give her a lecture. Come.

SCHWARTZE.

You were once the cause of my sending her from my home. To-day you must see to it that she remains. [Heffterdingt _expresses doubt_.]

SCHWARTZE.

Marie!

MARIE.