MAGDA.

Father dear-- [_Bell rings_. Mrs. Schwartze _bursts in_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Just think! the ladies of the Committee are here! They want to congratulate us in person. Do you think we ought to offer them coffee, Leopold?

SCHWARTZE.

I will go into the garden, Augusta.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

For Heaven's sake--they're just coming--you must receive their congratulations.

SCHWARTZE.

I can't--no--I can't do it! [_Exit, left_.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What is the matter with your father?

_Enter_ Mrs. General Von Klebs, Mrs. Justice Ellrich, Mrs. Schumann, _and_ Franziska.

FRANZISKA.

[_As she opens the door_.] My dear, the ladies--

MRS. VON KLEBS.

[_Giving her hand to_ Mrs. Schwartze.] What a day for you, my dear!

The whole town rejoices in the happy event.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Permit me--my daughter--Mrs. General von Klebs, Mrs. Justice Ellrich, Mrs. Schumann.

MRS. SCHUMANN.

I am only the wife of a simple merchant; but--

MRS. VON KLEBS.

My husband will do himself the honor soon--

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Won't you sit down, ladies? [_They sit_.]

FRANZISKA.

[_With aplomb_.] Yes, it is truly a joyful event for the whole family.

MRS. VON KLEBS.

We have unfortunately not shared the pleasures of the festival, my dear young lady. I must therefore refrain from expressing that admiration to which you are so well accustomed.

MRS. SCHUMANN.

If we had known, we should certainly have ordered tickets.

MRS. VON KLEBS.

Do you expect to remain here for very long?

MAGDA.

That I really cannot say, madam--or, pardon me--your ladyship?

MRS. VON KLEBS.

I must beg you--no.

MAGDA.

Oh, pardon me!

MRS. VON KLEBS.

Oh, please!

MAGDA.

We are such birds of pa.s.sage, my dear madam, that we can really never plan for the future.

MRS. ELLRICH.

But one must have one's real home.

MAGDA.

Why? One must have a vocation. That seems to me enough.

FRANZISKA.

It's all in the point of view, dear Magda.