Minna Von Barnhelm Part 11

Who? who, your ladys.h.i.+p?

FRAN.

Are you deaf? Our Major!

LAND.

Major! Right! he is a Major, who had this room before you, and from whom I received it.

MIN.

Major von Tellheim!

LAND.

Yes, Tellheim. Do you know him?

MIN.

Do I know him! He is here! Tellheim here! He had this room! He! he pledged this ring with you! What has brought him into this embarra.s.sment? Where is he? Does he owe you anything? Franziska, my desk here! Open it!

(Franziska puts it on the table and opens it.) What does he owe you? To whom else does he owe anything? Bring me all his creditors! Here is gold: here are notes. It is all his!

LAND.

What is this?

MIN.

Where is he? Where is he?

LAND.

An hour ago he was here.

MIN.

Detested man! how could you act so rudely, so hardly, so cruelly towards him?

LAND.

Your ladys.h.i.+p must pardon!!!!!

MIN.

Quick! Bring him to me.

LAND.

His servant is perhaps still here. Does your ladys.h.i.+p wish that he should look for him?

MIN.

Do I wish it? Begone, run. For this service alone I will forget how badly you have behaved to him.

FRAN.

Now then, quick, Mr. Landlord! Be off! fly! fly!

(Pushes him out.)

SCENE III.

Minna, Franziska

MIN.

Now I have found him again, Franziska! Do you hear? Now I have found him again! I scarcely know where I am for joy! Rejoice with me, Franziska. But why should you? And yet you shall; you must rejoice with me. Come, I will make you a present, that you may be able to rejoice with me. Say, Franziska, what shall I give you? Which of my things would please you? What would you like? Take what you will; only rejoice with me. I see you will take nothing. Stop!

(Thrusts her hand into the desk.) There, Franziska, (gives her money) buy yourself what you like. Ask for more, if it be not sufficient; but rejoice with me you must. It is so melancholy to be happy alone.

There, take it, then.

FRAN.

It is stealing it from you, my lady. You are intoxicated, quite intoxicated with joy.

MIN.

Girl, my intoxication is of a quarrelsome kind. Take it, or (forcing money into her hand) ... and if you thank me... Stay, it is well that I think of it.

(Takes more money from the desk.) Put that aside, Franziska, for the first poor wounded soldier who accosts us.

SCENE IV.

Landlord, Minna, and Franziska

MIN.

Well, is he coming?

LAND.

The cross, unmannered fellow!

MIN.

Who?

LAND.

His servant. He refuses to go for him.

FRAN.

Bring the rascal here, then. I know all the Major's servants. Which one of them was it?

MIN.

Bring him here directly. When he sees us he will go fast enough.

(Exit Landlord.)

SCENE V.

Minna, Franziska

MIN.

I cannot bear this delay. But, Franziska, how cold you are still! Why will you not share my joy with me?

FRAN.

I would from my heart, if only!!!!!

MIN.

If only what?