Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 25

What did the lieutenant want of you?

Daisy.

Nothing in particular--something about the wreaths.

Kellermann (_coming in from the back_).

Yes, with all those wreaths, we'll have to have an extra carriage for the flowers. He was a fine man, he was--a highly respected man! And on horseback! Why, I've won every time I bet on him! Ah, yes, but sooner or later they all have to come to me!

Frau Mulbridge.

And he was such a kind master! He was just like a child sometimes--so light-hearted and happy--like a little boy! Lately, to be sure, he-- (_The bell rings._) Well, Daisy!

Daisy.

(_Who has stood without moving, lost in thought._) I guess Tempski will go.

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes, yes, you're right. Tempski is outside.

Tempski (_brings in a wreath, sobbing_).

F-from--our--major.

Frau Mulbridge.

Why, Tempski, it's perfectly natural that the major----

Tempski.

From--our--major.

Frau Mulbridge.

Take the wreath from him, Daisy.

Daisy.

Yes, mother, dear. (_She does so_. Tempski _goes out, crying._)

Kellermann (_reaching for the wreath_).

From his major that must go on the coffin!

Daisy.

I'll do it.

Kellermann (_in doubt_).

Don't you think----?

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes, let her; she looks after everything.

Kellermann.

But nail it tightly, little lady--else it'll fall off when they're carrying him to the church.

Daisy.

Yes, yes. (_Goes out back with the wreath. During the following conversation, the strokes of a hammer are heard._)

Frau Mulbridge.

Everything is so well arranged here. I don't see why they've got to take him to the church.

Kellermann.

The official statement is that it will prevent any demonstration in the street. You know, the town folks haven't taken very kindly to this murdering business of late. But, of course, that's not the real reason.

The truth of the matter is that several very influential ladies would like to attend the funeral without being seen. H'm!--love never dies, they say. Ah, the captain was no saint, I can tell you!

Frau Mulbridge.

What do you know about it?

Kellermann.

Oh, well, there's a lot of talk about the veiled figures that used to go in and out of here at twilight. And if these mirrors could speak--!

That reminds me--I'd almost forgotten--we must cover the mirrors.

(Daisy _appears in front of the curtain. She is staring into s.p.a.ce._)

Frau Mulbridge.

But since the casket is to be taken away in less than an hour--what's the use?

Kellermann.

That doesn't make any difference. The mirrors have got to be draped. It would be a blemish on my art--and I wouldn't answer for it.

Frau Mulbridge.

Daisy!

Daisy.