Poems by George Pope Morris Part 36

HANS.

I was not prought up to it; mine pis.h.i.+ness was to keep a paint-shop, and sh.e.l.l der colors to der artists.

GERTRUDE.

Don't stand here chatting about your fine colors--but look to the guests--

HANS.

Yaw, yaw, mein fraulein.

ALBERT (without) Ho! landlord!--Waiters, look to our luggage!

WEDGEWOOD (speaking as he enters.) If it is convenient.

(Enter ALB'T and WEDGEWOOD in cloaks, briskly.)

GERTRUDE.

This way, gentlemen, this way.

ALBERT.

Two bed-chambers, landlord, as soon as possible.

HANS.

Yaw, mynheer.

(Gives directions to ATTENDANT, who exits)

WEDGEWOOD.

Landlady, take care of my coat and stick, and here's something for your pains.

GERTRUDE.

Yes, sir.

WEDGEWOOD (looking at her.) What a pretty girl.

GERTRUDE.

Is that ALL, sir?

WEDGEWOOD (aside to GERTRUDE.) No, that's not all. (Kisses her.) Take this into the bargain, you jade!

GERTRUDE (courtesies.) Thank you, sir. (Aside.) What a nice, queer old gentleman!

HANS (taking her away pa.s.sionately.) What's dat to you? Give me der tings (takes them.) You do noding but ogle mit der young folks, and flirt mit der old ones!

GERTRUDE.

Oh, you jealous brute! [Exit in a huff.

WEDGEWOOD (noticing her.) Nice girl that--ODD, too, that she should have married a man old enough to be her grandfather!

HANS (aside.) Dat queer chap in der brown vig I'm sure is a gay deceiver, or he would not admire mine vife so much. I must have mine eyes about me. [Exit.

WEDGEWOOD (noticing HANS and GERTRUDE.) Odd, very odd, VERY ODD indeed! But, now that we are alone, pray continue the narrative you commenced in the coach--if it is convenient.

ALBERT.

Right willingly. Frederick, after his conquest of Saxony, transported by force several manufacturers from Dresden to Berlin, where he established a Porcelain Factory--

WEDGEWOOD.

Separated from their friends, home, and country, these unfortunate people are compelled to continue their labors for the profit and glory of their conqueror--I know it--go on--

ALBERT.

Among those in bondage is Sophia Mansfield--

WEDGEWOOD.

I have heard of her:--a young, beautiful, and singularly-gifted girl--

ALBERT.

Several pieces of her design and modelling were shown to the king, when he was at Meissen, in Saxony; and he was so struck with their beauty, that he determined to convey the artist with other prisoners, to his capital--

WEDGEWOOD.

Where he issued his royal edict, compelling the girls of the factory to marry Prussian soldiers. Unfeelingly odd!

ALBERT.

Sophia has yet escaped this tyranny. The OVERSEER, however, has demanded her hand; but I shall be in time to thwart his purposes.

WEDGEWOOD.

But, to effect that, you must also thwart the purposes of Frederick himself, who, I understand, is as stubborn as he is bold.

ALBERT.

Count Laniska has won Sophia's affections, and love is a power that can not be controlled.

WEDGEWOOD.

Veritably odd!

ALBERT.

You are on your way to the factory--have you free admission for yourself and friends?

WEDGEWOOD.

Indubitably.

ALBERT.

Then we will, with your permission, visit it together. (Aside.) In this disguise, and under the name of Worrendorf, I may pa.s.s unnoticed.

(Re-enter HANS, with trunks, etc, and GERTRUDE.)

WEDGEWOOD.

It is growing late. After the fatigues of the journey, I need repose.

ALBERT.

And so do I. Good-night!