MRS. HALLER _Mrs. Siddons._ COUNTESS WINTERSEN _Mrs. Goodall._ CHARLOTTE _Miss Stuart._ ANNETTE _Mrs. Bland._ CLAUDINE _Miss Leake._ SUSAN _Mrs. Jones._ STRANGER'S DAUGHTER (four years old) _Miss Beton._
_The Skirts of COUNT WINTERSEN'S Park.--The Park Gates in the centre.--On one side a low Lodge, among the Trees.--On the other, in the back ground, a Peasant's Hut._
_Pet._ Pooh! pooh!--never tell me.--I'm a clever lad, for all father's crying out every minute, "Peter," and "stupid Peter!" But I say, Peter is not stupid, though father will always be so wise. First, I talk too much; then I talk too little; and if I talk a bit to myself, he calls me a driveller. Now, I like best to talk to myself; for I never contradict myself, and I don't laugh at myself, as other folks do. That laughing is often a plaguy teazing custom. To be sure, when Mrs. Haller laughs, one can bear it well enough; there is a sweetness even in her reproof, that somehow--But, lud! I had near forgot what I was sent about.--Yes, then they would have laughed at me indeed.--[_Draws a green purse from his pocket._]--I am to carry this money to old Tobias; and Mrs. Haller said I must be sure not to blab, or say that she had sent it. Well, well, she may be easy for that matter; not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs. Haller is charming, but silly, if father is right; for father says, "He, that spends his money is not wise," but "he that gives it away, is stark mad."
_Enter the STRANGER, from the Lodge, followed by FRANCIS.--At sight of PETER, the STRANGER stops, and looks suspiciously at him. PETER stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At length he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut._
_Stra._ [_After a pause._] You were--you were speaking last night--
_Stra._ [_With acrimony._] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no doubt.
_Fra._ A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic.
_Fra._ And blesses the giver more than the receiver.
_Stra._ He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [_Pauses._] Francis, you have had means of education beyond your lot in life, and hence you are encouraged to attempt imposing on me:--but go on.
_Fra._ His only son has been taken from him.
_Fra._ By the exigency of the times, for a soldier.