My boy--you will soon have furlough, won't you?

Fritz.

Yes indeed, mamma! After the man[oe]uvres. Then we are free. Then we will be merry!

Frau von Drosse.

And Hallerpfort is coming with you, isn't he?

Hallerpfort.

With your permission, madam.

Major (_softly, to_ Agnes).

Take leave of him! You will never see him again!

Fritz.

(_Stretching out his hand cheerfully to her_.) Dear Ag-- (_Looks into her face, and understands that she knows. Softly, earnestly_.) Farewell, then.

Agnes.

Farewell, Fritz!

Fritz.

I love you.

Agnes.

I shall always love you, Fritz!

Fritz.

Away then, Hallerpfort! Au revoir, papa! Au revoir! Revoir! (_Starts for the door on the right_.)

Frau von Drosse.

Go by the park, boys--there I have you longer in sight.

Fritz.

Very well, mamma, we will do it! (_Pa.s.ses with_ Hallerpfort _through the door at the centre; on the terrace, he turns with a cheerful gesture, and calls once more_.) Au revoir! (_His voice is still audible_.) Au revoir!

(Frau von Drosse _throws kisses after him, and waves her handkerchief, then presses her hand wearily to her heart and sighs heavily_.)

_ELEVENTH SCENE_.

MAJOR. FRAU VON DROSSE. AGNES.

(Agnes _hurries to her, and leads her to a chair, then goes over to the_ Major, _who, with heaving breast is lost in thought_.)

Frau von Drosse.

Thank you, my darling!--Already, I am quite well again!... G.o.d, the boy! How handsome he looked! And so brown and so healthy.... You see, I saw him exactly like that last night.... No, that is no illusion! And I told you how the Emperor led him in among all the generals! And the emperor said (_More softly, looking far away with a beatific smile_.) And the Emperor said----

CURTAIN.

III

THE ETERNAL MASCULINE

A PLAY IN ONE ACT

PERSONS

The Queen.

The Marshal.

The Painter.

The Valet de Chambre.

The Marquis in Pink.

The Marquis in Pale Blue.

The Sleepy Maid of Honour.

The Deaf Maid of Honour.

A Child as Cupid.

Several other Marquises and Maids of Honour.

THE ETERNAL MASCULINE

_The scene represents a state apartment in a royal castle. On the left, a throne in baroque style. On the right, in the background a screen with a table and chairs beside it. In the centre, an easel._