MIN.

Yes, yes, his sister.

JUST.

I know better; the Major has not a sister. He has sent me twice in six months to his family in Courland. It is true there are different sorts of sisters!!!!!

FRAN.

Insolent!

JUST.

One must be so to get the people to let one alone.

(Exit.)

FRAN.

That is a rascal.

LAND.

So I said. But let him go! I know now where his master is. I will fetch him instantly myself. I only beg your ladyship, most humbly, that you will make an excuse for me to the Major, that I have been so unfortunate as to offend a man of his merit against my will.

MIN.

Pray go quickly. I will set all that right again.

(Exit the Landlord.) Franziska, run after him, and tell him not to mention my name!

(Exit Franziska.)

SCENE VII.

Minna, _and afterwards_ Franziska

MIN.

I have found him again!--Am I alone?--I will not be alone to no purpose.-- (Clasping her hands.) Yet I am not alone!

(Looking upwards.) One single grateful thought towards heaven, is the most perfect prayer! I have found him! I have found him!

(With outstretched arms.) I am joyful and happy! What can please the Creator more than a joyful creature!

(Franziska returns.) Have you returned, Franziska? You pity him! I do not pity him.

Misfortune too is useful. Perhaps heaven deprived him of everything-- to give him all again, through me!

FRAN.

He may be here at any moment.--You are still in your morning dress, my lady. Ought you not to dress yourself quickly?

MIN.

Not at all. He will now see me more frequently so, than dressed out.

FRAN.

Oh! you know, my lady, how you look best.

MIN. (after a pause).

Truly, girl, you have hit it again.

FRAN.

I think women who are beautiful, are most so when unadorned.

MIN.

Must we then be beautiful? Perhaps it was necessary that we should think ourselves so. Enough for me, if only I am beautiful in his eyes.

Franziska, if all women feel as I now feel, we are--strange things.

Tender hearted, yet proud; virtuous, yet vain; pa.s.sionate, yet innocent. I dare say you do not understand me. I do not rightly understand myself. Joy turns my head.

FRAN.

Compose yourself, my lady, I hear footsteps.

MIN.

Compose myself! What! receive him composedly?

SCENE VIII.

Major von Tellheim, Landlord, Minna, and Franziska

MAJ. T. (walks in, and the moment he sees Minna rushes towards her).

Ah! my Minna!

MIN. (springing towards him).

Ah! my Tellheim!

MAJ. T. (starts suddenly, and draws back).

I beg your pardon, Fraulein von Barnhelm; but to meet you here!!!!!

MIN.

Cannot surely be so unexpected!

(Approaching him, whilst he draws back still more.) Am I to pardon you because I am still your Minna? Heaven pardon you, that I am still Fraulein von Barnhelm!

MAJ. T.

Fraulein...

(Looks fixedly at the Landlord, and shrugs his shoulders.)

MIN. (sees the Landlord, and makes a sign to Franziska).

Sir!!!!!

MAJ. T.

If we are not both mistaken!!!!!

FRAN.

Why, Landlord, whom have you brought us here? Come, quick! let us go and look for the right man.

LAND.

Is he not the right one? Surely!

FRAN.

Surely not! Come, quick! I have not yet wished your daughter good morning.

LAND.

Oh! you are very good (still does not stir).