Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 27

Yes, indeed. I've had my suspicions for the last two months. Well, when he seemed so worried, I used to manage to send her in to him pretty often. She read aloud to him--and so on. (Daisy _enters with a couple of curtains, and a dark coat on her arm._)

Kellermann.

Thanks, thanks, little lady. (_Takes the curtains from her and stands on a chair under one of the mirrors._) What lovely Venetian lace! Ah, yes, every mirror comes to this sooner or later!

Daisy.

I'd like to get a breath of fresh air, would you mind, mother, dear? I feel so----

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes, yes, dear. Go out for a little while. (Daisy _puts on her coat._)

Kellermann (_in front of the other mirror_).

Why, here's a little bunch of flowers!

Daisy (_eagerly_).

Oh, please, please, let me have it.

Kellermann (_blowing off the dust_).

If it doesn't fall to pieces. (_Hands it to her._) Ah, yes, many, many loved him! He had a beautiful life, he had a beautiful death, and, as for a beautiful funeral--just leave that to Kellermann! (_Takes his hat._) I'll be back again for the procession. Good evening, ladies.

Frau Mulbridge.

Good evening. (_To_ Daisy, _seeing her take off her coat._) I thought you said you were going out?

Daisy.

Oh, well, I've changed my mind now.

Frau Mulbridge.

I'm glad, because one feels so--so alone in here.

Daisy (_with a glance backward_).

But we are not alone yet.

Frau Mulbridge (_shuddering slightly_).

That's just it.

Daisy (_staring straight before her_).

I'm not afraid.

Frau Mulbridge.

Tell me something, Daisy, dear. Weren't you in there last night?

Daisy (_alarmed_).

Last night? I?

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes, at the coffin.

Daisy.

What should I be doing at the coffin?

Frau Mulbridge.

Well, I thought I heard some one go past the door.

Daisy.

You must have been dreaming, mother, dear.

Frau Mulbridge.

Very likely. I haven't been sleeping well these nights. See here, Daisy, perhaps he's left us something--you, at least--tell me, haven't you been thinking about that sometimes?

Daisy (_apart, with a glance at the clock_).

If she doesn't come soon----!

Frau Mulbridge.

What's that you were saying? (_The bell rings_. Daisy _starts._) Why, what's the matter with you? (v. Wolters _enters._)

v. Wolters (_calling_).

Tempski!

Tempski (_at the threshold, in military att.i.tude_).

Here, Lieutenant!

v. Wolters.

Hurry over to the garrison church and see if everything is ready.

Frau Mulbridge.