Minna Von Barnhelm Part 9

LAND. (writes).

"Von Barnhelm." Coming from.... where, your ladys.h.i.+p?

MIN.

From my estate in Saxony.

LAND. (writes).

"Estate in Saxony." Saxony! Indeed, indeed! In Saxony, your ladys.h.i.+p?

Saxony?

FRAN.

Well, why not? I hope it is no sin in this country to come from Saxony!

LAND.

A sin? Heaven forbid! That would be quite a new sin! From Saxony then?

Yes, yes, from Saxony, a delightful country, Saxony! But if I am right, your ladys.h.i.+p, Saxony is not small, and has several--how shall I call them? districts, provinces. Our police are very particular, your ladys.h.i.+p.

MIN.

I understand. From my estate in Thuringia, then.

LAND.

From Thuringia! Yes, that is better, your ladys.h.i.+p; that is more exact.

(Writes and reads.) "Fraulein von Barnhelm, coming from her estate in Thuringia, together with her lady in waiting and two men servants."

FRAN.

Lady in waiting! That means me, I suppose!

LAND.

Yes, my pretty maid.

FRAN.

Well, Mr. Landlord, instead of "lady in waiting," write "maid in waiting." You say, the police are very exact; it might cause a misunderstanding, which might give me trouble some day when my banns are read out. For I really am still unmarried, and my name is Franziska, with the family name of Willig: Franziska Willig. I also come from Thuringia. My father was a miller, on one of my lady's estates. It is called Little Rammsdorf. My brother has the mill now. I was taken very early to the manor, and educated with my lady. We are of the same age--one-and-twenty next Candlemas. I learnt everything my lady learnt. I should like the police to have a full account of me.

LAND.

Quite right, my pretty maid; I will bear that in mind, in case of future inquiries. But now, your ladys.h.i.+p, your business here?

MIN.

My business here?

LAND.

Have you any business with His Majesty the King?

MIN.

Oh! no.

LAND.

Or at our courts of justice?

MIN.

No.

LAND.

Or!!!!!

MIN.

No, no. I have come here solely on account of my own private affairs.

LAND.

Quite right, your ladys.h.i.+p; but what are those private affairs?

MIN.

They are... Franziska, I think we are undergoing an examination.

FRAN.

Mr. Landlord, the police surely do not ask to know a young lady's secrets!

LAND.

Certainly, my pretty maid; the police wish to know everything, and especially secrets.

FRAN.

What is to be done, my lady?... Well, listen, Mr. Landlord--but take care that it does not go beyond ourselves and the police.

MIN.

What is the simpleton going to tell him?

FRAN.

We come to carry off an officer from the king.

LAND.

How? What? My dear girl!

FRAN.

Or to let ourselves be carried off by the officer. It is all one.

MIN.

Franziska, are you mad? The saucy girl is laughing at you.

LAND.

I hope not! With your humble servant indeed she may jest as much as she pleases; but with the police!!!!!

MIN.

I tell you what; I do not understand how to act in this matter.

Suppose you postpone the whole affair till my uncle's arrival. I told you yesterday why he did not come with me. He had an accident with his carriage ten miles from here, and did not wish that I should remain a night longer on the road, so I had to come on. I am sure he will not be more than four-and-twenty hours after us.

LAND.

Very well, madam, we will wait for him.

MIN.

He will be able to answer your questions better. He will know to whom, and to what extent, he must give an account of himself--what he must relate respecting his affairs, and what he may withhold.