Fires of St. John Part 4

And in the morning you will bring us the house full of fleas.

Mrs. Brauer.

But, Henry----

Brauer.

Well, it's so.

George.

If you will allow me! The wedding was set for the twentieth; therefore I obtained my first furlough from the nineteenth--and I trust you realize that I can't change the dates to suit myself. I arrived on the twentieth--and the wedding, of course--it was postponed.

Mrs. Brauer.

But, George dear, neither your home, nor anything else was ready.

George.

And besides, where am I to go? My own home is broken up; Marie has had everything torn up. By the way, has she returned?

Gertrude.

[_Nods_.]

Mrs. Brauer.

Why, what's the matter? Have you two had another quarrel?

George.

No, certainly not; but I should not have allowed the girl to make a drudge of herself for my sake. I almost wish I had remained at home.

Gertrude.

Why, she is not doing all this for your sake, but for mine.

George.

Now there, don't be conceited.

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Caressing her_.] I think she has cause to be conceited.

George.

As my future wife, she certainly has cause to be that.

Brauer.

There, there, don't you overrate yourself.

George.

I don't, dear uncle; I am too practical for that.

Brauer.

So, so, you are too practical, eh? then what the devil possessed you to leave this piece of paper on my desk? eh?

George.

Uncle, I beg of you, don't let us begin quarreling so early in the day.

Brauer.

[_Angry still_.] Very well, but what does it mean?

George.

It is simply a statement of my affairs. I am a free and independent man, and that is to show you that I am not only willing but also able to properly support my wife.

Brauer.

[_Still worked up_.] But I tell you----

Marie.

[_Enters R_.] Oh--pardon me, papa--good-morning!

Gertrude.

[_Throws arms around her_.] Marie!

Marie.

[_Kisses her_.] My darling!

[_She goes to_ Brauer _and kisses his hand_.]

Brauer.

You are back all right, I see! Here, here! [_Puts hand under her chin_.] Head thrown back, I say--why, what's the matter? anything gone wrong with you, eh?

Marie.

[_Uncertain_.] N--no!