(Major _turns toward the door, and presses his hands to his face_.)
I thank you, my dear Hallerpfort, I thank you.... You will ride away at once, will you not?
Then just listen.... I will pass the hours until the duel, with my son.... That you can understand, can't you?... My carriage is hitched up but I cannot go away with you for fear of making my sick wife uneasy. Wait for me at the end of half an hour in Schrander's inn.... Don't fear. We shall be on time....
(_Holding open the door on the left, in a different tone_.) Now, boys, just come quickly in! Only think, darling----
Ah--Herr von Hallerpfort! (_He kisses her hand_.) How does this happen? Two lieutenants in the house at the same time--if that doesn't bring luck!
And alas, madam, we have to be off this very minute.
How is that? Then I don't have my full hour? And now everything is so beautifully arranged.... Fritz, my dear Hallerpfort--just a bite, won't you?... Richard, dear, come to my aid.
My boy--you will soon have furlough, won't you?
Yes indeed, mamma! After the man[oe]uvres. Then we are free. Then we will be merry!
And Hallerpfort is coming with you, isn't he?
Take leave of him! You will never see him again!
(_Stretching out his hand cheerfully to her_.) Dear Ag-- (_Looks into her face, and understands that she knows. Softly, earnestly_.) Farewell, then.
Away then, Hallerpfort! Au revoir, papa! Au revoir! Revoir! (_Starts for the door on the right_.)
Go by the park, boys--there I have you longer in sight.
Very well, mamma, we will do it! (_Passes with_ Hallerpfort _through the door at the centre; on the terrace, he turns with a cheerful gesture, and calls once more_.) Au revoir! (_His voice is still audible_.) Au revoir!
(Frau von Drosse _throws kisses after him, and waves her handkerchief, then presses her hand wearily to her heart and sighs heavily_.)
(Agnes _hurries to her, and leads her to a chair, then goes over to the_ Major, _who, with heaving breast is lost in thought_.)
Thank you, my darling!--Already, I am quite well again!... God, the boy! How handsome he looked! And so brown and so healthy.... You see, I saw him exactly like that last night.... No, that is no illusion! And I told you how the Emperor led him in among all the generals! And the emperor said (_More softly, looking far away with a beatific smile_.) And the Emperor said----