Just wait, I will touch glasses with you.
Then long life to us, friends! May we live happily.... Long may we live.... (_Musing_.) May we live as long as possible!
Well, I should like to take this occasion to ask you just why you don't write to us any more.
Please, Richard, please say nothing to him--he telegraphed.
(Major _makes signals to him behind his mother's back_.)
Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.
You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you scolded him.
Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?
Remarkable!... You know, darling, the boy would like something to eat. In such cases, you always see to it yourself--eh?
No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (_He grasps her hands_.)
Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.
What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...
Frau von Drosse (_standing up and sighing_).
Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something more of him. (_Goes with_ Agnes _to the door on the left, where she turns again_.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?
(_Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, turns suddenly_.) At your service, mother!
Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.
Well, Fritz, my boy, here we are now alone, just out with what you have to say ... Exactly what is the matter?
Nothing, father, absolutely nothing ... What should be the matter?
You know, this story about the sprained arm and the patrol ride, that is simply a lie!
If you please ... That is, I should like a glass of water. (_Tosses down two glasses of water_.)
Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am insulting you here.
How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't believe me, then you just don't believe me.
But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... Isn't that the case--are we not?
And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... Have you gambled?