Agnes.
Will you please take a seat.
Hallerpfort.
Thank you, most humbly! (_They are seated_.) Your uncle and aunt, I
hope, will not----
Agnes.
Uncle has just gone to the stables, and aunt's coming will be announced
to us.
Hallerpfort.
How is your aunt?
Agnes.
Oh, I thank you, much as usual.--Herr von Hallerpfort, be frank with
me: What is this all about?
Hallerpfort.
Oh, absolutely nothing of any consequence. A little surprise--nothing
further--nothing further!
Agnes.
To be sure, if he is really on his way here--didn't you ride here
together?
Hallerpfort.
No, I came by the way of the levee, and thought to overtake him. He
will have ridden by the highway.
Agnes.
Then what is the object of this secrecy?
Hallerpfort.
That will soon be cleared up, Fräulein.... At this moment, in Fritz's
interest, I have to ask a great favour of you.... It is now (_takes out
his watch_) three forty-five o'clock. At four o'clock let us say five
minutes after four--even if we take into account some unforeseen
delay--yes--he must be here.... How long does it take to go to the
village to Braun's inn?
Agnes.
Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about five.
Hallerpfort.
Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness to reckon
by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and
then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping?
Agnes.