And how nearly finished is the lover's nest, eh?

Gertrude.

Only one more trip to the city, I believe she said.

Brauer.

Well, and do you like the arrangement?

Gertrude.

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.

Brauer.

And are you happy, my pet?

Gertrude.

Oh, papa, dear, I sometimes feel as if I didn't deserve all this happiness.

Brauer.

Well, my dear, a housewife who calls these soft-boiled eggs, certainly does not deserve such happiness.

Gertrude.

[_Embarra.s.sed_.] I only boiled them about three-quarters of an hour----

Brauer.

Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Gertrude.

Oh, I beg your pardon, papa, I will----

Brauer.

There, there, I was only joking; never mind it. And Marie, I suppose, is taking her rest now?

Gertrude.

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 pa.s.ses on the train. I am sure she will break down.

Brauer.

Well, well, I will look after that.

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Enters from L_.] Good-morning!

Brauer.

Morning! Well?

Gertrude.

[_Throws her arms around her mother_.] Good-morning, mama dear!

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Caressing her_.] My sweet! my pet! only four more good-mornings, and then----

Gertrude.

You must come to visit me soon, mama!

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Crying_.] Visit? ah, yes!

Brauer.

No tears now, no tears, I beg of you! Tears on an empty stomach--b-r-r-r-r-r, that's poison.

Mrs. Brauer.

My darling, who dressed your hair last night?

Gertrude.

The housekeeper.

Mrs. Brauer.

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 s.p.a.ce.

Brauer.

Well, well, well! I thought her pa.s.sion for novels had pa.s.sed away long ago.

Mrs. Brauer.

I've been thinking--we must watch her more closely.

Brauer.