Marie, you have sworn falsely!!!
Marie.
[_Shrugging her shoulders_.] Will you do as I ask?
George.
"Tis well! I will do as you ask!!!!
[_Curtain_.]
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
ACT TWO
_The same scene as Act I_.
[Marie, _seated, with some linen in her lap, at the sewing-machine, looking dreamily out of the window_.]
Housekeeper Katie.
[_In door R_.]
May I come in, Miss Marie?
Marie.
Oh, is that you? Yes, come in!
Katie.
I see you are working on Miss Gertrude"s wedding outfit. How beautiful, fit for a princess. But what I wanted to ask you: Madame has given me the menu for the wedding feast, and as to fish, it calls for carp. Now you know I am economical, but carp--common carp----
Marie.
Why, carp is a very fine fish----
Katie.
Oh yes, and good enough for--say--your wedding feast; but not good enough for Miss Gertrude.
Marie.
For my wedding feast even carp is too good.
Katie.
Oh no; carp is not too good for you, though it may be good enough--and do you know I will prepare a special Polish sauce--but Miss Gertrude--she must have deep sea fish. Now will you see Madame about that, please?
Marie.
Very well, I will speak to mama about it.
Katie.
And you are not offended?
Marie.
Oh no!
Katie.
For, after all, you know, you are only a foundling.
Marie.
Oh yes, I know.
Katie.
But we all love you, Miss Marie, and----
Marie.
Thank you. But have you seen Mr. von Harten this morning?
Katie.
No, I have not! But I have some good news for you--the a.s.sistant pastor has fallen deeply in love with you.
Marie.
Yes?
Katie.
And he is going to ask for your hand!!! I always said you were a lucky girl. Just think, you may be a St. John"s-bride.
Marie.
And what is a St. John"s-bride?
Katie.