MAGDA.

[_Coolly_.] _Au revoir_, ladies, _au revoir_!

[_Exit the ladies in the order of their rank_.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_Turning back from the door_.] Mrs. von Klebs was offended, or she would have stayed. Magda, you certainly must have offended Mrs. von Klebs.

FRANZISKA.

And the other ladies, too, were hurt.

MAGDA.

Mamma dear, won't you see about my trunk?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Yes, yes, I'll go to the hotel myself. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear!

[_Exit_.

FRANZISKA.

Wait, I'm coming too. [_Spitefully_.] I must make myself useful, of course!

MAGDA.

Oh, Aunt Frankie, a word with you.

FRANZISKA.

Now?

MAGDA.

We're going to celebrate a betrothal to-day.

FRANZISKA.

What betrothal?

MAGDA.

Between him and Marie.

MAX.

[_Joyfully_.] Magda!

FRANZISKA.

I think, as I occupy a mother's position towards him, that it is my right--

MAGDA.

No; the giver alone has rights, my dear aunt. And now don't fail.

FRANZISKA.

[_Furiously_.] I will make you-- [_Exit_.

MAX.

How shall I thank you, my dear Miss--

MAGDA.

Magda, my dear cousin, Magda!

MAX.

Pardon me, it was my great respect--

MAGDA.

Not so much respect, my boy,--I don't like it; more weight, more individuality!

MAX.

Ah, my dear cousin, should a young lieutenant with twenty-five marks'

pay, not to speak of debts, have individuality? It would only be a hindrance to him.

MAGDA.

Ah!

MAX.

If I manage my men properly, and dance a correct figure at our regimental b.a.l.l.s, and am not a coward, that is enough.

MAGDA.

To make a wife happy, certainly. Go and find her. Go along!

MAX.

[_Starts to go, and turns back_.] Oh, excuse me, in my happiness I entirely forgot the message I-- Early this morning--by-the-by, you can't think what a tumult the whole city is in about you--well, early this morning--I was still in bed--an acquaintance came in who is also an old acquaintance of yours, very pale from excitement, and he asked whether it were all true, and if he might come to see you.

MAGDA.