She needs no one to watch over her! She is well able to take care of herself; but we must spare her----
Mrs. Brauer.
But, Henry, just now--three days before the wedding--who could think of sparing one"s self?
Brauer.
Well, you know--h"m----
Mrs. Brauer.
Henry, you know how I love the girl; but, good gracious, she is not our own dear, sweet one----
Gertrude.
Oh, she is more than that, mama dear.
Mrs. Brauer.
You are entirely too modest, my darling.
Gertrude.
Well, just imagine, mama dear, she was going to be married--and I remained at home----
Mrs. Brauer.
Then we would retain our sunshine, our consolation, our---- [_Looking at breakfast table with a questioning expression_.] But, children, I can"t understand----
Gertrude.
What, mama dear?
Mrs. Brauer.
Gracious! Everything is so--so-- [_Topsy-turvy indicated by action_.]
If she is not going to sleep, she may as well come down here----
Gertrude.
[_Laughingly caressing her mama_.] There, you see, mama, dear, not even a single meal can you eat without her.
[George von Harten _enters_.]
Brauer.
Well, at last you have aroused yourself; you----
George.
[_Interrupts him, tapping his hand_.] There, softly, softly, dear uncle; don"t begin scolding so early in the morning.
Brauer.
Don"t you think it"s pretty near time to call me father, my boy?
George.
Not until after the wedding, dear uncle.--Good-morning, auntie.
[_Kissing her hand_.] Well, little one? [_Kissing her_.]
Gertrude.
[_Leans on him lovingly_.] My George. [_Laughs suddenly_.] Oh, just look! he is simply covered with hay!
George.
Then you may make yourself useful by brushing me off.
Brauer.
The hayloft seems to be your favorite sleeping-place lately.
George.
Sleep? Heavens! who could sleep in this weather? I roam about. Lord knows where, over meadows and fields. Such St. John days!!! It"s enough to drive one mad. The days never seem to end. Late last night I was sitting in front of my window. Said I to myself: "No sleep for me to-night, until that cursed nightingale runs out of melody"--when suddenly a meadow-lark announces the break of day--and there, it"s morning. To the left, the twilight: to the right, the dawn, peacefully together. From glow to glow a new day arises. Children, I tell you, it was beautiful. Give me a cup of coffee.
Brauer.
But, tell me! Are you going to remain here now?
George.
Why, certainly, until after the wedding.
Brauer.
But the propriety of such a thing----
Gertrude.
[_Imploringly_.] Oh, papa dear----
George.
Its immaterial to me. Under no circ.u.mstances do I desire to offend your sense of propriety; but then I will stay down at the inn, as the nearest place.
Brauer.