Why, nonsense----
Gertrude.
[_Unshaken_.] Oh, yes, George; I read it myself. And even if you do, George, I feel so--my love for you is so great, it could move mountains. I love you so dearly---- She will surely learn to forget you, I will love you so much.
George.
But, my pet----
Gertrude.
No, no, George. You see, I don"t blame you so much. How could I? For what am I, compared to other women?--George, does she love you so very much?
George.
Who?
Gertrude.
Oh, you know. But don"t worry, George dear; she will forget you in time! Don"t you remember Robert, our neighbor"s son? He threatened to kill himself if I didn"t marry him, and he has already forgotten me!
And to-day, when we stand at the altar, at the Doxology and the exchange of rings, I will nudge you softly, and then we will both pray to our good Father in heaven to make it easy for her; for no one shall be unhappy on this day! Why, George, you are crying!!!!
George.
Crying--I?
Gertrude.
Why, yes! Here are two large tears running down your cheek. [_Wipes his eyes with her handkerchief_.] So there----
George.
Tell me, my pet; and if we should be parted, after all?
Gertrude.
How could that be possible?
George.
If I should die--or----
Gertrude.
[_Embracing him_.] No, no! Don"t say that! Don"t say that!!!
[Marie _appears in door, seeing embrace_.]
George.
[_Startled_.] Some one is here----
Gertrude.
It is only Marie.
Marie.
[_Pointedly_.] You seem to be particularly affectionate to-day.
Gertrude.
[_Miffed_.] We always love each other. Oh, perhaps that doesn"t please you----
Marie.
It is nothing to me!
Gertrude.
[_Half Jesting_.] Besides, what do you want here? Isn"t there anything to do in the kitchen?
Marie.
[_Stung, but controlling herself_.] Mama has sent me----
Gertrude.
Yes, yes, dear; you are just in time to dress my hair. Have you hairpins?
Marie.
[_Shaking her head_.] I will get some. [_Reels_.]
Gertrude.
[_Affectionately_.] What"s the matter, dear? Oh, you must be tired!
Marie.
I am not tired.
Gertrude.
Yes, yes, you are. Now you sit down here. I will fetch them myself.
[_Quick exit_.]
Marie.