Oh, Magda!

MAGDA.

Yes, sweet. That's the way to go through the world,--bend or break; that is, I never bend. It's the only way.

MARIE.

Oh, good Heavens!

MAGDA.

Poor child! Yes, in this house one learns quite other views. I bent, myself, yesterday disgracefully. Ah, how nice our old mamma is!

[_Earnestly, pointing to the mother's picture_.] And she up there! Do you remember her? [Marie _shakes her head_.]

MAGDA.

[_Thoughtfully_.] She died too soon! Where's papa? I want him. And yet I'm afraid of him too. Now, child, while I eat my breakfast, now you must make your confession.

MARIE.

Oh, I can't.

MAGDA.

Just show me the locket!

MARIE.

There!

MAGDA.

A lieutenant! Naturally. With us it's always a tenor.

MARIE.

Oh. Magda, it's no joke. He is my fate.

MAGDA.

What is the name of this fate?

MARIE.

It's Cousin Max.

MAGDA.

[_Whistles_.] Why don't you many the good youth, then?

MARIE.

Aunt Frankie wants a better match for him, and so she won't give him the guaranty he needs. It's abominable!

MAGDA.

_Si! C'est bete, ca!_ And how long have you loved each other?

MARIE.

I don't remember when we did not.

MAGDA.

And where does he meet you?

MARIE.

Here.

MAGDA.

I mean elsewhere--alone.

MARIE.

We are never alone together. I think this precaution we owe to our own self-respect.

MAGDA.

Come here--close--tell me the truth--has it never entered your mind to cast this whole network of precaution and respect away from you, and to go with the man you love out and away--anywhere--it doesn't matter much--and as you lie quietly on his breast, to hurl back a scornful laugh at the whole world which has sunk behind you?

MARIE.

No, Magda, I never feel so.

MAGDA.

But would you die for him?

MARIE.

[_Standing up with a gesture of enthusiasm_.]

I would die a thousand deaths for him!

MAGDA.

My poor little darling! [_Aside_.] They bring everything to naught. The most terrible of all pa.s.sions becomes in their hands a mere resigned defiance of death.