And in the morning you will bring us the house full of fleas.
Mrs. Brauer.
But, Henry----
Brauer.
Well, it"s so.
George.
If you will allow me! The wedding was set for the twentieth; therefore I obtained my first furlough from the nineteenth--and I trust you realize that I can"t change the dates to suit myself. I arrived on the twentieth--and the wedding, of course--it was postponed.
Mrs. Brauer.
But, George dear, neither your home, nor anything else was ready.
George.
And besides, where am I to go? My own home is broken up; Marie has had everything torn up. By the way, has she returned?
Gertrude.
[_Nods_.]
Mrs. Brauer.
Why, what"s the matter? Have you two had another quarrel?
George.
No, certainly not; but I should not have allowed the girl to make a drudge of herself for my sake. I almost wish I had remained at home.
Gertrude.
Why, she is not doing all this for your sake, but for mine.
George.
Now there, don"t be conceited.
Mrs. Brauer.
[_Caressing her_.] I think she has cause to be conceited.
George.
As my future wife, she certainly has cause to be that.
Brauer.
There, there, don"t you overrate yourself.
George.
I don"t, dear uncle; I am too practical for that.
Brauer.
So, so, you are too practical, eh? then what the devil possessed you to leave this piece of paper on my desk? eh?
George.
Uncle, I beg of you, don"t let us begin quarreling so early in the day.
Brauer.
[_Angry still_.] Very well, but what does it mean?
George.
It is simply a statement of my affairs. I am a free and independent man, and that is to show you that I am not only willing but also able to properly support my wife.
Brauer.
[_Still worked up_.] But I tell you----
Marie.
[_Enters R_.] Oh--pardon me, papa--good-morning!
Gertrude.
[_Throws arms around her_.] Marie!
Marie.
[_Kisses her_.] My darling!
[_She goes to_ Brauer _and kisses his hand_.]
Brauer.
You are back all right, I see! Here, here! [_Puts hand under her chin_.] Head thrown back, I say--why, what"s the matter? anything gone wrong with you, eh?
Marie.
[_Uncertain_.] N--no!