Gertrude.
Yes! I suppose so!
Marie.
Shall I ask him?
Gertrude.
Oh, if you would do that for me----
Marie.
There now, it is done. Here is the comb and the rest of the hairpins.
Now go!
Gertrude.
And do you really think he would tell you?
Marie.
I am sure he will.
Gertrude.
Oh, Marie, how grateful I shall be to you----
Marie.
[_Pushes her out of the door_.] Go now, go! [_Stretches herself_.]
Ah--ah--ah---- [_Calls softly_.] George! [_There is a knock at the door_.] Come in!
Paul.
[_Enters_.] Pardon me, Miss Marie; is Mr. Brauer in?
Marie.
No, Mr. Paul!
Paul.
The a.s.sistant pastor would like to speak to him--but here he is, himself.
Pastor.
[_Enters_.] Good-morning, Miss Marie!
Marie.
[_Offers her hand hesitatingly_.] Good-morning!
Pastor.
I will wait here, Mr. Paul!
Paul.
Then, Miss Marie, will you please give me the key to the cellar? I want to put the beer on the ice.
Marie.
[_Gets key from keyboard_.] Here it is.
Paul.
Thank you!
[_Exit_.]
[_Pause_.]
Pastor.
And have you nothing to say to me?
Marie.
What shall I say, Pastor?
Pastor.
Are you not happy this day?
Marie.
[_Hard_.] No!
Pastor.
Not even on account of our betrothal?
Marie.
We will have no betrothal, Pastor!
Pastor.