Marie.
The St. John's night oppresses me!
Pastor.
That will soon be over.
Marie.
Would that it were over now!
Pastor.
Perhaps the thought of traveling alone at night has something to do
with it?
Marie.
Oh! [_Recovering herself--lightly_.] You are right, Pastor; but it
can't be helped!
Pastor.
Shall I come with you? Oh, I'll find something to be done in the city.
I won't even have to ask permission. Anyway, I am longing for a glimpse
of the good old town. I will inform the old pastor--I don't think he
has retired as yet----
Marie.
Then please tell him---- I usually visit him myself every day, but now,
just before the wedding, it's impossible for me to call. Will you
please tell him that? I am so fond of him! Tell him that, and in
thought I kiss his hand.
Pastor.
Certainly. And may I accompany you!
Marie.
No, thank you. Pastor!
Pastor.
Now let us speak openly, Miss Marie. I have been watching you all the
evening. You appear to me--what shall I call it--like a mouse before a
cat! You need a protector; some one in whom you can confide, some
one----
Marie.
And so you would like to be my father confessor! Eh, Pastor?
Pastor.
You know very well we do not have that institution in the Protestant
Church, though at times it might prove a blessing----
Marie.
[_Mischievously_.] And then again it might not?
Pastor.