(Bonath _stands aside, opening the door. Enter_ Frau v. Yburg _and_ Margot. Frau v. Yburg _is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention; but hidden behind her assurance, and scarcely noticeable, are the traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile_. Margot _is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy, reserved manner._)
I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch a glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind.
A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (_Shakes hands with_ Margot.)
Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (_Gives him her hand._)
I'm very happy to meet you both--I hadn't hoped to see Fräulein Yburg here. But our friend believes in military promptitude. I have just received permission to take my leave.
I hope that you will come to see us soon, Herr von Tietz.
That's very kind of you. (_Bowing to_ Margot.) Fräulein Yburg!
Ebeling (_accompanying him to the door_).
Good-bye, my dear fellow. No bad feelings now----
Oh, no. Margot is only going to glance around a bit. Yes, my little girl, you may well look about. Between these four walls many a fate has been shaped.
(_Looking at her with evident disapproval._) Perhaps Margot may call for me again in half an hour. You won't mind?
Then run away, dear, pay your visit, and let the carriage bring you back again. (_Sits down, right._)
(_Giving him her hand with social assurance, but a little timidly, none the less._) Au revoir, Herr Ebeling.
Au revoir, Fräulein Margot. (_Accompanies her to the door, and calls._) Bonath, see to it that Fräulein Yburg finds her way out. She is coming back later.
(Ebeling _bows to_ Margot, _who is already out of sight, and closes the door._)
Well, Frau von Yburg, we've brought matters to this point.
The divorce was granted yesterday morning.
My dear Herr Ebeling, my heart is so full of gratitude--really, I don't know how to thank you--for myself and also for my poor, dear child. But I'm so helpless--so perplexed--I really don't know--I----
Yes--just fancy--well, then--_she won't do it!_