Now, little one----

[Gertrude _exits with a sigh_.]

Marie.

[_Quickly and suppressed_.] Did you find her? [George _nods_.] Will she come? Why don't you answer?

George.

Marie, when you exacted this promise from me this morning, I did not realize what it meant. I had never seen your--I don't want to speak that word--I had never seen this person until to-day. She must not come to this house, secretly--she must not!!!

Marie.

George!!!

George.

Take uncle into your confidence, at least.

Marie.

No, no one--no one but you!!

George.

What do you want with her? You know you belong to this house. Here you have everything your heart desires. Here you have love--here you have----

Marie.

[_Interrupts him_.] Bread! Why don't you say it? Yes, here I have bread!

George.

I did not mean to say that.

Marie.

No; but I did! And do I not earn it, as well as the little love I obtain in this house? I am "The Calamity Child"--and I do not ask for charity.

George.

You seem to be possessed of the very devil to-day!

Marie.

Perhaps!

George.

I implore you, do not insist. I fear the consequence. You will see! for whatever is done against nature, punishes itself.

Marie.

And is it against nature when a child cries out for its own mother?

George.

She is not your mother; your mother is in this house.

Marie.

Gertrude's mother is in this house, not mine. A mother must feel for her child, she must see----

George.

Sh--sh!

[_Enter_ Gertrude.]

Gertrude.

You two are continually talking in whispers; can't you tell _me_? It makes me so unhappy!

Marie.

[_Caressing her_.] But darling, it is all done for your sake!

[_During this_, George _looks at her disapprovingly, while_ Marie _casts a timid glance at him_.]

Brauer.

[_Enters_.] At last you have come. Where in thunder have you been all day? It almost seemed to me as if you were trying to avoid me!

George.

But, uncle----

Brauer.

Well, girls, have you prepared the pastor's eggnog?

Marie.

Oh, I had entirely forgotten it.

Brauer.

Then see to it at once. And don't forget the sugar, you know.