FRAN.

I advise nothing. But certainly he goes rather too far.

MAJ. T. (approaching to interrupt them).

You are angry, Madam.

MIN. (ironically).

I? Not in the least.

MAJ. T.

If I loved you less!!!!!

MIN. (still in the same tone).

Oh! certainly, it would be a misfortune for me. And hear, Major, I also will not be the cause of your unhappiness. One should love with perfect disinterestedness. It is as well that I have not been more open! Perhaps your pity might have granted to me what your love refuses.

(Drawing the ring slowly from her finger.)

MAJ. T.

What does this mean, Madam?

MIN.

No, neither of us must make the other either more or less happy. True love demands it. I believe you, Major; and you have too much honour to mistake love.

MAJ. T.

Are you jesting, Madam?

MIN.

Here! take back the ring with which you plighted your troth to me.

(Gives him the ring.) Let it be so! We will suppose we have never met.

MAJ. T.

What do I hear?

MIN.

Does it surprise you? Take it, sir. You surely have not been pretending only!

MAJ. T. (takes the ring from her).

Heavens! can Minna speak thus?

MIN.

In one case you cannot be mine; in no case can I be yours. Your misfortune is probable; mine is certain. Farewell!

(Is going.)

MAJ. T.

Where are you going, dearest Minna?

MIN.

Sir, you insult me now by that term of endearment.

MAJ. T.

What is the matter, Madam? Where are you going?

MIN.

Leave me. I go to hide my tears from you, deceiver!

(Exit.)

SCENE VII.

Major von Tellheim, Franziska

MAJ. T.

Her tears? And I am to leave her.

(Is about to follow her.)

FRAN. (holding him back).

Surely not, Major. You would not follow her into her own room!

MAJ. T.

Her misfortune? Did she not speak of misfortune?

FRAN.

Yes, truly; the misfortune of losing you, after!!!!!

MAJ. T.

After? After what? There is more in this. What is it, Franziska? Tell me! Speak!

FRAN.

After, I mean, she has made such sacrifices on your account.

MAJ. T.

Sacrifices for me!

FRAN.

Well, listen. It is a good thing for you, Major, that you are freed from your engagement with her in this manner.--Why should I not tell you? It cannot remain a secret long. We have fled from home. Count von Bruchsal has disinherited my mistress, because she would not accept a husband of his choice. On that every one deserted and slighted her.

What could we do? We determined to seek him, whom!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Enough! Come, and let me throw myself at her feet.

FRAN.

What are you thinking about! Rather go, and thank your good fortune.

MAJ. T.

Pitiful creature! For what do you take me? Yet no, my dear Franziska, the advice did not come from your heart. Forgive my anger!

FRAN.

Do not detain me any longer. I must see what she is about. How easily something might happen to her. Go now, and come again, if you like.

(Follows Minna.)