Minna Von Barnhelm Part 36

Do you notice anything, Franziska?

FRAN.

Oh! you merciless creature! I have stood here on thorns!

MAJ. T. (to Just).

What do you say?... That is not possible!... You?

 

(Looking fiercely at Minna.) Speak it out; tell it to her face. Listen, Madam.

JUST.

The Landlord says, that Fraulein von Barnhelm has taken the ring which I pledged to him; she recognised it as her own, and would not return it.

MAJ. T.

Is that true, Madam? No, that cannot be true!

MIN. (smiling).

And why not, Tellheim? Why can it not be true?

MAJ. T. (vehemently).

Then it is true!... What terrible light suddenly breaks in upon me!

... Now I know you--false, faithless one!

MIN. (alarmed).

Who, who is faithless?

MAJ. T.

You, whom I will never more name!

MIN.

Tellheim!

MAJ. T.

Forget my name... You came here with the intention of breaking with me... It is evident!... Oh, that chance should thus delight to a.s.sist the faithless! It brought your ring into your possession. Your craftiness contrived to get my own back into mine!

MIN.

Tellheim, what visions are you conjuring up! Be calm, and listen to me.

FRAN. (aside).

Now she will catch it!

SCENE XI.

Werner (with a purse full of gold), Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska

WER.

Here I am already, Major!

MAJ. T. (without looking at him).

Who wants you?

WER.

I have brought more money! A thousand pistoles!

MAJ. T.

I do not want them!

WER.

And to-morrow, Major, you can have as many more.

MAJ. T.

Keep your money!

WER.

It is your money, Major... I do not think you see whom you are speaking to!

MAJ. T.

Take it away! I say.

WER.

What is the matter with you?--I am Werner.

MAJ. T.

All goodness is dissimulation; all kindness deceit.

WER.

Is that meant for me?

MAJ. T.

As you please!

WER.

Why I have only obeyed your commands.

MAJ. T.

Obey once more, and be off!

WER.

Major (vexed).

I am a man!!!!!

MAJ. T.

So much the better!

WER.

Who can also be angry.

MAJ. T.

Anger is the best thing we possess.