_The action takes place on Herr von Drosse's estate. Time, the
present_.
_The scene represents a drawing-room on the ground floor. In the rear
are wide glass doors which stand open, and permit a view of the terrace
and splendid park lying beyond. Windows to the right and left. On the
right side, a sofa with table and chairs; on the left, a secretary with
writing materials. Handsome old-fashioned decorations, pictures of
battles, portraits in oval frames, racing prints, etc. The terrace is
sheltered by a broad awning which slightly subdues the glare of the
bright summer afternoon._
_FIRST SCENE_.
Wilhelm (_servant over sixty, in half livery, is engaged in arranging
the samovar for the afternoon coffee_). Agnes (_extremely slender,
nervous, with traces of mental distress--twenty years of age--blonde
hair smoothed on the temples, light muslin gown, a garden hat in her
hand--enters from the terrace_).
Agnes.
Wilhelm, has the postman been here?
Wilhelm (_sighing_).
Yes, yes, he was here.
Agnes.
Where are the things?
Wilhelm.
They are on the table, Fräulein.
Agnes.
(_Goes quickly to the table and with feverish haste looks through the
small pile of newspapers and letters lying there_.) Again, nothing!
Wilhelm.
Yes, indeed--and this is the seventh day. Ah, it is really
heart-breaking.
Agnes.
Are your master and mistress still taking their afternoon nap?
Wilhelm.