_SECOND SCENE_.

THE SAME. MAJOR VON DROSSE (_about fifty, tall, broad-shouldered, rather stout. Dark-grayish full beard parted in the middle, waving right and left over his shoulders. In the full, well-browned face with flashing eyes and bushy eyebrows, there are energy and abundant vitality, controlled by the self-command and chivalric manner of an old officer. Brief in speech, domineering, but never without a gleam of inner kindness_).

Major.

Afternoon, Agnes!

Agnes.

Afternoon, uncle!

Major.

(_Goes to the table, examines the letters, sits down and looks straight before him for a little while_.) Wilhelm!

Wilhelm.

What does the Major wish?

Major.

Stephan is to come at once to the castle.

Wilhelm.

Very well, Major. (_Exit_.)

Major.

Agnes, my child, just listen to me ... You are a reasonable creature ... One that I can talk to.... So the rascal has again not written.

He should have come to us, day before yesterday. Has made no excuses--doesn't write--nothing. That has not happened during the six years that he has been away from home. I ordered him most strictly to send a letter, or at least a card, every day--for with her illness, your aunt must be guarded against the slightest anxiety or excitement.

He knows that, and moreover has always observed it conscientiously. I can't any longer be responsible for your aunt and her weakened heart.

Unless we use every means to keep her in her--visionary life, she will go to pieces.

Agnes.

Uncle!

Major.

We must make up our minds to that, Agnes. Really, I do what I can.

Yesterday I even forged a telegram to her--you know that, eh! I did intend to write to his intimate friend Hallerpfort, but thought better of it. I shall drive into town directly after dark. Without your aunt knowing it, of course--for now, during the harvest, that would upset her still more. So you will stay all night with her, and er--well, the rest I will arrange with Stephan.

Agnes.

Very well, dear uncle.

Major.

Just come here, girl, look me in the face ... We two know each other and ... Eh?

(Agnes _casts down her eyes_.)

Major.

Now see, I know very well that for two years you have been secretly corresponding with Fritz.

Agnes.

Uncle! (_Presses her hands to her face_.)

Major.

There, that will do, that will do, that will do.... You can well believe, if I had been opposed to it on principle, I should have long since put an end to the business, shouldn't I?... But there are things--well, in short, that you don't understand. Well, I should not have begun about the matter to-day, but necessity knows no law, eh? And if I go to see him this evening, I don't wish to grope altogether in the dark.... So--on the basis of what has just been said--have you, perhaps, by any chance had a letter from him?

Agnes.

No, uncle!

Major.

Hm!

Agnes (_hesitating, embarra.s.sed_).

For some time we have not corresponded.

Major.

So?--Ho, ho ...! Who is to blame for that?

Agnes.

Ah, let us not talk about that, uncle. But from another quarter, I have had news of him.

Major.

When?

Agnes.

Yesterday.

Major.

And that you have----?