Minna Von Barnhelm Part 38

Oh you actresses! But I ought to have known you.

FRAN.

Not I, indeed; I am spoilt for acting. I trembled and shook, and was obliged to hold my lips together with my hand.

MIN.

Nor was mine an easy part.--But come now!!!!!

MAJ. T.

I have not recovered myself yet. How happy, yet how anxious, I feel.

It is like awaking suddenly from a frightful dream.

MIN.

We are losing time... I hear him coming now.

SCENE XIII.

Count von Bruchsal (accompanied by several servants and the Landlord), Two Servants, Werner, Just, Major von Tellheim, Minna, Franziska

COUNT. (entering).

She arrived in safety, I hope?

MIN. (running to meet him).

Ah! my father!

COUNT.

Here I am, dear Minna (embracing her).

But what, girl (seeing Tellheim), only four-and-twenty hours here, and friends--company already!

MIN.

Guess who it is?

COUNT.

Not your Tellheim, surely!

MIN.

Who else!--Come, Tellheim (introducing him).

COUNT.

Sir, we have never met; but at the first glance I fancied I recognised you. I wished it might be Major von Tellheim.--Your hand, sir; you have my highest esteem; I ask for your friends.h.i.+p. My niece, my daughter loves you.

MIN.

You know that, my father!--And was my love blind?

COUNT.

No, Minna, your love was not blind; but your lover--is dumb.

MAJ. T. (throwing himself in the Count's arms).

Let me recover myself, my father!

COUNT.

Right, my son. I see your heart can speak, though your lips cannot. I do not usually care for those who wear this uniform. But you are an honourable man, Tellheim; and one must love an honourable man, in whatever garb he may be.

MIN.

Ah! did you but know all!

COUNT.

Why should I not hear all?--Which are my apartments, landlord?

LAND.

Will your Excellency have the goodness to walk this way?

COUNT.

Come, Minna! Pray come, Major!

(Exit with the Landlord and servants.)

MIN.

Come, Tellheim!

MAJ. T.

I will follow you in an instant, Minna. One word first with this man (turning to Werner).

MIN.

And a good word, methinks, it should be. Should it not, Franziska?

(Exit.)

SCENE XIV.

Major von Tellheim, Werner, Just, Franziska

MAJ. T. (pointing to the purse which Werner had thrown down).

Here, Just, pick up the purse and carry it home. Go!

(Just takes it up and goes.)

WER. (still standing, out of humour, in a corner, and absent till he hears the last words).

Well, what now?

MAJ. T. (in a friendly tone while going up to him).

Werner, when can I have the other two thousand pistoles?

WER. (in a good humour again instantly).

To-morrow, Major, to-morrow.

MAJ. T.

I do not need to become your debtor; but I will be your banker. All you good-natured people ought to have guardians. You are in a manner spendthrifts.--I irritated you just now, Werner.

WER.