[_Gazing at it_.] Oh, look! The dear old lamp! [_The women go slowly out_.]

SCHWARTZE.

[_Stretching out his hands_.] This is your greatest work, Pastor.

HEFFTERDINGT.

Oh, don't, I beg you! And there's a condition attached.

SCHWARTZE.

A condition?

HEFFTERDINGT.

We must not ask about her life.

SCHWARTZE.

[_Startled_.] What? What? I must, not--

HEFFTERDINGT.

No, no; you must not ask--you must not ask--or-- [_Struck by a new thought_.] If you do not--yes--I am sure she will confess everything herself.

ACT III.

Scene: _the same. Morning. On the table at the left, coffee-service and flowers._

[Mrs. Schwartze _and_ Franziska _discovered_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_Excitedly_.] Thank Heaven, you've come. Such a time we've had this morning!

FRANZISKA.

So?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Just think, two people have come from the hotel,--a gentleman who looks like a lord, and a young lady like a princess. They're her servants.

FRANZISKA.

What extravagance!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

And they're calling and talking all over the house, and neither of them knows any German. And her ladyship ordered a warm bath, that was not warm enough; and a cold douche, which was not cold enough; and spirits, which she simply poured out of the window; and toilet vinegar, which we didn't have at all.

FRANZISKA.

What demands! And where is your famous young lady?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

After her bath she has gone back to bed again.

FRANZISKA.

I would not have such sloth in my house.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

I shall tell her so. For Leopold's sake-- [_Enter_ Theresa.] What do you want, Theresa?

THERESA.

Councillor von Keller--he has sent his servant here to ask whether the Lieutenant has come yet, and what is the young lady's answer.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What young lady?

THERESA.

That's what I don't know.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Then just give our regards, and say that the Lieutenant has not come yet.

FRANZISKA.

He is on duty till twelve. After that he'll come.

[_Exit_ Theresa. _As she opens the door, a great noise is heard in the hall,--a man's voice and a woman's disputing in Italian_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Listen to that! [_Speaking outside_.] Just you wait. Your Signora'll be here soon. [_Shuts the door_.] Ah! And now, breakfast. What do you think she drinks?

FRANZISKA.