Agnes.
Ask the lieutenant to come in, and keep a lookout, if my aunt comes.
(Wilhelmopens the door on the right, and disappears through the door on the left hand.)
Agnes.
(Meeting the lieutenant as he enters.) Herr von Hallerpfort, what has happened to Fritz?
Hallerpfort.
Nothing, Fräulein, not the least thing.... I am surprised that he is not yet here.
Agnes(rising joyfully).
Ah! (With a sigh of relief.) Ha!
Hallerpfort.
I beg pardon a thousand times if I startled you.
Agnes.
Will you please take a seat.
Hallerpfort.
Thank you, most humbly! (They are seated.) Your uncle and aunt, I hope, will not----
Agnes.
Uncle has just gone to the stables, and aunt's coming will be announced to us.
Hallerpfort.
How is your aunt?
Agnes.
Oh, I thank you, much as usual.--Herr von Hallerpfort, be frank with me: What is this all about?
Hallerpfort.
Oh, absolutely nothing of any consequence. A little surprise--nothing further--nothing further!
Agnes.
To be sure, if he is really on his way here--didn't you ride here together?
Hallerpfort.
No, I came by the way of the levee, and thought to overtake him. He will have ridden by the highway.
Agnes.
Then what is the object of this secrecy?
Hallerpfort.
That will soon be cleared up, Fräulein.... At this moment, in Fritz's interest, I have to ask a great favour of you.... It is now (takes out his watch) three forty-five o'clock. At four o'clock let us say five minutes after four--even if we take into account some unforeseen delay--yes--he must be here.... How long does it take to go to the village to Braun's inn?
Agnes.
Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about five.
Hallerpfort.
Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness to reckon by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping?
Agnes.
At Braun's? I think you know, Herr von Hallerpfort, that this house----
Hallerpfort.
Oh, certainly that I know!... I only made the mistake of putting my horse at the entrance to Braun's, and as he doesn't belong to me, it is my duty to look after him.
Agnes.
And all that is the truth?
Hallerpfort.
Absolutely.
Agnes.
I should not be so persistent--forgive me for it--but here we have all been so distressed about him. For nearly a week, we have sat and waited for news.... Tell me truly.
Wilhelm(entering at the left).
Fräulein, your aunt.
Hallerpfort(springing up).
Good-bye, then! And be reassured, it is all about a joke--about----
Agnes.
If only your face were not so serious.
Hallerpfort.
Oh, that--that is deceptive. (Exit quickly to the right.
AGNES.FRAU VON DROSSE(extremely delicate in appearance, forty, suffering--with girlish complexion--gay, absent smile--dreamy, gentle expression--gliding, careful walk--breathing deeply).
Agnes.
(Hastens to meet her, to support her.) Forgive me, aunt, that I did not go to fetch you.
Frau von Drosse.
No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news?
(Agnesshakes her head.)
Frau von Drossesighing).
Ah, yes.
Agnes.
Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will soon be here himself.
Frau von Drosse.
Yes, if things happened according to presentiments!
THE SAME.MAJOR.WILHELM.
Major.
Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what is it then? What is it then?
Frau von Drosse.
Ah, Richard, you surely know.
Major.
Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? Many a time I didn't write for four weeks.
Wilhelm(who is handing the coffee).
Yes, Major.
Major.
And were you at all worried then?
Wilhelm.
Yes, Major.
Major.
Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story.
Frau von Drosse.
Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy.
Major.
Yes?
Frau von Drosse.
Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder....
Major.
So far as they wish to get married--no.
Frau von Drosse.
But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.
Major.
Ah, the poor devil! And for that purpose, one of the kind.... Who then is it?
Frau von Drosse.
Why! You surely know her ... Frau von Lanski of Steinhof.
(Agneswinces.)
Major.
Ah, indeed--well, to be sure, hm--that is quite probable.
Frau von Drosse.
Their estate is quite close to the city ... There he could always go in the evenings ... If only the husband were not so rude. I should be afraid of him.
Major.
Well, you are not a lieutenant of hussars, darling.
Agnes.
Won't you drink your coffee, aunt? It will be quite cold.
Frau von Drosse.
Ah, the stupid fig-coffee. To be sure, your health is good, you don't need anything of the kind! (drinks) Richard, do you know, last night I saw a vision.
Major.
Well, what did you see this time, darling?
Frau von Drosse.
There was a wide chamber with many mirrors and lights--perhaps it was Versailles--perhaps the castle at Berlin. And hundreds of generals stood there and waited.... (Excitedly.) And suddenly the door was opened wide and at the side of the Emperor----
Agnes.
Drink, aunt--tell about it later--it excites you.
Frau von Drosse.
Yes, my sweet one, yes. (Drinks and leans back exhausted.) You know, Richard, perhaps they are to increase his pay.
Major.
Surely he has enough, darling. Do you wish him to gamble it away?
Frau von Drosse.
Very well, then, let him gamble it away. I find that in general we pay so little heed to him.... I am obliged to think all the time how he acted in a roundabout way in the matter of Foxblaze. He didn't trust himself even to tell it.
Major(laughing).
No, child--but just stop.... Besides the charger he already has two others ... And one of them is Mohammed! Such a big stable--it is only a nuisance to him.... Just consider!
Frau von Drosse.
Ah, it is surely only restlessness. Ah, I wish he were only----
Wilhelm.
(Who had gone out, appears excitedly at the door on the right and calls softly.) Major, Major!
Major(springing up).
What is it?
Wilhelm(in a whisper).
The--the--young master!
Frau von Drosse(turning round suddenly).
What is it about the young master?
Major(rushes out. His voice is heard).
Boy, boy, boy!
(Frau von Drossebreaks out in ecstatic laughter.)
Agnes.
Quietly, aunt! Quietly! Don't excite yourself!
THE SAME.FRITZ VON DROSSE(in hussar uniform, his mother's son, slender, delicate, very youthful, blond to the roots of his closely cropped hair, small curled moustache, erratic person. Uneasiness is veiled beneath a noisy cheerfulness).
Frau von Drosse.
(Goes to meet him with outstretched arms.) My God! there he really is!
Fritz.
I should think he was! (Presses her to his heart and strokes her hair, closes his eyes a moment, as if overcome with faintness.) But be seated, mamma, be seated. Confound it, but I have ridden! And on the way, my horse lost another shoe.
Major.
Mohammed?
Fritz.
No, I am riding the Spy.
Major.
Where did it happen?
Fritz.
Thank God! just near Gehlsdorf.... I wasted twenty-five minutes at the blacksmith's.... But then--when--you should have seen!... Yes, Wilhelm, just see to it that the horse is well scraped and rubbed down. And don't let him stand just now--first lead him about properly.... An hour, feeding time--understand, old chap?... There, give me your paw--so!--don't be so agitated.... And now, go on, out with you!
(ExitWilhelm.)
Frau von Drosse.
Come here, my Fritzchen, sit beside me!
Fritz.
Very well, mamma, let us, very well!
Frau von Drosse.
You see, Agnes she had a presentiment about you.
Fritz.
Ah! Good-day, Agnes!
Agnes.
Good-day, Fritz!
Fritz.
You are so formal!
Agnes.
I?... Ah, no, dear Fritz.... Would you not like to drink something?
(Fritzstares at her, without replying.)
Major.
Fritz!
Fritz(starting up).
Yes, father!
Major.
You are asked a question.
Fritz.
To be sure, pardon me!... Pardon me, dear Agnes!... It is the heat ... It makes one quite idiotic.... Please bring me anything you like.... No, bring me rather some Rhine wine.... Bring some of the '64.
Major(laughing).
You go eagerly at the stuff, my son....
Fritz.
Forgive me, father, if I was too bold. I don't know how I came to do it.
Major(toAgnes).
Just bring it, bring it.
(Agnestakes the keys from the shelf and goes out to the right.)
Frau von Drosse.
How long have you furlough, my boy?
Fritz.
Furlough? Ha, ha, furlough ... No furlough at all. Sixty precious minutes, I have spared for you (stretching himself) then it is over! (Throws himself into a chair standing near the place where his mother is sitting.)
Major.
It is "over," what does that mean? Are you then on duty?
Fritz.
On duty?... Well, yes indeed, I am on duty--to be sure--of course.
Major.
What duty can that be?
Fritz.
Well, a patrol ride, of course.
Major.
When did you set out?
Fritz.
At noon, father.
Major.
Remarkable. In my time, the cavalry rode in patrol service rather about midnight.
Fritz.
Yes, the old man[2]does such things.... It is all one to him. If he can give petty annoyance. Yes.
Major.
How do you have time to stop in here?
Fritz.
Well, I had to unsaddle, and anyhow have ridden four and a half miles. It was only the question whether I should feed the horse at Braun's at the entrance where one gets merely water or----
Major.
Of course you are right about that.
Frau von Drosse(stroking his hands).
See what brown hands the boy has got.... I wonder how they can be burned through the gloves ... Just look, Richard, he has the white mark on his forehead, there where it is shaded. The last time, it was not there. My boy, my boy! (Bends down her head and kisses him on the forehead.)
(Fritzcloses his eyes and utters a low whimpering exclamation of pain.)
Frau von Drosse.
What was it? Did I hurt you, my boy?
Fritz(with embarrassed laughter).
Oh, no--no!
Major.
Control yourself, Fritz!
Fritz.
Yes, father!
Frau von Drosse.
Let him alone, Richard! Remember he has to leave directly.
Fritz(staring straight before him).
Yes, I must go directly.
Major(shaking his head, examines him).
Remarkable!
Agnes(who returns with a bottle and glasses).
There is the wine, dear Fritz.
Fritz.
Ah, if only the wine is there! (Hurries to the table and pours the wine.) Does no one touch glasses with me?
Major.
Just wait, I will touch glasses with you.
Fritz.
Then long life to us, friends! May we live happily.... Long may we live.... (Musing.) May we live as long as possible!
Major.
But you are not drinking.
Fritz.
Yes, yes. (Tosses down a glass.)
Major.
Well, I should like to take this occasion to ask you just why you don't write to us any more.
Frau von Drosse.
Please, Richard, please say nothing to him--he telegraphed.
Fritz(starting anxiously).
Telegraphed? What did I telegraph?
(Majormakes signals to him behind his mother's back.)
Fritz.
Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.
Frau von Drosse.
You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you scolded him.
Fritz.
Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?
Agnes.
Why do you askme, Fritz?
Major.
Remarkable!... You know, darling, the boy would like something to eat. In such cases, you always see to it yourself--eh?
Fritz.
No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (He grasps her hands.)
Frau von Drosse(imploringly).
Richard, the time is just now so short.
Major.
Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.
Fritz.
What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...
Frau von Drosse(standing up and sighing).
Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something more of him. (Goes withAgnesto the door on the left, where she turns again.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?
Fritz.
(Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, turns suddenly.) At your service, mother!
Frau von Drosse.
Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.
(ExitFrau von DrossewithAgnes.)
MAJOR.FRITZ.
Major.
Well, Fritz, my boy, here we are now alone, just out with what you have to say ... Exactly what is the matter?
Fritz.
Nothing, father, absolutely nothing ... What should be the matter?
Major.
You know, this story about the sprained arm and the patrol ride, that is simply a lie!
Fritz.
How so?
Major.
Will you smoke a cigar with me?
Fritz.
If you please ... That is, I should like a glass of water. (Tosses down two glasses of water.)
Major(lights his cigar).
Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am insulting you here.
Fritz.
How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't believe me, then you just don't believe me.
Major.
But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... Isn't that the case--are we not?
Fritz.
Oh, to be sure.
Major.
And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... Have you gambled?
Fritz.
Yes, I have gambled too.
Major.
Have you lost?
Fritz.
No, I have won.
Major.
Then, as to women--how is it about women?
Fritz(shrugs his shoulders).
Ah!
Major.
Boy, don't be so hard in the mouth.... Do you think I don't know you are in love?...
Fritz.
In love? Ah, good God!
Major.
Just think, my boy, only a year and a half ago, you came to me one fine day and explained to me that you wished to engage yourself to Agnes.... You know that I have not the slightest objection to Agnes. She will make an excellent Frau von Drosse.
Fritz.
Indeed? Do you believe it?
Major.
But your twenty-one years and, ah, good God!... You still carry about with you most merrily the eggshells on your back--as the infantry carries the knapsack. You hadn't the slightest idea of what are commonly called "women"--of course, I don't count barmaids and such people.... So I said to you: "My boy, let this interview be buried--and above all, so far as Agnes is concerned.... Do as your father and your grandfather did! Get some experience and--then come again." Don't you remember that?