FORESTER.
Will you mind what I say?
[ANDREW _pulls a rifle from the wall_.]
FORESTER.
What are you doing there?
ANDREW (_with suppressed rage_).
Nothing. Here in the house you are master. Outside no one is master; outside we all are.
FORESTER.
In my forest I am master.
ANDREW.
But not a step beyond.
FORESTER.
What do you mean? Answer!
ANDREW.
Nothing particular, father. Only that fellow there need know.--If you are not concerned about your own honor--I shall protect Mary"s honor.
That is for him who dares to come near Mary.
SOPHY.
What words are those?
ROBERT.
Idle words. It is children that are afraid of words.
ANDREW.
There will be something more than words, as surely as I am a man.
ROBERT.
If you were a man you would not threaten, you--
ANDREW.
If we were somewhere else, you would not taunt--
FORESTER.
Andrew!
ROBERT.
Make room--
ANDREW.
Get out, I say--
[FORESTER _almost at the same time puts his finger in his mouth and gives a shrill whistle_.]
ANDREW.
If you no longer--
FORESTER (_stepping between the two_).
Rebellious boys! Hold your peace! Don"t you dare to strike, either one of you! You confounded fellow! When I need a guardian I certainly shall not select a greenhorn. Is it I who is master here or is it some one else? What business have you here, fellow? Get you gone into the forest; look after Weiler that he does not loaf; then take out a dozen maple trees from the nursery and put them up in damp moss; see to it that the messenger from Haslau does not have to wait when he comes. Not a word!
Along with you!
[ANDREW _obeys and goes, after having cast a threatening look at_ ROBERT, _to which the latter replies_.]
FORESTER.
And you, Mr. Stein; good-day, Mr. Stein. You know what I mean.
SOPHY.
If you would intercede with your father; but gently and kindly! And if you would bring him back!
MARY.
Then I should see how truly you love me, Robert.
FORESTER (_less roughly_).
Don"t come again before that. Good-by, Robert. And leave that girl alone.
ROBERT.
I am going. But come what may, I shall not resign my claim upon Mary.
[_Exit_.]
SOPHY.