Magda Part 23

Why, coffee.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

No.

FRANZISKA.

Tea, then?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

No.

FRANZISKA.

Then it must be chocolate!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

No; coffee and chocolate mixed.

FRANZISKA.

Horrible! But it must be good.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

And yesterday half a dozen trunks came from the hotel, and as many more are still there. Ah, what there is in them all! One whole trunk for hats! A peignoir of real point, and open-work stockings with gold embroidery, and [_in a whisper_] silk chemises--

FRANZISKA.

What? Silk--

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Yes.

FRANZISKA.

[_With a gesture of horror_.] It is simply sinful.

_Enter_ Magda, _in brilliant morning toilette, speaking outside as she opens the door_.

MAGDA.

_Ma che cosa volete voi? Perche non aspettate, finche vi commando?_ Ha?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Now they are getting their share!

MAGDA.

No, no; _e tempo_! [_Shutting the door_.] _Va, bruto_! Good-morning, mamma. [_Kisses her_.] I'm a late sleeper, eh? Ah, good-morning, Aunt Frankie. In a good humor? So am I.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

What did the strange gentleman want, Magda?

MAGDA.

Stupid beast! He wanted to know when I was going away, the idiot! How can I tell? [_Patting her_.] Eh, _mamma mia_? Oh, children, I slept like the dead. My ear on the pillow, and off! And the douche was so nice and cold. I feel so strong. _Allons, cousine_! Hop! [_Seizes_ Franziska _by the waist and jumps her into the air_.]

FRANZISKA.

[_Furiously_.] What do you--

MAGDA.

[_Haughtily_.] Eh?

FRANZISKA.

[_Cringingly_]. You are so facetious.

MAGDA.

Am I? [_Clapping her hands_.] Breakfast!

_Enter_ Marie, _with a tray of coffee things_.

MARIE.

Good-morning.

FRANZISKA.

Good-morning, my child.

MAGDA.

I'm dying of hunger. Ah! [_Pats her stomach_. Marie _kisses_ Franziska's _hand_.]

MAGDA.

[_Taking off the cover, with unction_.] Delicious! One would know Giulietta was in the house.

FRANZISKA.