_Soph._ I say no.

_Fred._ We are, indeed.

_Soph._ And again I say no. His silence made me suspect him. And you, my good girl, if you were quite satisfied with his conduct, quite so, as a sister would be with a good brother, you would, in answer to my question, have told me all that love, grat.i.tude, and benevolence, can inspire in one continued strain. You, therefore, are not, at least not particularly so, upon good terms. Whose fault can that be? I am sure not your good father's: report contradicts that; and, I think, I have partly convinced myself of it. Consequently, it is your brother's fault; and that I do not like.

_Fred._ Your suppositions crowd so upon me--

_Soph._ Not my suppositions, but truth. Had you satisfactory truth to return, you would not hesitate so much.

_Fred._ It may be easily conceived, that the difference of rank between him and us will occasion many trifling differences, for which we blame my brother more than we ought perhaps.

_Soph._ It may be so partly;--but then it should be no more than trifling, and as such ought always to be removed by him who has the advantage.

SCENE IX.

Enter GERNAU.

Gernau, startled at Frederica's dress, discovers the satin gown;--steps forward; once more looks at Frederica, bows politely to Sophia, and is going to withdraw.

_Fred._ Stay, if you please.--

_Gern._ I do not wish to intrude.

_Soph._ No ceremonies; our conversation is at an end. It is not the last we shall have, I hope. In that case it has been of use, if not to us all, most certainly to me.

Frederica is greatly embarra.s.sed, while Gernau, unable to conceal his chagrin, and to keep his countenance, examines the satin.

_Soph._ (observing both.) If I mistake not, Sir, you have a particular interest that every dress should become this amiable girl;--you certainly are of my opinion, that all the pretty things her brother has just now sent her cannot add to her charms. (Curtesies to him and to Frederica.) Good bye. (Goes.)

(Fred. attends her.)

_Soph._ (turns quick round.) If my visit has proved agreeable, I beg you will not attend me; and you, Sir, may meanwhile confirm, that I am right in my opinion of my young friend. (Exit quickly.)

SCENE X.

FREDERICA, GERNAU.

_Fred._ I shall stay then, dear Friend. What do you think of me? (Takes off her cloak and hat.)

_Gern._ I think I find you quite in the modern stile.

_Fred._ All sent by my brother.

_Gern._ Very gallant! and then the furniture, all is strange to me.

_Fred._ All from my brother.

_Gern._ What is meant? Perhaps in honour of my departure?

_Fred._ Departure!--

_Gern._ I am going to be removed from this place.

_Fred._ Where to?

_Gern._ To Freethal.

_Fred._ Gernau!

_Gern._ Yes, yes! your brother, I see, has great views concerning this house. O Frederica, I came in such a melancholy mood!--Your gaudy dress, and all this superb furniture, cast such a gloom over my mind.

_Fred._ You removed? And, when he robs my heart of all that is dear to it, he sends me satin and tinsel, and hopes by that to bribe me. What a mean opinion he must entertain of me! and how I dislike him!

_Gern._ Frederica, what is to become of me! When we shall be at so great a distance from each other; when, in obedience to my official duties, I must fly over hill and valley, your picture in my mind, and my heart beating only for you, the image of the poor huntsman will soon be effaced by the splendid objects with which you are going to be dazzled.

_Fred._ No! and away with the first temptation they have prepared for me; help me to pack up these things; they shall be returned this minute. (Takes the satin, Gernau helps her to fold it up, and they carry it to the box; she kneels down to put the gown in, whilst he holds the other end; he stoops and looks in the box, and then says,)

_Gern._ What is that?

_Fred._ (holding up the gown?) What?

_Gern._ A pocket-book!

_Fred._ Put it down. All shall go. I will keep nothing.

_Gern._ What paper is that, that sticks out there?

_Fred._ Take it.

_Gern._ (Pulls out a note.) That is not your brother's hand.

_Fred._ I have not yet seen that pocket-book.

_Gern._ Oh, very likely! (Reads.) "These dresses are destined to envelope the angel I adore; accept them as a small token of my sincere affections. _Selling._"--Take, for my last adieu, contempt, thou faithless perfidious girl! (Throws the pocket-book at her feet, and flies off.)

_Fred._ Gernau!

SCENE XI.

Enter Master CLARENBACH.

_Clar._ What is the matter here?

_Fred._ Stop him!