GRANDMOTHER. Yes, it was the old Count. The benefactor of all of us. Grandfather thanked him courteously for my rescue. The Count took a liking to him and soon after that grandfather got the management of the entire Schwanhausen estate, which proved the cornerstone of his good fortune. And that, my dears, is the story of my night wander in the forest of _Friedrichsrode_.
[_Amid general approval, Grandma is surrounded. Everybody is indebted to her. They all speak at once, except the The Disagreeable Young Man._]
THE VIVACIOUS GIRL. Grandma is a story-telling genius!
THE POLITE YOUNG MAN. A most wonderful one!
GRANDMOTHER. Very well, my dears, but now run along to your tennis game. I'll come over later to watch on. [_They all agree._]
THE POLITE YOUNG MAN. Three cheers for our very dear beloved charming grandma.
[_They all cheer three times, then they surround her, kiss her cheeks and head and stroke her hair._]
THE BLOND YOUNG LADY. _Adieu_--old sweetheart.
THE BRUNETTE YOUNG LADY. _Auf wiedersehen_--precious grandma!
THE SENTIMENTAL HIGH SCHOOL GIRL [_inspired_]. Grandma...! [_She rushes over to her and covers her with kisses._]
[_Grandma bears all these amiabilities with pleasurable tolerance. She strokes and pats the grandchildren and as they retire, she fondly gazes after them, nodding to them with laughter._]
GRANDMOTHER. Curt--are not you going with the others?
GRANDMOTHER. Why not, Curt? Why don't you follow the others?
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. They think that I am bad, and I know that they are stupid.
[_Grandmother seats herself in silence. The Disagreeable Young Man continues to read. He lights a new cigarette. While lighting the cigarette--_]
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. Whatever you say might, of course, never be questioned....
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. But do tell me, grandma, did that story really happen in that way?
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. The night wander through the _Friedrichsrode_ forest.
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. Exactly as you told it? Are you quite sure that you remember all those details.
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. Oh, just so. I merely wanted to inquire, grandma.
THE DISAGREEABLE YOUNG MAN. I was just interested. Thank you very much. Do not let me disturb you further, grandma.