[_A knock at door is heard_.]
Marie.
Come in!
Maid Servant.
[_Enters with basket_.] Here are the eggnog and cakes, for the pastor.
Now be careful and don"t crush them!
Marie.
Very well!
[_Exit_ Servant.]
Gertrude.
[_Taking basket_.] Good-bye, Marie!
Marie.
Good-bye, Gertie dear!
[Gertrude _starts towards centre door_.]
Marie.
[_Frightened_.] Where are you going?
Gertrude.
I am going through the garden across the fields; perhaps I will meet George.
Marie.
[_Concerned_.] No, no; you must not walk across the fields alone. Papa has forbidden it.
Gertrude.
But I may meet George.
Marie.
But if you shouldn"t, what then? No, no, I will not allow it! I will not! I had such a fright last night.
Gertrude.
[_Goes up to the other door and turns back once more_.]
Marie, you are not angry with me?
Marie.
[_Embracing her_.] My darling!!!
Gertrude.
Then I will go that way! [_Looks all around_.] Give my love to George!
Marie.
But I won"t see him, dear----
Gertrude.
Well, perhaps you may!
Marie.
In that case, I will tell him----
Gertrude.
Very well.
[_Exit R_.]
[Marie _goes out on veranda--gives sign--returns--locks doors R.
and L.--then at C. door--in terror, with searching eyes, she slowly retreats backwards, her eyes glued on the outer darkness--until she finally covers her face with her hands, and is standing against the wall_.]
George.
[_Enters_.] Here she is!!
Gypsy.
[_Enters_. George _goes out on veranda, looking off_.] Mine lady, mine daughter--yes--don"t be afraid. Oh, you are such a fine lady--you have lover--you marry, they say----?
Marie.
[_Forcing herself to speak_.] No; I"m not to be married! It is Gertrude, my foster sister.
Gypsy.
You no marry, eh? Never mind--you marry some day--some day [_Examining_ Marie"s _dress with her fingers_.] What a fine dress you have, and all wool---- [_Same with ap.r.o.n_.] Oh, and a silk ap.r.o.n--all silk! Give me, give me?
[Marie _takes it off and gives it to her_.]
Gypsy.