Thank God! just near Gehlsdorf.... I wasted twenty-five minutes at the blacksmith's.... But then--when--you should have seen!... Yes, Wilhelm, just see to it that the horse is well scraped and rubbed down. And don't let him stand just now--first lead him about properly.... An hour, feeding time--understand, old chap?... There, give me your paw--so!--don't be so agitated.... And now, go on, out with you!
You see, Agnes she had a presentiment about you.
I?... Ah, no, dear Fritz.... Would you not like to drink something?
(Fritz _stares at her, without replying_.)
To be sure, pardon me!... Pardon me, dear Agnes!... It is the heat ... It makes one quite idiotic.... Please bring me anything you like.... No, bring me rather some Rhine wine.... Bring some of the '64.
Forgive me, father, if I was too bold. I don't know how I came to do it.
(Agnes _takes the keys from the shelf and goes out to the right_.)
Furlough? Ha, ha, furlough ... No furlough at all. Sixty precious minutes, I have spared for you (_stretching himself_) then it is over! (_Throws himself into a chair standing near the place where his mother is sitting_.)
It is "over," what does that mean? Are you then on duty?
On duty?... Well, yes indeed, I am on duty--to be sure--of course.
Remarkable. In my time, the cavalry rode in patrol service rather about midnight.
Yes, the old man[2] does such things.... It is all one to him. If he can give petty annoyance. Yes.
Well, I had to unsaddle, and anyhow have ridden four and a half miles. It was only the question whether I should feed the horse at Braun's at the entrance where one gets merely water or----
See what brown hands the boy has got.... I wonder how they can be burned through the gloves ... Just look, Richard, he has the white mark on his forehead, there where it is shaded. The last time, it was not there. My boy, my boy! (_Bends down her head and kisses him on the forehead_.)
(Fritz _closes his eyes and utters a low whimpering exclamation of pain_.)
Let him alone, Richard! Remember he has to leave directly.
Major (_shaking his head, examines him_).
Agnes (_who returns with a bottle and glasses_).
Ah, if only the wine is there! (_Hurries to the table and pours the wine_.) Does no one touch glasses with me?