He worked until very late last night, papa. At dawn this morning I saw his light still burning; and then it was past three o'clock.
Yes, I must admit, he is diligent and industrious--but also stubborn--damned stubborn. [_The last is said almost to himself. Aloud_.] Has mama been down?
And how nearly finished is the lover's nest, eh?
Only one more trip to the city, I believe she said.
I don't know, papa dear. I am kept entirely in the dark. It is to be a surprise to me. Oh, I will like it very much indeed, I think.
Oh, papa, dear, I sometimes feel as if I didn't deserve all this happiness.
Well, my dear, a housewife who calls these soft-boiled eggs, certainly does not deserve such happiness.
[_Embarrassed_.] I only boiled them about three-quarters of an hour----
There, there, I was only joking; never mind it. And Marie, I suppose, is taking her rest now?
If she only would do so. Papa, you must compel her to take a rest. No one can endure such a strain. One day she is looking after this house, and the next day she is in the city, furnishing our new home; and the nights she passes on the train. I am sure she will break down.
[_Throws her arms around her mother_.] Good-morning, mama dear!
[_Caressing her_.] My sweet! my pet! only four more good-mornings, and then----
No tears now, no tears, I beg of you! Tears on an empty stomach--b-r-r-r-r-r, that's poison.
My darling, who dressed your hair last night?
There! I knew Marie could not have done that. But do you know--Marie--a few moments ago I opened her door softly, to see how she was resting, and found her still fully dressed, just as she came from the train, seated at the open window, a book in her lap, and staring out into space.
Well, well, well! I thought her passion for novels had passed away long ago.
I've been thinking--we must watch her more closely.
She needs no one to watch over her! She is well able to take care of herself; but we must spare her----
But, Henry, just now--three days before the wedding--who could think of sparing one's self?
Henry, you know how I love the girl; but, good gracious, she is not our own dear, sweet one----
Well, just imagine, mama dear, she was going to be married--and I remained at home----
Then we would retain our sunshine, our consolation, our---- [_Looking at breakfast table with a questioning expression_.] But, children, I can't understand----