Magda Part 10

Oh, don't be angry--there is no need of that. When I have something to say, I must say it, mustn't I? I might almost think that it displeased you that she has climbed so high in spite of you. Your pride demands something to forgive, and you are angry because there is nothing to be forgiven. And now, let me ask you, do you seriously wish that she had found her way home, lost and ruined? Do you dare answer for such a wish before the throne of G.o.d? [_A silence_.] No, my dear old friend. You have often, in jest, called me your good angel; let me be so once, in reality. Come with me--now--to-day.

FRANZISKA.

If you'd only seen-- [Heffterdingt _stops her_.]

SCHWARTZE.

Has she made the slightest effort to approach her parents? Has she thought of her home with one throb of love? Who will vouch for it that my outstretched hand will not be repulsed with scorn?

HEFFTERDINGT.

I will vouch for it.

SCHWARTZE.

You? You, above all, have had a proof of her untamable pride.

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_With embarra.s.sment_.] You should not have reminded me of that.

_Enter_ Marie _with flowers, and_ Theresa.

MARIE.

Papa, papa, listen to what Theresa-- Oh! am I interrupting?

SCHWARTZE.

[_Pulling himself together_.] What is it?

MARIE.

To-day I got some more flowers; and when I sent Theresa back to the florist's, she found out it was not a man, but a lady, who had ordered them. And she couldn't sell them again; so she brought them back. [_The others exchange glances_.]

HEFFTERDINGT.

Tell me, Theresa, did they describe this lady to you?

THERESA.

She was tall, with great dark eyes, and there was something very distinguished and foreign about her.

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Leads_ Marie _to the back of the stage, and lays his hand on_ Schwartze's _arm_.] You asked for a token of love!

SCHWARTZE.

[_Staring at the flowers_.] From her!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

They must have cost a small fortune!

MARIE.

Theresa has something else very wonderful to tell, too.

HEFFTERDINGT.

What is it, Theresa? Quick!

THERESA.

If the pastor wishes it. When I came back, the porter told me that last evening in the twilight a carriage stopped before the door; there was a lady inside. She didn't get out, but kept watching all the windows of our house where there were lights. And when he went out to ask what she wanted, she said something to her coachman, and they were gone! [_All show signs of astonishment_.]

HEFFTERDINGT.

That's all, Theresa. [_Exit_ Theresa.

HEFFTERDINGT.

Pardon us, dear Miss Marie, if we treat you once more like a child, and ask you to leave us alone for a moment.

MARIE.

I am so frightened at all this, Pastor. [_Imploringly_.] Papa?

SCHWARTZE.

What is it, child?

MARIE.

Papa, papa, do you know who this lady is?

SCHWARTZE.

I? No. I can only guess.

MARIE.

[_Bursting out_.] Magdalene--Magda! Magda is here! [_Falling on her knees_.] Oh, you will forgive her?

SCHWARTZE.

Get up, my child. Your sister is far above my poor forgiveness.