[_Trying the door from the outside_.] The door is locked!
[Marie _opens the door_.]
Servant.
[_Enters with dishes_.] It is time to lay the table for supper--will you help me, please? Why, what"s the matter? You are not listening to me----
Marie.
Never mind, Lena, I will set the table myself!
Servant.
Will you? Very well!!! [_Exit_ Servant.]
George.
[_Enters. To_ Marie, _who does not stir_.] Remember what I told you.
But come, come, this will never do! Don"t stare at me like that----
Marie.
[_Leaning on him and weeping_.] Oh, George!
George.
[_Stroking her hair_.] That"s it, dear, the tears will relieve you! Ah, I well know the anguish of an aching heart!
Marie.
Yes, you know, you know all! Now I have no one in this whole world but you--you alone. [_As she bursts out crying she throws herself on his breast_.]
George.
[_Stroking her hair_.] Yes, yes; we two understand each other. We two were meant, were intended for each other. Were we not, dear?
Marie.
My G.o.d! Yes!!
George.
And we will ever remember this day--the day that brought us together.
It is the day before St. John"s Eve. Will you remember it, dear?
[_Short pause_. Marie _silent, then struggles to free herself_.]
Marie.
Don"t, George! Go away! Please don"t!
George.
[_Embarra.s.sed_.] But why should I suddenly go away, Marie?
Marie.
Go, George, I beg of you! I must lay the table!! Now go!
George.
Marie, you said yourself you had no one but me!
Marie.
If you do not want to despise me, please go----
George.
[_With forced laugh_.] I despise you? Very well--I"ll go----
[_Turns once more in the door and hesitatingly exits_.]
[Marie _breaks down, weeping_.]
[_Curtain_.]
END OF THE SECOND ACT.
ACT THREE
_Same setting. Above the centre table a lighted hanging-lamp. Another lamp on table, L. The gla.s.s doors to garden are open. Full moonshine falls partly into the room. At rise of curtain, at table, L., are_ Brauer, Mrs. Brauer _and_ Pastor. _At centre table_, Gertrude _and_ George. _It is evening_.
Brauer.
Now, then, tell Marie to bring the bowl!
Pastor.
Ah! you are going to have a bowl?
Mrs. Brauer.