Very much, mamma dear. [_She kisses her_.]
_Enter_ Franziska.
FRANZISKA.
[_Irritably_.] One"s always disturbing these affecting tableaux!
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
What did the General say?
FRANZISKA.
The General? H"m, he was angry enough. "To leave us alone for an hour and a half, that"s nice courtesy," he said. And I think myself--
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
[_To_ Marie, _very sadly_.] There, what did I tell you?
FRANZISKA.
Well, this time I smoothed the thing over, so that the gentlemen went away in a good humor.
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
Really! Oh, I thank you, Frankie, a thousand times.
FRANZISKA.
Yes, I"m good enough to run errands and play the scullery-maid; but when it comes to being one of the family, an old aunt with her heart full of love--
MARIE.
Who has offended you, Aunt Frankie?
FRANZISKA.
Yes, that"s very fine. But a little while ago, when I was so upset, no one troubled himself about me one bit. To guarantee an income so that our little miss can be married, I am--
MARIE.
Aunt Frankie!
FRANZISKA.
But as long as I live--
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
What are you talking about?
FRANZISKA.
We know, we two. And to-day. Who brought back your daughter to you?
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
But she hasn"t yet--
FRANZISKA.
I brought back your daughter to you. And who thanks me for it? And who recognizes that I have pardoned her? For I have pardoned her [_weeping_] everything!
_Enter_ Theresa, _in great excitement_.
MARIE.
What is it, Theresa?
THERESA.
I am so frightened--
MARIE.
What"s the matter?
THERESA.
The carriage--
MARIE.
What carriage?
THERESA.
The same as last night.
MARIE.
Is it there? Is it there? [_Runs to the window_.] Mamma, mamma, come, she"s there--the carriage--
MRS. SCHWARTZE.
Why, there _is_ a carriage.
MARIE.