No! Before the ceremony, if you please.
Brauer.
[_Startled_.] Wha--oh, I see. I suppose now you will demand more than I am willing to give? Marie, leave us [Paul _enters_.] Well, what now?
Paul.
[_Gives him a sign_.]
Brauer.
There, look at him! Well, have you lost your tongue, man? Why don"t you speak?
Paul.
No, no, Mr. Brauer, I have something to say to you--alone.
Brauer.
Then why don"t you come nearer?
Paul.
[_Whispering_.] We have just now caught the old woman.
Brauer.
[_With a glance at_ Marie.] What? Marie, you may remain and chat with George for awhile; he is a very interesting young man. [_Softly, to_ Paul.] Where?
Paul.
Down in the cellar; just as I wanted to put the beer on the ice, I found her there in a dark corner, loaded down with plunder!
Brauer.
Is she there now?
Paul.
Yes, struggling like a demon.
Brauer.
Undoubtedly this offense will earn her a good long term in prison and we will be rid of her for a long time! But how to get her out of the house?
Paul.
Leave that to me Mr. Brauer; I know a way to keep her quiet.
Brauer.
Yes, yes, and in the meantime I will make out the papers and we will hand her over to the Gendarme; that will be the best. Children, I will be busy for a moment! Wait here until I return.
George.
Don"t forget, uncle!
Brauer.
No, no. I"ll be back in a moment. Come, Mr. Paul!
[_Both exit_.]
George.
You are trembling----
Marie.
Am I?
George.
Marie dear, I am with you. No one shall harm you!
Marie.
Oh, it is not that.
George.
What, then?
Marie.
Oh, I don"t know. It has suddenly come over me so---- [_Starts_.] Sh!
He"s coming!
[_Noise. Scuffling of feet and smothered cries are heard_.]
George.
What is it?
Marie.
In G.o.d"s name, be still!
Gypsy.