By the way, send for Mr. Paul--I wish to speak to him. Pastor, your health! [_Drinks_.]

[_At this_ Marie _and_ Gertrude _go to door C., and speak to some one outside in pantomime. A voice is heard_.]

Voice.

Mr. Paul! Mr. Paul!

Paul.

[_From behind scene_.] I am coming in one moment! [_Short pause. He enters_.] Here I am!

Brauer.

Ah, there you are! Give him a gla.s.s of punch!

Paul.

Thank you, I have just had a gla.s.s of beer.

Brauer.

Very well! Now, don't let us disturb you, children! Pastor, this is the time to prepare your toast. [_Aside to_ Paul.] Well, have you learned anything of this stranger?

Paul.

Not a sign of one, excepting two tramps at the inn, the gendarme placed under arrest; but that was the day before yesterday.

Brauer.

H'm! If I had ever had the slightest reason to doubt her word---- Marie, my child, come here to me.

Marie.

Yes, papa!

Brauer.

[_Looks at her sharply_.] Never mind, now.

Paul.

[_Aside to_ Brauer.] By the way, I saw the old woman again!

Brauer.

Sh! not so loud! Where?

Paul.

She had money, too----

Brauer.

I wonder where she stole it?

Paul.

I wonder! The innkeeper said she had a gold piece. But don't you worry, Mr. Brauer. She will soon give us cause to have her locked up again.

She is incorrigible!

Brauer.

Does she sleep at the inn?

Paul.

No, sir! At night she leaves there, only to reappear in the morning.

Brauer.

H'm! that would almost be sufficient reason---- George!

George.

Uncle?

Brauer.

I have changed my mind. You must accompany Marie!

George.

Just as you say, uncle!

Brauer.

And no quarreling this time, Marie!

Marie.

Yes, papa.

Gertrude.

[_On the veranda_.] There, there, look! The first bonfire!!

[_Singing and laughter is heard in distance. A red glow is seen_.]