Brauer.
Well?
Paul.
[_Confidentially_.] The old hag has turned up again.
Brauer.
[_Alarmed_.] Wha---- The devil you say! H'm! Who--who has seen her?
Paul.
She was seen begging in the village--and last night, one of my men
observed her creeping stealthily around the sheds yonder.
Brauer.
[_Scratching his head_.] Yes, yes! I had almost forgotten. She has
served her last sentence--fully five years!--we have been free from her
annoying presence and now, she has returned. Well, what does she want?
Paul.
She has heard her daughter is about to be married, she says.
Brauer.
[_Laughs_.] _Her_ daughter? ha, ha! I see! no doubt she has learned of
Gertrude's betrothal. Well? and----
Paul.
And so she has come to get her share of the wedding-cake--so she says;
but she dare not venture here.
Brauer.
Well, I should advise her to keep a respectful distance. Take good
care, Mr. Paul, that she approaches no one of this house. Do you hear?
No one. I will see the constable myself; and perhaps we'll soon get rid
of her again. Good-morning.
Paul.