[_Imitating him_.] Nothing!!! I can't quite make you out---- Here, have a drink?

George.

No, thank you!

Brauer.

Well, then, don't! Your health, my pet!

Gertrude.

Drink hearty, papa!

Brauer.

[_Rises_.] The carriage will arrive here sharply at ten! Understand?

George.

Yes!

Brauer.

And your friend from the city--we will find him at the station?

George.

Yes; he arrives quarter to ten.

Brauer.

For we must have two witnesses.--Do you know what I would like?

[_Tapping him on breast_.] I would like to be able to look in there.

Gertrude.

Oh, let him alone, papa! He is now my George. If I am satisfied with him----

Brauer.

You are right! He who gets my child can laugh--but he also shall laugh.

Understand? [_Exit R_.]

Gertrude.

Never mind him, George dear. You need not laugh if you don't want to.

Not on my account. [_Bells_.] Do you hear, George? The church bells, ringing softly, singing, like human voices!!!! That is for you and me!!

George.

Why for us?

Gertrude.

It is the old pastor's desire; half an hour this morning, and then again this afternoon, when we exchange rings. Do you know, George, mama says a bride's dream the night before her wedding is surely an omen.

Do you believe that?

George.

[_Preoccupied_.] Yes.

Gertrude.

I dreamed last night of a large, yellow wheat-field, in which a poor little rabbit had hidden itself; and high above, in the air, I saw a large hawk. Then it appeared to me that I was the little rabbit, and in fear and dread I called out "George! George!" when suddenly it shot down upon me!--just think----

George.

And then?

Gertrude.

Then I awoke. The cold perspiration stood thickly upon my brow---- Oh, George dear, you will protect me? You won't let any one hurt me, will you? For I am only a poor little rabbit, after all----

George.

[_Staring before him_.] My G.o.d!

Gertrude.

George, I wanted to ask you something.

George.

Well?

Gertrude.

You don't love some one else, do you?

George.

[_Disturbed_.] But, my child----

Gertrude.

Well, you know that if a bride cannot laugh on her wedding day, she loves another----

George.