Upon my life you did! But I ought not to have been such a dolt. Now I see it all clearly. I deserve a hundred lashes. You may give them to me, if you will, Major. Only no more ill will, dear Major!

MAJ. T.

Ill will!

(shaking him by the hand).

Read in my eyes all that I cannot say to you--Ah! let me see the man with a better wife and a more trusty friend than I shall have.--Eh!

Franziska?

(Exit.)

SCENE XV.

Werner, Franziska

FRAN. (aside).

Yes, indeed, he is more than good!--Such a man will never fall in my way again.--It must come out.

(Approaching Werner bashfully.) Mr. Sergeant!

WER. (wiping his eyes).

Well!

FRAN.

Mr. Sergeant!!!!!

WER.

What do you want, little woman?

FRAN.

Look at me, Mr. Sergeant.

WER.

I can't yet; there is something, I don't know what, in my eyes.

FRAN.

Now do look at me!

WER.

I am afraid I have looked at you too much already, little woman!

There, now I can see you. What then?

FRAN.

Mr. Sergeant--don't you want a Mrs. Sergeant?

WER.

Do you really mean it, little woman?

FRAN.

Really I do.

WER.

And would you go with me to Persia even?

FRAN.

Wherever you please.

WER.

You will! Hullo, Major, no boasting! At any rate I have got as good a wife, and as trusty a friend, as you.--Give me your hand, my little woman! It's a match!--In ten years' time you shall be a general's wife, or a widow!