Gertrude.
[_To_ George.] Now tell her.
George.
Marie, both Gertrude and myself insist, that you cease this endless
drudgery for our sakes; it isn't right.
[Marie, _humming, pays no heed--looks into space_.]
Gertrude.
See, she is not even listening.
Mrs. Brauer.
What's that you are singing?
Marie.
I--? Was I singing?
Mrs. Brauer.
Well then, humming.
Marie.
Oh yes, last night at the station I heard a strange song--some one in a
fourth-class coach was singing. Listen. [_Sings_.]
"Zwirio czenay, zwirio tenay--kam'mano bernyczo--Rid wid wil dai
dai--Ne'r mano bernyczo."
George.
And the Lithuanian text--you memorized it just from hearing it?
Marie.
Certainly.
George.
Well, where did you learn all that?
Marie.
Why, I have always known it.
George.
And could you translate it readily?
Marie.
Oh, it means nothing, really--[_makes one or two
attempts_.]--"here"--no!
"I look here and I look there--where may be my lover? Rid wid will dai
dai--Nowhere is my lover!"
Brauer.
[_Enters during this, unseen by her, puts arms around her. She
shrieks_.] There, there--[_caressing her_.] Patience, my darling, some
day you will have one--perhaps very soon. Why, what's the matter, dear?
Marie.
[_Leans on him in tearless sobbing_.] Oh, you have frightened me so!
Brauer.
What is the matter with you this morning? What has happened?
Marie.