George.
Ah no, dear uncle, that is past. Hereafter, I will swallow my pride.
Brauer.
My boy----
Marie.
[_Enters_.] Pardon me papa, but mama asks, if you are not yet ready to go?
Brauer.
[_With a glance at_ George.] Well, as far as I am concerned, I am ready now! [_Takes his hat_.] Marie, give him a gla.s.s of brandy to brace him up. [_Goes to door and returns_.]. George?
George.
Uncle? [Brauer _offers his hand_.] My hand I cannot refuse you.
Brauer.
[_Goes to door. In door_.] Yes, and your heart, too, I will win again--or I"ll be d.a.m.ned!!!!
[_Exits, slamming door_.]
Marie.
What did he say to you, George?
George.
Do not ask me, do not ask me! [_Walks about_.] All these years I have struggled and deprived myself with only one thing in view--to be free--free--and yet I must bow--I must bow. If it were not for the sake of this beautiful child, who is innocent of it all, I would be tempted to---- But the die is cast, the yoke is ready--and so am I!!!!!!!
Marie.
[_Softly and hesitating_.] But, George, dear, here in this house, I see nothing for you but love--the yoke seems so light----
George.
How pious and tame you have suddenly become!
Marie.
I am not pious.
George.
What was that you said a few moments ago? "I am the calamity child. I am the child of misery; but I do not ask for charity." That is what you said of yourself, and it is also true of me. I, too, am a child of misery, a calamity child; but I am a subject of charity. I accept all they have to give--all--all--ha, ha, ha----!
Marie.
You, George, a calamity child?
George.
Yes! Was I not picked up from the street, as my uncle so kindly informed me for the second time--like yourself? Do I not belong to this house, and am I not smothered with the d.a.m.nable charity of my benefactors, like yourself?
Marie.
I receive my share with thanks.
George.
And you enjoy serving----
Marie.
I enjoy serving!!
George.
But I--I wish to rule--to command!!!
Marie.
And you shall rule--you shall command----
George.
[_Walking about and ironically_.] Ah yes!!!
Marie.
[_Timidly_.] George?
George.
Well?
Marie.
[_The same_.] Pardon me; but have you forgotten--?
George.
Oh, I see!
Marie.