Fires of St. John Part 1

Fires of St. John.

by Hermann Sudermann.

THE FIRES OF ST. JOHN

ACT ONE

_Breakfast-room at the Brauer residence. The back wall is formed by three gla.s.s doors, separated by marble pillars. Behind this, the veranda is visible, and bal.u.s.trade, hung with fine rug, and stairs, leading into the garden. The gla.s.s doors have practical, solid wooden shutters, with bars, fastening inside. Doors R. and L. Large table C.

with breakfast laid. Front, to the left, sofa, table and easy-chair. To the right, sewing-machine, and basket filled with table-linen.

Old-fas.h.i.+oned photos and engravings on walls. Otherwise, well-to-do family home._

_Time of day: Morning._

[Gertrude _busy at breakfast-table_.]

Brauer.

[_Enters with_ Paul, _from R_.] Confound it! Everything seems to go wrong this morning!

[_Throws his cap on chair, angrily_.]

Gertrude.

[_Happily_.] Good-morning, papa!

Brauer.

Morning, my child. Such carelessness! You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If this thing had happened earlier in the season, out on the meadows--but at this time of the year--!!! Oh! Confound it all, anyway!!!!! It is inexcusable!!!

Gertrude.

What is the matter, papa?

Brauer.

The black cow has been overfed. But of course, when Marie is not about to look after everything, things go to rack and ruin. Well, man, what excuse are you going to make?

Paul.

None, Mr. Brauer.

Brauer.

Now that's the most sensible thing you have said this morning. Here, take a cigar and get to work; but mind! send for the veterinary surgeon at once. Have you had breakfast?

Paul.

Yes, sir!

Brauer.

Then what the devil are you waiting for?

Paul.

I--I--I wanted to excuse myself, and----

Brauer.

[_Impatiently_.] It's all right! it's all right!

Paul.

[_Remains--hesitatingly_.] G--Good-morning!!

Brauer.

Well?

Paul.

I--I have something else to tell you----

Brauer.

Then out with it.

Paul.

[_With a glance at_ Gertrude.] But----

Brauer.

H'm! Gertrude, darling, will you please see if it is still threatening rain?

Gertrude.

Yes, papa! [_Goes out on the veranda_.]

Brauer.

Well?

Paul.