MRS. VON KLEBS.

Ah, we're so far removed from all these ideas, my dear young lady.

Every now and then some person gives lectures here, but the good families have nothing to do with it.

MAGDA.

[_Politely_.] Oh, I can quite understand that. The good families need nothing, as they have plenty to eat. [_A silence_.]

MRS. ELLRICH.

But at least you must have some residence?

MAGDA.

If you call it so,--a place to sleep. Yes, I have a villa by the Lake of Como and an estate at Naples. [_Sensation_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

But you've said nothing to us about that.

MAGDA.

I hardly ever make use of them, mamma dear.

MRS. ELLRICH.

Art must be a very trying occupation?

MAGDA.

[_In a friendly tone_.] It depends upon how one follows it, my dear madam.

MRS. ELLRICH.

My daughter used to take singing-lessons, and it always taxed her very much.

MAGDA.

[_Politely_.] Oh, I'm sorry for that.

MRS. ELLRICH.

Naturally, you only do it for pleasure.

MAGDA.

Oh, it's so much pleasure! [_Aside to_ Mrs. Schwartze, _who sits near her_.] Get these women away, or I shall be rude!

MRS. VON KLEBS.

Are you really engaged by a theatre, my dear young lady?

MAGDA.

[_Very sweetly_.] Sometimes, my dear madam.

MRS. VON KLEBS.

Then you are out of an engagement at present?

MAGDA.

[_Murmurs_.] Oh, come, come! [_Aloud_.] Yes, I'm a vagabond now. [_The ladies look at each other_.]

MRS. VON KLEBS.

There are really not many daughters of good families on the stage, are there?

MAGDA.

[_In a friendly tone_.] No, my dear madam; most of them are too stupid.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Oh, Magda!

_Enter_ Max.

MAGDA.

Oh, that must be Max! [_Goes to him and shakes hands_.] Just think, I had quite forgotten your face. We were great friends, were we not?

MAX.

Were we? [_Astonished_.]

MAGDA.

Well, we can begin now.

MRS. ELLRICH.

[_Aside_.] Do you understand this?

[Mrs. Von Klebs _shrugs her shoulder. The ladies rise and take their leave, shaking hands with_ Mrs. Schwartze _and_ Franziska, _and bowing to_ Magda.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_Confused_.] Must you go already, ladies? My husband will be so sorry--