SCENE III.

Franziska, Major von Tellheim

FRAN.

Is it you? I thought I heard your voice. What do you want, Major?

MAJ. T.

What do I want? What is she doing? Come!

FRAN.

She is just going out for a drive.

MAJ. T.

And alone? Without me? Where to?

FRAN.

Have you forgotten, Major?

MAJ. T.

How silly you are, Franziska! I irritated her, and she was angry. I will beg her pardon, and she will forgive me.

FRAN.

What! After you have taken the ring back, Major!

MAJ. T.

Ah! I did that in my confusion. I had forgotten about the ring. Where did I put it?

(Searches for it.) Here it is.

FRAN.

Is that it?

(Aside, as he puts it again in his pocket.) If he would only look at it closer!

MAJ. T.

She pressed it upon me so bitterly. But I have forgotten that. A full heart cannot weigh words. She will not for one moment refuse to take it again. And have I not hers?

FRAN.

She is now waiting for it in return. Where is it, Major? Show it to me, do!

MAJ. T. (embarra.s.sed).

I have... forgotten to put it on. Just--Just will bring it directly.

FRAN.

They are something alike, I suppose; let me look at that one. I am very fond of such things.

MAJ. T.

Another time, Franziska. Come now.

FRAN. (aside).

He is determined not to be drawn out of his mistake.

MAJ. T.

What do you say? Mistake!

FRAN.

It is a mistake, I say, if you think my mistress is still a good match. Her own fortune is far from considerable; by a few calculations in their own favour her guardians may reduce it to nothing. She expected everything from her uncle; but this cruel uncle!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Let him go! Am I not man enough to make it all good to her again!

FRAN.

Do you hear? She is ringing; I must go in again.

MAJ. T.

I will accompany you.

FRAN.

For heaven's sake, no! She forbade me expressly to speak with you.

Come in at any rate a little time after me.

(Goes in.)

SCENE IV.

Major von Tellheim

MAJ. T. (calling after her).

Announce me! Speak for me, Franziska! I shall follow you directly.

What shall I say to her? Yet where the heart can speak, no preparation is necessary. There is one thing only which may need a studied turn ... this reserve, this scrupulousness of throwing herself, unfortunate as she is, into my arms; this anxiety to make a false show of still possessing that happiness which she has lost through me. How she is to exculpate herself to herself--for by me it is already forgiven--for this distrust in my honour, in her own worth... Ah!

here she comes.

SCENE V.

Minna, Franziska, Major von Tellheim

MIN. (speaking as she comes out, as if not aware of the Major's presence).

The carriage is at the door, Franziska, is it not? My fan!

MAJ. T. (advancing to her).

Where are you going, Madam?

MIN. (with forced coldness).

I am going out, Major. I guess why you have given yourself the trouble of coming back: to return me my ring.--Very well, Major von Tellheim, have the goodness to give it to Franziska.--Franziska, take the ring from Major von Tellheim!--I have no time to lose.

(Is going.)

MAJ. T. (stepping before her).

Madam! Ah! what have I heard? I was unworthy of such love.

MIN.

So, Franziska, you have!!!!!