Brauer.
But Marie?
Gertrude.
Oh, of course--not as well as she--you must have patience with me,
papa!
Brauer.
Why certainly, my pet! [_Embraces her_.] And now, let me see--how many
days are you left to me?
Gertrude.
Only four more days, papa.
Brauer.
Now, you rascal! must you leave me? must you go and marry, eh? must
you?
Gertrude.
But papa, dear, it is all your own arrangement!
Brauer.
Of course, of course! what is a poor old man to do? Have you seen
George this morning? [Gertrude _shakes her head_.] Such sloth! He does
nothing but sleep, sleep, sleep.
Gertrude.
He worked until very late last night, papa. At dawn this morning I saw
his light still burning; and then it was past three o'clock.
Brauer.
Yes, I must admit, he is diligent and industrious--but also
stubborn--damned stubborn. [_The last is said almost to himself.
Aloud_.] Has mama been down?
Gertrude.
No, not yet.
Brauer.
And Marie? has she returned?
Gertrude.
She arrived by the early morning train.
Brauer.
And how nearly finished is the lover's nest, eh?
Gertrude.
Only one more trip to the city, I believe she said.
Brauer.
Well, and do you like the arrangement?
Gertrude.
I don't know, papa dear. I am kept entirely in the dark. It is to be a
surprise to me. Oh, I will like it very much indeed, I think.
Brauer.
And are you happy, my pet?
Gertrude.
Oh, papa, dear, I sometimes feel as if I didn't deserve all this
happiness.
Brauer.
Well, my dear, a housewife who calls these soft-boiled eggs, certainly
does not deserve such happiness.
Gertrude.
[_Embarrassed_.] I only boiled them about three-quarters of an hour----
Brauer.
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Gertrude.