Brauer.
Gertrude, come here. Now remember, my dear, such conduct is not at all
becoming to a full-grown young lady.
Gertrude.
My dear, sweet papa, I am so ashamed of myself--I--I'll never do it
again--never. But it's so funny--ha, ha, ha! he is gone on Marie----
Mrs. Brauer.
My dear, remember you are now a bride and it would be far more proper
to say----
George.
Smitten with her?
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Somewhat reproachfully_.] George!!!
Brauer.
Sh, sh--silence!
[_During following scene_, Marie _noiselessly clears off the
table_.]
Pastor.
[_Enters_.] I should not have dared to annoy the ladies at this early
hour, if----
Brauer.
[_Laughingly_.] Eight o'clock is not so very early in the country, my
dear Pastor; you will soon learn that here.
Mrs. Brauer.
And how is the good old pastor?
Pastor.
[_Doubtfully shrugging his shoulders_.] Well!
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Alarmed_.] He is not worse, I hope?
Pastor.
At the age of eighty, my dear lady, one cannot be said to be growing
stronger.
Brauer.
Ah, I see, Pastor, you are somewhat of a philosopher. Will you take
something?
Pastor.
You are very kind. A good glass of brandy is half the morning sun.
Brauer.
Now that is a manly word, Pastor.
Pastor.