That will soon be cleared up, Fräulein.... At this moment, in Fritz's interest, I have to ask a great favour of you.... It is now (_takes out his watch_) three forty-five o'clock. At four o'clock let us say five minutes after four--even if we take into account some unforeseen delay--yes--he must be here.... How long does it take to go to the village to Braun's inn?
Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about five.
Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness to reckon by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping?
At Braun's? I think you know, Herr von Hallerpfort, that this house----
Oh, certainly that I know!... I only made the mistake of putting my horse at the entrance to Braun's, and as he doesn't belong to me, it is my duty to look after him.
I should not be so persistent--forgive me for it--but here we have all been so distressed about him. For nearly a week, we have sat and waited for news.... Tell me truly.
Good-bye, then! And be reassured, it is all about a joke--about----
Oh, that--that is deceptive. (_Exit quickly to the right_.)
AGNES. FRAU VON DROSSE (_extremely delicate in appearance, forty, suffering--with girlish complexion--gay, absent smile--dreamy, gentle expression--gliding, careful walk--breathing deeply_).
(_Hastens to meet her, to support her_.) Forgive me, aunt, that I did not go to fetch you.
No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news?
Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will soon be here himself.
Yes, if things happened according to presentiments!
Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what is it then? What is it then?
Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? Many a time I didn't write for four weeks.
Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story.
Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy.
Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder....
But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.
