Frau von Drosse.

No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news?

(Agnes _shakes her head_.)

Frau von Drosse (_sighing_).

Ah, yes.

Agnes.

Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will soon be here himself.

Frau von Drosse.

Yes, if things happened according to presentiments!

_SIXTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. MAJOR. WILHELM.

Major.

Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what is it then? What is it then?

Frau von Drosse.

Ah, Richard, you surely know.

Major.

Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? Many a time I didn't write for four weeks.

Wilhelm (_who is handing the coffee_).

Yes, Major.

Major.

And were you at all worried then?

Wilhelm.

Yes, Major.

Major.

Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story.

Frau von Drosse.

Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy.

Major.

Yes?

Frau von Drosse.

Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder....

Major.

So far as they wish to get married--no.

Frau von Drosse.

But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.

Major.

Ah, the poor devil! And for that purpose, one of the kind.... Who then is it?

Frau von Drosse.

Why! You surely know her ... Frau von Lanski of Steinhof.

(Agnes _winces_.)

Major.

Ah, indeed--well, to be sure, hm--that is quite probable.

Frau von Drosse.

Their estate is quite close to the city ... There he could always go in the evenings ... If only the husband were not so rude. I should be afraid of him.

Major.

Well, you are not a lieutenant of hussars, darling.

Agnes.

Won't you drink your coffee, aunt? It will be quite cold.

Frau von Drosse.