Brauer.
There, there, I was only joking; never mind it. And Marie, I suppose,
is taking her rest now?
Gertrude.
If she only would do so. Papa, you must compel her to take a rest. No
one can endure such a strain. One day she is looking after this house,
and the next day she is in the city, furnishing our new home; and the
nights she passes on the train. I am sure she will break down.
Brauer.
Well, well, I will look after that.
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Enters from L_.] Good-morning!
Brauer.
Morning! Well?
Gertrude.
[_Throws her arms around her mother_.] Good-morning, mama dear!
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Caressing her_.] My sweet! my pet! only four more good-mornings, and
then----
Gertrude.
You must come to visit me soon, mama!
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Crying_.] Visit? ah, yes!
Brauer.
No tears now, no tears, I beg of you! Tears on an empty
stomach--b-r-r-r-r-r, that's poison.
Mrs. Brauer.
My darling, who dressed your hair last night?
Gertrude.
The housekeeper.
Mrs. Brauer.
There! I knew Marie could not have done that. But do you know--Marie--a
few moments ago I opened her door softly, to see how she was resting,
and found her still fully dressed, just as she came from the train,
seated at the open window, a book in her lap, and staring out into
space.
Brauer.
Well, well, well! I thought her passion for novels had passed away long
ago.
Mrs. Brauer.
I've been thinking--we must watch her more closely.
Brauer.
She needs no one to watch over her! She is well able to take care of
herself; but we must spare her----
Mrs. Brauer.
But, Henry, just now--three days before the wedding--who could think of
sparing one's self?
Brauer.