Minna Von Barnhelm Part 22

WER.

Is the mistress as fond of you as the maid is? That would be capital!

MAJ. T.

What do you mean?

SCENE X.

 

Franziska (with a letter in her hand), Major von Tellheim, Paul Werner

FRAN.

Major!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Franziska, I have not yet been able to give you a "Welcome" here.

FRAN.

In thought, I am sure that you have done it. I know you are friendly to me; so am I to you. But it is not at all kind to vex those who are friendly to you so much.

WER. (aside).

Ah! now I see it. It is so!

MAJ. T.

My destiny, Franziska! Did you give her the letter?

FRAN.

Yes; and here I bring you...

(holding out a letter).

MAJ. T.

An answer!

FRAN.

No, your own letter again.

MAJ. T.

What! She will not read it!

FRAN.

She would have liked, but--we can't read writing well.

MAJ. T.

You are joking!

FRAN.

And we think that writing was not invented for those who can converse with their lips whenever they please.

MAJ. T.

What an excuse! She must read it. It contains my justification--all the grounds and reasons!!!!!

FRAN.

My mistress wishes to hear them all from you yourself, not to read them.

MAJ. T.

Hear them from me myself! That every look, every word of hers, may embarra.s.s me; that I may feel in every glance the greatness of my loss.

FRAN.

Without any pity! Take it.

(Giving him his letter.) She expects you at three o'clock. She wishes to drive out and see the town; you must accompany her.

MAJ. T.

Accompany her!

FRAN.

And what will you give me to let you drive out by yourselves? I shall remain at home.

MAJ. T.

By ourselves!

FRAN.

In a nice close carriage.

MAJ. T.

Impossible!

FRAN.

Yes, yes, in the carriage, Major. You will have to submit quietly; you cannot escape there! And that is the reason. In short, you will come, Major, and punctually at three.... Well, you wanted to speak to me too alone. What have you to say to me? Oh! we are not alone.

(Looking at Werner.)

MAJ. T.

Yes, Franziska; as good as alone. But as your mistress has not read my letter, I have nothing now to say to you.

FRAN.

As good as alone! Then you have no secrets from the Sergeant?

MAJ. T.

No, none.

FRAN.

And yet I think you should have some from him.

MAJ. T.

Why so?

WER.

How so, little woman?

FRAN.