Paul(passionately). Don't make it so desperately hard for me, Aunt Clara!
Aunt Clara(looking at the walls). Here they all hang on the walls, those who were once active here ...
Paul, (follows her eyes). Do you hear? The door-bell. (The door-hell rings.)
Aunt Clara. Callers.
Paul. Callers! Again!
Aunt Clara. Probably to express their condolences.
Paul(impatiently). Just at the most inopportune moment!
Aunt Clara(listening). I shouldn't be surprised if the Laskowskis were coming!
Paul(giving a start). Antoinette ...? Why, that ...! And I in my riding boots! Do see who it is!
Aunt Clara. Why, of course it is! I can hear him from here ... Shall I bring them in, Paul?
Paul, Can't we take them somewhere else?
Aunt Clara. Where, pray tell? (She goes to the door on the right.)
Paul(goes to the door on the left, knocks). Hella, open the door! I want to change my clothes. There are callers.
Aunt Clara. Why, never mind, you are all right!
Paul(turns away, resigned to his fate). It wouldn't do any good anyhow. Hella does not hear me. Go ahead then! Bring them right along. [Aunt Claraopens the door at the right and goes out. Conversation outside becomes audible.]
Paul(also comes over to the right, seems to be in great agitation, controls himself nervously, steps upon the threshold at the right and addresses those about to enter).This way, if you please.(He steps aside forAntoinetteandLaskowski, and makes a short bow). We are very glad to see you!
Laskowski(seizes both of his hands and shakes them a number of times). Glad to see you, old chap! Think of seeing you again. (He andAntoinettehave taken off their wraps outside. He wears a black morning coat and black gloves.)
Paul(reserved). Unfortunately on a sad occasion!
Antoinette(in a black gown, simple but elegant). Be assured of our heartfelt sympathy, doctor! (She extends the tips of her fingers to him.)
Paul(somewhat formally). Thank you very much, madam! (His eyes are fastened upon her.)
Aunt Clara(is the last to enter. She closes the door behind her). Will you not be seated? Antonie, please take the sofa!
Paul. Yes indeed, madam, please! Or would you prefer to sit at the fire? You have been riding.
Antoinette. Thank you! I am quite warm. I'll sit down here. (She sits down on the sofa and lets her eyes roam about.)
Laskowski. Think of my wife sitting at the fire! It would have to come to a pretty pass! One who knocks about in the open all day long, like her! (He sits down on the chair to the left of the sofa.)
Paul(under a spell). Do you do that, madam?
Antoinette. Just as it comes! A little horseback, skating ... Whatever winter pastimes there may be!
Paul(who is still standing at his chair). And in summer?
Laskowski. Oh, in summer something else is doing again! Then there is rowing, fishing and swimming to beat the band!
Antoinette. Fortunately we have the lake right near our place.
Paul(has been speaking privately toAunt Clara). Very well, Auntie, bring us that!
Antoinette. Don't go to any trouble, Miss Clara. We can't stay long.
Laskowski(winks). Well, well, we'll remain a bit longer. I'll still have to go to the inn to take a look at that gelding.
Paul(beckons to his aunt). So bring it along!
Aunt Clara. Very well, boysie, I'm going. (Goes off at the right.)
Paul(sits down in the chair opposite the sofa and becomes absent-minded again). So you have a lake? Where is it? Surely not at Klonowken?
Antoinette. If we only did have that at Klonowken! We have nothing at all there.
Laskowski(joining in with laughter). Heaven knows! The fox and the wolf do the social stunt there!
Antoinette. The lake is at Rukkoschin.
Laskowski(informing him). That is the estate that my dearie brought to me.
Paul(abruptly). Yes, yes.
Laskowski(laughing). That's a different layout from the sandy blowouts of Klonowken! Prime soil! And a forest, I tell you, cousin! Over two thousand acres! One trunk as fine as another! Each one fit for a ship's mast! If I ever have them cut down! That will put grease into the pan! Yes, yes, Rukkoschin is a catch that's worth while. We did a good job of that, didn't we, dearie? (He laughs atAntoinetteslyly.)
Paul. I suppose, dear Laskowski, that no one has ever doubted your slyness.
Laskowski(strikes his shoulder). Do you see, Doc, now you say so yourself, and at school you gave me the laugh. That fool Laskowski, so you thought, he'll never get beyond pounding sand in a rat-hole. Have I come up a bit in your eyes? How's that, old boy? Shake hands. Pretty damned long since we have met! (He extends his hand toPaul, who does not seem to notice it.)
Antoinette(who has been biting her lips and looking into space during the words of her husband, suddenly interrupts). We received the announcement this morning, Mr. Warkentin. We thank you very much.
Paul(reserved). It was no more than our duty, madam.
Laskowski. Yes, we were very glad, my wife and I ...
Antoinette(quickly). Not to be forgotten!...
Laskowski. You hit the nail on the head, that's what you did, dearie!Yougo on and talk. A fellow like myself isn't so handy with his tongue! But he feels it just the same!
Paul(grimly). Rather sudden, was it not, madam?
Antoinette. The best thing that one can wish for!
Paul. Do you think so? I don't know.
Laskowski. Of course. Heart failure's the thing to have!
Antoinette. It grieved me very much.
Paul. Yes, madam.
Antoinette. You see, he was my guardian.
Paul. I know it.
Antoinette. Of course we had not seen each other for some time ...
Laskowski. Goodness, dearie, that's the way it goes sometimes! This fellow's busy and then that fellow's busy ... It's not like in the city. But everybody knows how you feel about it, just the same. And then if you do meet in the city, or at the stockyards, or somewhere else, the jollification is twice as big. Just lately I met your father in just that way. It's not been four weeks. Met him at the station just as I was going to town. And the old gent crossed my path and acted as if he didn't see me. It was right at the ticket window. Of course, I called him! Good morning, major, says I! Howdy? Chipper, and up and coming as ever? Oh, says he, not particularly! Those very words! I can still see him as he stood there!
Antoinette(incredulously). Why you didn't tell me a thing about that.
Laskowski. Guess I forgot to. Who'd think it would be the last time. When I heard that he was dead, day before yesterday, it came to me again. Then we rode in the same compartment and he kept telling me a lot about you, Doc.
Paul, (sarcastically). Really?
Laskowski. He was pretty much bothered, what would become of the place, when he'd be dead and gone ...
Paul. You don't say!
Laskowski. On my honor, Doc.! Expect me to fib to you. Of course I talked him out of it, and told him not to bother about it. First of all that it wasn't up to him yet, and if it was,Iwas still in the ring.
Paul. Very kind of you.
Laskowski. With all my heart! You and me, Doc., h'm? We understand each other! We'll come to terms all right. Old chap! Old crony! How tickled I am to see you right here before me again! How often I have said if Paul was only here now. Didn't I, dearie!
Antoinette(gesture of impatience). Yes, yes.
Laskowski. Well, what have you been doing all this time, Doc.?
Paul. All kinds of things.
Laskowski. Regular old Socrates. It makes a fellow's wheels buzz to think of what he's got in his head all the time! Do you remember, old chap, how you used to help me out when we were juniors?
Paul. Sophomores, dear Laskowski! You failed to make junior standing.
Laskowski(strikes his fist on the table, in great glee). Damn it all! Did you remember that? I see, old chap, that a fellow has to be on his guard with you.
Paul(with a determined look). If you think ...
Mother_Earth
MOTHER EARTH
Laskowski. These fellows from Berlin. They are up to snuff! That's the place! If they ever come out into the country, look out, boys. They'll not leave a shirt on your back! Guess you made a good deal of spondulics in Berlin, didn't you, Doc.? (He goes through with the gesture of counting money.)
Paul(cutting). Why?
Laskowski. Goodness, a fellow will ask about that. You don't need it, of course. Ellernhof is worth sixty, seventy thousand dollars any day, and a fellow can live off of that. If you can only find a buyer ...
Paul. I haven't the least desire, dear Laskowski.
Laskowski. It's a hard thing too, now-a-days. Buyers are scarce and times are hard for the farmer.
[Aunt Claracomes from the right, carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and glasses.]
Antoinette. You have gone to all this trouble, after all, Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Not at all worth mentioning! (Sets the things on the table.)
Laskowski(examines the wine-bottle). Why, what have you brought here, Miss?
Paul. You drink port, don't you, madam?
Laskowski(affectionately). If you don't care for it, dearie, I drink for you.
Antoinette. Youmaypour me one glass. (She holds out her glass, whichPaulfills.)
LaskowskiYou're sure it won't hurt you, dearie?
Antoinette. Why should it? I drink on other occasions.
Laskowski. Because you are always getting a headache.
Antoinette(looks at him). I?
Laskowski. Now don't get mad right off! Can't a fellow crack a joke? Don't you see that it's a joke? Drink ahead, dearie! I'm drinking too. And then I must be going too.
Paul(who has filled all the glasses). Must you; where?
Laskowski(raises his glass and empties it). Of a forenoon, there's nothing up to a glass of port.
Paul. Why don't you drink, Aunt Clara! (He also drinks.)
Aunt Clara. Oh, I don't care much for wine, my boy, as you may remember. (She sips a little.)
Laskowski(toAntoinette). Well, did you like it, dearie?
Paul. May I give you some more, madam?
Antoinette. No, thank you. It would go to my head.
Laskowski(pushes his glass over). I'll take another glass. Then I must be going. (Looks at his watch.) It's a quarter of eleven.
Paul(fills it). What else have you in mind?
Laskowski. Well, since it just fits in, we being here today, I just want to go over to the inn. They've advertised a gelding there. Take a look at him. If he can be had cheap ... Haven't put one over on anybody for some time! (He laughs, empties the glass and holds it up before him.) Your old gent did invest in a cellar! There ain't a thing, Doc., that I envy you as much as that cellar! (He gets up.)
Antoinette. I shall wait till you return. Come back soon!
Laskowski. On the spot, dearie. I'll only take a vertical whisky over at the inn! Good-by, dearie! Good-by, Doc.! (He goes out at the right.)
Aunt Clara(has also risen, with a sly look). Mercy, my dinner! You can't depend upon these girls! First thing, it'll be burned. (She hastens out at the right.)
Antoinette. Did you not bring Mrs. Warkentin with you, Doctor?
Paul(nervously). Yes, Auntie, please tell Lene to go around and tell my wife we have callers. This door is locked. She cannot get through here. (He has risen and walked over to the right.)
Aunt Clara(going out). Very well, Paul, I shall see to it.
[Goes off. Pause.Paulstands at the fireplace and stares into the fire.Antoinettehas leaned back on the sofa and is gazing into space.]
Paul(with an effort). You are not cold, are you, madam? Or I will put on some more wood.
Antoinette(without stirring). Not on my account! I am accustomed to the cold.
Paul(forced). Strange! Ashardenedas all that.
Antoinette. Completely!
Paul, (takes a step toward her). Antoinette ...?
Antoinette(motionless). Doctor?
Paul, (painfully). Once my name was Paul. Don't you remember?
Antoinette. I have forgotten it!
Paul(controls himself). Well then, madam, may I speak to you?
Antoinette. Will you not call your wife?
Paul. May I not speak to you?
Antoinette. I don't know what you could have to say.
Paul. Something that concerns only you and me and not another soul!
Antoinette(gets up). I do notcareto hear it. (Takes a few steps into the hall.)
Paul(seizes her hand). Antoinette!
Antoinette(frees herself). Don't!
Paul. Then why have you come?
Antoinette. Don't, I tell you!
Paul. Then why have you come, I ask of you?
Antoinette(stands with her back to him, blurts out). They fairly dragged me here!
Paul. So you did not come of your own accord?
Antoinette. No!... I should never have come!
Paul. Antoinette ... Is that the truth?
[Antoinettepresses her hand to her face and is silent.]
Paul(with bowed head). Then to be sure ...!
Antoinette. Why in the world doesn't your wife come in? (She walks toward the window.)
Paul. Very well! Let her come! (He bites his lips and turns away.)
Lene(appears in the door at the left). Mr. Warkentin ...?
Paul(startled). What is it?
Lene. Mrs. Warkentin says that she has no time now, she'll come directly.
Paul. Very well!... You may go!
Lene. Thank you, Mr. Warkentin! (She casts a glance at the two and goes out. Short pause.)
Paul(with grim humor). As you see, it is not to be, madam!
Antoinette(stands at the window with her back toward the hall). It would seem so. (Presses her face against the panes.)
Paul(walks to and fro, then approaches her). I have had to endure much, Antoinette, very much!
Antoinette(suppressed). Possibly I have too.
Paul. Why, Antoinette, you are weeping? (He stands behind her and tries to look into her face.)
Antoinette(wards him off). I? Not at all!
Paul(heavily). You are weeping, Antoinette!
Antoinette(sinks down). I can't help it. (She surrenders to her pain, but quietly and softly, making her appear all the more touching.)
Paul(kindly). Come, madam! Let me conduct you to the sofa. (About to take her arm.)
Antoinette(refusing). I can go alone. Why do you concern yourself about me at all?
Paul. Antoinette! Don't be stubborn at this moment! Our time is short. Who knows whether we shall ever speak to each other again as we now do. (He leads her forward a short distance.)
Antoinette. All the better!
Paul. Our time is awfully short.I cannotlet you go away so! We must make use of the moment! (Bitterly.) The moment that will possibly never return. (He has slowly led her to the front of the stage.)
Antoinette(frees herself violently). Do permit me to go by myself! I do not need you! I need no one!
Paul(bitterly). Very well! I shall not molest you! As you please!
Antoinette(sits down in the chair at the left of the sofa, seems composed again). You see I am quite calm. It was only a temporary indisposition.
Paul(coaxing). May I sit down near you, Antoinette?
Antoinette. What have you to say to me?
Paul, (sits down in the chair before her, looks at her squarely, then, after a moment of devoted contemplation). I am forced to look at you, Antoinette! Pardon me! I am forced to look at you again and again!
Antoinette. Do save up these compliments for your wife, doctor!
Paul(with growing excitement). No compliments, Antoinette! The moment is too precious!
Antoinette. Then why don't you spare yourself the trouble?
Paul. Didn't you feel it, the very moment you came in, Antoinette; I could not keep away from you.
Antoinette. Quite flattering!
Paul. Antoinette! Now you must listen to me to the very end.
Antoinette. Goodness! What do you expect of me?
Paul. Or you should not have come!
Antoinette. Why in the worlddidI do it?
Paul(fervently, but in an undertone). Antoinette! You are so wonderful! More wonderful than I have ever seen you before!
Antoinette(sarcastically). Oh, indeed ...! Possibly you are even sorry.
Paul(straightens up, harshly). For shame, madam. Such expressions are not suited to you! Leave them to others!
Antoinette(passionately). Your own fault! You have brought mo to this!
Paul(painfully). You have become unfeeling, Antoinette!
Antoinette. I am simply no longer that stupid little creature that you can wind around your finger as once upon a time. Do you still remember that Christmas Eve, Doctor Warkentin?
Paul. I remember it all, Antoinette. Why on that evening my life was decided.
Antoinette. So was mine. In this very hall. I sat at this very place and you before me as now. There is such a thing as providence. I have always believed in that! But now I see it with my own eyes. God in heaven will not be mocked! On my knees I have prayed to him ...!
Paul(frightened). Antoinette!
Antoinette(furiously). On my knees I prayed for him to punish you.
Paul. Toinette, you are mad! What awful injury did I inflict upon you?
Antoinette(Scornfully). You upon me? Oh, none at all! Did you know about me at all? You scorned me! What, that stupid little thing wants me, the great man! Who am I and what is she! Off with her.
Paul. Toinette!
Antoinette(filled with hatred). Yes, off with her. And I did throw myself away! I knew all the time it would spell misfortune for me if I married this ... this man.
Paul(starts up). Is that the way matters stand?
Antoinette. Yes, indeed, that's the way they stand. I don't think of making a secret of it. The whole world knows it. It is shouted from the house-tops!
Paul(clenches his fists). The dog!
Antoinette. It's easy for you to use strong terms now. You hounded me into it! I owe it all to you. But one consolation has remained for me. I have become unhappy. But so are you! And that is why I have come.
Paul(straightens up). What does this mean, Antoinette?
Antoinette. Heavens! Simple enough! You do take an interest in the woman that has been preferred to you. You would like to make the acquaintance of such a marvel.
Paul(offended). You are malicious, madam!
Antoinette. Not at all. I only wanted to see, with my own eyes, how happy you are. But I am quite sufficiently informed. One only needs to take a look at you.
Paul(painfully). Are you satisfied now?
Antoinette(from the bottom of her heart). Yes.
Paul. Are you compelled to detest me?
Antoinette. Do you expect me to thank you?
Paul(fervently). Does it really make you happy to talk to me in this manner, Antoinette?
Antoinette. Happy or not, what I have vowed before the altar, I shall not fail to keep.
Paul(earnestly and sadly). I am the last person to hinder you, Toinette! But I surely may look at you? Will you forbid that?
Antoinette(struggling with herself). Don't talk to me in this manner!
Paul(excited). Just look into your face, Antoinette, the few moments that remain! Stamp upon my mind how much I have lost! Look into your eyes, just once more! Into your wonderful eyes!
Antoinette(jumps up). Don't talk to me in this manner, I say. I haven't deserved it!
Paul(has also risen, seizes her hand). Antoinette, I have found none of the things that I was seeking. I have been miserably deceived! Are you satisfied now?
[Antoinettesinks back into her chair, begins to sob spasmodically.]
Paul(wildly). Why aren't you glad? (He strides through the hall.)
[Antoinettechokes down her sobs.]
Paul(comes back again, bows down to her). Weep, Antoinette! Weep! I wish I could. (He softly presses a kiss upon her hair). [Silence.]
Antoinette(jumps up). I must go! Where is my husband? I must have fresh air! My head! (She looks crazed.)
Paul(takes her arm). Yes, fresh air, Toinette, there we shall feel less constraint. It is fine outside, the snow is falling. Everything is white. Everything is old. Just as both of us have become, Toinette.
Antoinette(leaning on him). I am so afraid! So terribly afraid!
Paul(leading her to the door). You will feel better. Snow is soothing. Come and I will tell you about my life. Possibly you will forgive me then, Antoinette? (He looks at her imploringly and extends his hand to her).
Antoinette(hesitates a moment, then opening her eyes widely she lays her hand in his). Possibly!...
Paul(happy). Thank you, Toinette! Thank you!... And now come.
Antoinette(on his arm, sadly). Where shall we go?
Paul. To the park, Toinette, to the brook, do you remember, to the alders?
Antoinette(nods). To the alders, I remember.
Paul. Out into the snow, to seek our childhood.
[He slowly leads her out at the right.]
The same hall as on the preceding days. The two corners in the foreground, on the right the fireplace with its chairs, on the left the sofa and other furniture are both separated from the centre and background of the hall by means of a rectangular arrangement of oleanders in pots, thus affording two separate cozy corners, between whose high borders of oleander a somewhat narrow passage leads to the background. A banquet board in the form of a horseshoe, the sides of which run to the rear and are hidden by the oleanders. The centre, forming the head of the board, is plainly visible from the passage. It is almost noon. Dim light, reflected from the snow outside, comes in through the middle window of the back wall, a view of which is afforded through the opening in the centre. The snowflakes flutter down drearily as on the previous day. The fire now and then casts a red light upon the oleanders, which separate the space surrounding the fireplace from the background.Aunt Clara, in mourning as before, andLene, also dressed in black, are busy at the table, which has been set. They move to and fro arranging plates, glasses and bottles. After a moment.
Aunt Clara(comes forward in the direction of the passage, inspects the whole arrangement and speaks toLenewho is occupied in the background, where she cannot be seen). Are all of the knives and forks properly arranged back there?
Lene(not visible). Everything's in order, Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Why, then we are through.
Lene. They can come right along now.
Aunt Clara. I can't help but think that it's time for the bell. (The old clock in the corridor outside begins to strike.)
Lene(has come forward). It's striking twelve.
Aunt Clara. You're certain, are you, that the roast is being basted properly?
Lene. Oh, Lizzie's looking after things.
Aunt Clara. The sermon seems to be pretty long.
Lene. Oh, he can never find his finish. Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Let him talk, for all I care! Only I might have put off the dinner.
Lene(listens). Now the bell is ringing. (Distant, indistinct tones of a church bell are heard.)
Aunt Clara(also listens). Yes, they are ringing. Then it is over. (She folds her hands as if in prayer.)
Lene(timidly). Now the coffin's in the ground, ain't it, Miss Clara?
Aunt Clara(murmurs). God grant him eternal peace!
Lene(also with hands folded). Amen!
Aunt Clara(continues murmuring). And light everlasting shine for him!
Lene(as before). Amen!
Aunt Clara(partly to herself). Ishouldhave been glad to pay him the last honor, but itwasimpossible. What would have become of the roast? We shall see each other in the next world anyhow. It will not beverylong!
Lene(comforting her). Oh, Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara(seizes her arm). Don't stand there! Do your work! They will surely be here directly, (Counts the places.) Six ... eight ... twelve ... sixteen ... eighteen ... twenty ... twenty-two ...
Lene. That's the number. There are eight sleighs.
Aunt Clara. Go and open the door of the green room!
Lene(goes off to the left). WhatwillMrs. Warkentin say to that?
Aunt Clara.Iwill attend to that. It can't be helped today. We shall have to use the rooms for our coffee later.
Lene(returns). She'll make a nice fuss!
Aunt Clara. Off with you now. They are coming. Take the ladies and gentlemen into the front rooms until we have the dinner on the table. Then you can go and call them.
Lene. Very well, Miss Clara. (Quickly off to the right.)
[Short pause, during whichAunt Clarastands listening. ThenHellaenters from the right, dressed in black.]
Hella(with a quick glance to the left, then toAunt Clarawho has retreated to the background). What is the matter with my room? Why are the doors open?
Aunt Clara. The guests certainly must have some place where they can relax a bit, later on.
Hella(nonplussed). In my rooms?
Aunt Clara. They surely can't sit around in this one place the whole afternoon. They must take their coffeesomewhere.
Hella(from the left). Why Idosay ...! Really! All of my books are gone!
Aunt Clara(indifferently). I put things to rights a bit, madam. Why Icouldn'tleave them as they were. I took the books upstairs.
Hella. Upstairs! Very well, then that's whereIwill go. (Starts out toward the right.)
Paul(enters and runs intoHella). Where are you going?
Hella. I am going upstairs.
Paul.Whereare you going!
Hella. Upstairs. Ican'tfind a nook downheretoday where I might rest.
Paul. So you really refuse to dine with us?
Hella(places her hand on his arm). Spare me the agony, Paul! You know I can't endure so many strangers. It will give me a headache.
Paul. Stay a short time at least! Show that much consideration!
Hella(retreats a step). Consideration ... No one showsmeany consideration!
Paul(pacing up and down). Nice mess, when not even the nearest relatives ...
Hella. Why, you are to be present.
Paul. But you must be present! I desire it, Hella!
Hella. And what if I simplycannot?
Paul(plants himself before her). Why not?
Hella. Because I cannot. Because I hate these feeds!
Paul(more calmly). That is correct. So do I! But what can we do about it? Itisthe custom.
Hella. Custom, Paul, custom!... Have we founded our life upon old customs?
Paul(embittered). If we only had!
Hella(looks at him sharply). Do you think so?
Paul. Yes, possibly we should have fared better.
Hella(very emphatically). And then, my dear, I will tell you one thing more. You are compelling me to do so.
Paul. And that is?
Hella. I don't care to lie.
Paul. What do you mean by that?
Hella. I don't care to feign, to these people, feelings that are entirely absent. That is why I am going upstairs.
Paul(very calmly). Does that refer to ... the dead?
Hella. Yes, it does! I did not knowhimand he did not knowme! Did not care to know me. What obligations remain for me? None at all.
Paul. Are you serious?
Hella(bolt upright). In all seriousness. Now it is out.
Paul(quite calm). Very well, then go!
Hella. I'll see you later. (She goes toward the right.)
Paul(struggles for composure, then suddenly). Hella! Formysake ... Donotgo. Stay here!
Hella(turns to him). No, Paul, one should not force himself to do such things. Put the responsibility upon your father! I am not to blame. I am only acting as I must. You would do the same. [Off at the right.]
Paul(beside himself). It's well that you are reminding me of that.
Aunt Clara(approaches). Shall I remove your wife's plate?
Paul. Yes, take the plate away.
Aunt Clara. Have you seen the Laskowskis?
Paul. Yes, at the cemetery, Auntie. I shall go now and call the guests. (Goes off.)
[Aunt Clarawalks toward the right, shaking her head, then pulls the bell.]
Lene(comes in from the right, behind the scene). What is it. Miss Clara?
Aunt Clara. Have the soup brought in! It will take me some time to fill all of the plates, anyhow.
Lene. Very well!
Aunt Clara. Now where are you to serve? And where is the coachman to serve? You haven't forgotten?
Lene. I am to serve on the right and the coachman on the left. Is that right?
Aunt Clara. Yes, you may go! And don't forget, all serving is to be done by way of the green room! Be sure not to come in from this side! [Lenegoes off.]
[Aunt Clararetires to the background, where she is occupied for some time, without being very much in evidence. The door at the right is opened.]
Paul(still hidden to view). Come in, ladies and gentlemen! In this way! (von Tiedemann,Mrs. von Tiedemann,Dr. Bodenstein,Raabe, father and son,Mertens,Kunze,Mrs. Borowski,Schnaase,Mrs. Schnaase,Josupeit,Licentiate Schrockand others enter and dispose themselves in groups before and behind the Oleanders.)
Raabe, Sr. (puts his hand up to his side). I don't know, but that cemetery put a stitch into my side.
Schnaase. Yes, that was a nasty, cold snow. If we only get something to eat soon!... So we can warm up!
von Tiedemann. Ought to be a bit careful of yourself at your age, Mr. Raabe!
Raabe. Why, how oldamI? Seventy!
von Tiedemann. Not worth mentioning, eh? Prime of life!... How oldwasWarkentin?
Schnaase. Why we just heard about that in the sermon, sixty-two!
von Tiedemann. Not very old!
Raabe. Yes, that's the way they go ...
Schnaase. To the grand army, eh Raabe, old boy? Who knows when we will get our orders.
Raabe. It will be our turn next.
von Tiedemann. Don't say that! It is not a matter of age! Look at Warkentin, did he give evidence of his end?
Schnaase. The affair with his son put him over, or he would be here today.
von Tiedemann(looks around). Why, where is the young man?
Schnaase. Pretty nice fellow in other respects!
von Tiedemann. He will have a deuce of a time if he intends to farm here. You can't pick that up helter skelter. Has any one heard? Does he intend to take it on? Or is he going to sell?
[He turns toward the rear. MeanwhileAntoinette,Paul, ANDGlyszinskihave entered from the right and have joined a group of guests in the background.]
Raabe. In the old days the son always followed in the footsteps of his father. The son of a land-owner became a land-owner. That's all out of style now. Everybody goes to school.
Schnaase. Well, your son is doing that very thing, Raabe.
Raabe, Jr. (has come forward). Good morning, Mr. Schnaase!
Schnaase. Good morning, brother student!
Raabe, Jr. Well, pa?
Raabe. Well, my son?
Schnaase. Keeping right after beerology, young man?
Raabe, Jr. Purty well, thanks! A fellow guzzles his way through.
Schnaase. How many semesters does this make, Mr. Raabe?
Raabe, Jr. Mebbie you'd better not ask about that.
Raabe. How many semesters? Twelve! Isn't that it, my son?
Raabe, Jr. Astoundingly correct!
Schnaase. Then I suppose you'll tackle the examinations one of these days, Mr. Raabe?
Raabe, Jr. There's plenty of time.
Raabe. Just let him study his fill! I'm not at all in favor of too much hurry! He'll get office and emoluments soon enough.
Schnaase. I know one thing,myboy will not get into a gymnasium! The agricultural school for him, till he can qualify for the one year's service and off with him. No big notions for him!
Raabe(holds his side). Outch, there's my stitch again!
Raabe, Jr. Take a whisky, pa! Shall I get us a couple?
Raabe. A few fingers might not do any harm.
Schnaase.Havethe girl before you kiss her, according to Lehmann.[A]
[Footnote A: Nickname of Emperor William I, who according to popular report took an interest in girls.]
Raabe, Jr. What'll you bet? I can get some! (He hastens to the rear.)
Raabe. Divvel of a fellow!
Schnaase. Well now, I'd just like to see. (Both of them followRaabe, JR. to the rear.)
Mrs. von TiedemannandMrs. Schnaasecome from the left arm in arm.
Mrs. von Tiedemann(with a glance at the arrangements). That is not exactly extraordinary.
Mrs. Schnaase. Oh, I don't know, Elizabeth, I find it quite pretty.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. And the wife does not seem to be much in evidence.
Mrs. Schnaase. Yes, she seems a bit high toned.
Mrs. von Tiedemann.Quite a bit.I wonder what kind of notionsshehas about the society that she has encountered here!
Mrs. Schnaase. Do you think they will stay here?
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Such creatures blow in from Berlin, puff up like a turkey gobbler. I'd hate to know about her past!
Mrs. Schnaase. Mrs. Laskowski looks pretty interesting today.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Do you think so? Well, perhaps she has her reasons.
Mrs. Schnaase. You don't say! Do tell.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Don't you know about it at all?
Mrs. Schnaase. Why no, what? I don't get out very much, you know.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. It was before your day. You were not here then. I have a dim recollection, when I was quite a young girl.
Mrs. Schnaase(all ear, seizes her arm). Is it possible? What was it?
Mrs. von Tiedemann(subdued). She had an affair with him ...
Mrs. Schnaase. With whom, pray tell?
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Themanwith whom she is standing there.
Mrs. Schnaase. Why that is young Mr. Warkentin.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Pst. They are coming. (Quite subdued.) Later she married her husband out of spite, because she did not get him!
Mrs. Schnaase(squints curiously atAntoinette). To think that she would still talk to him!
Mrs. von Tiedemann. Heavens, what does she care! (ToDr. Bodenstein, who is quietly conversing withMertensat the fireplace.) Doctor, just a word!
Dr. Bodenstein. At your service, madam! (He straightens up promptly and hastens to her.)
Mrs. von Tiedemann. I only wanted to ask about a trifling matter, Doctor.
Dr. Bodenstein. I shall bedelighted, madam.
Mrs. von Tiedemann. But no one must hear us. (Both disappear to the rear.)
Mertens(has also stepped out from the recess of the fireplace, toMrs. Schnaase). If you are willing to put up with me for the present, madam?
Mrs. Schnaase. Oh, thank you very much! But I might ...
Mertens. Please, please, madam! May I offer you my arm? (He takes her arm.)
Josupeit(has rushed up to the two from the background). Too late! Just my luck!Iwas about to report!
Mertens. You will have to get up a bit earlier the next time, my dear fellow;Ishall take you to the table, madam.
Josupeit(from the other side). Take me to the table dear, good madam! I'll tell you something quite interesting too.
Paul(has come forward withAntoinette). We shall eat immediately, Mr. Mertens.
Mertens. Please, please, as concerns me! (He escortsMrs. Schnaase. )
Josupeit(catches sight ofPaul, suddenly assumes a funereal air). My heartfelt sympathy, Mr. Warkentin! (He seizes his hand and shakes it.)
Paul, (reserved). I thank you!Josupeit(is silent for a moment, then continues). Another man of honor gone. (Paulnods silently.Josupeitagain after a brief silence.) Terribly sudden!
Paul(nods again and says). But I must not detain you, Mr. Josupeit!
Josupeit. Once more, my heartfelt sympathy!
[Josupeitand the rest go off to the rear.]
Paul(toAntoinettewho has stepped forward to the right near the fireplace). You see, madam, that's the way of it! Just back from the cemetery. One buried forever, and the next moment all of their thoughts somewhere else. Joyous and of good cheer.
Antoinette(stares into the fire, bitterly). Yes, that's the way of it!
Paul. Life rolls on merrily. The dead are dead. We shall have the same fate some day, madam.
Antoinette. Of course we shall. It is immaterial to me.
Paul(looks at her). Really?
Antoinette. It does not matter to me, whether it comes today or tomorrow. Sometime I shall have to go! So the quicker the better. It is all over with me!
Paul. Antoinette!
Antoinette. You may believe me, I am quite serious!
Paul(completely absorbed, as he looks at her). How calmly you say that! In the very bloom of life! I cannot think of you thus.
Antoinette. How?
Paul. Cold and dead.
Antoinette. But I can. Very well indeed. I am so now!
Paul. That isn't true, Antoinette. Your eyes tell a different story!
Antoinette(shrugging her shoulders). Never mind my eyes!
Paul. But I can't help it. I must look into them! I feel as if I must find something there.
Antoinette(turning away). Don't go to any trouble!
Paul. Indeed, indeed, Antoinette!
Antoinette. What in the world could you find?
Paul. ... Possibly my lost life?
Antoinette(excited). Why do you speak so to me, Paul?
Paul. Do I hear it from your lips, Paul, Paul, as of old?
Antoinette(frightened). Paul! Paul! Desist!
Paul. It has been a long time since I have heard that sound!
Antoinette. Desist, at least for today, I beg of you! It seems like a sin to me!
Paul. Why like a sin?
Antoinette. You were just remarking about the rest, and now you are doing the same thing, forgetting the dead.
Paul. I—forget him? I am thinking of him incessantly! And of his last words, before we parted forever! Do you know what they were, Toinette?
Antoinette(subdued). Tell me!
Paul. "Go! Some day you will be sorry!" ... Possibly he was right, the dear old man! Today it kept resounding from his open grave, as the clods and lumps of snow rumbled down on his coffin. "Are you sorry now? Are you sorry now?" ... I have tried to get rid of it, but it refuses to go. It keeps pursuing me and cries into my ears!
Laskowski(has approached the two). Well, dearie, how are you? What are you doing?
Antoinette(turns around, as if recoiling from something poisonous). Oh, it's you!
Laskowski. Who would it be? Ain't it up to me to look after my dearie now and then. Shan't we eat? They are all sitting down.
Paul(has become composed). Your husband is quite right, madam. We are the last. Unfortunately Mrs. Warkentin is not very well. May I request you to play the part of the hostess a bit?
Antoinette(distressed). If it must be, Doctor ...
Paul(looks at her). Yes, there is no help for it, madam. (Escorts her through the passage to the table.)
Laskowski(following them). And I, old boy. Where am I to go?
Paul(grimly). Wherever you please! The world is wide and there is room for all. (He leads Antoinette around the table to her place.)
Laskowski. I guess the shortest way is the best! I'm going to sit right here. (He sits down besideMrs. von Tiedemann, all the rest have also gradually taken their places. The order at the visible central portion of the table is as follows, from left to right: Outside,Kunze,Laskowski,Mrs. von Tiedemann,Director Mertens,Mrs. Schnaase; opposite these inside,Mrs. Borowski,Paul,Antoinette,Mr. von Tiedemann,Dr. Bodenstein. During the whole of the following scene they are eating and drinking.LeneandFritz, in livery, move to and fro, serving.Aunt Claracomes in and goes out as the occasion demands. She has her seat with those who are hidden and whose voices are only heard at times. At first the conversation remains subdued.)
Kunze(rises). Ladies and gentlemen! Before sitting down at the board, to regale ourselves with food and drink, does it not involve upon us to devote a few words to the memory of the beloved deceased, whose mortal remains we have today conducted to the last resting place. And how can we do that more fittingly, ladies and gentlemen, than by recalling the words recorded in holy writ. Ladies and gentlemen, what are the words of the psalmist? The days of our years are three-score years and ten; and if, by reason of strength, they be four-score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away! Ladies and gentlemen! He who no longer dwells in our midst in the body, but whose spirit is looking down upon all of us, the beloved deceased, may he rest in peace.
[Silence. Short pause as they continue to eat.]
Laskowski(the first to finish his soup, leans back). A soup like that does warm a fellow up.
von Tiedemann. Especially when you have been out in your sleigh for nearly two hours.
Laskowski. And then a full hour at the cemetery on top of it.
Mrs. von Tiedemann(quickly). But the sermon was really touching. From the very heart. Any one who had known the dead man ...
Laskowski. Not a soul kept from crying!
von Tiedemann. Yes, remarkably beautiful!
Laskowski. A fellow forgot all about being hungry.
Mrs. Borowski(leans over toPaul). Are they talking about the sermon?
Paul(aloud). Yes, Mrs. Borowski.
Mrs. Borowski. I didn't understand very much.
Paul(courteously). At your age, Mrs. Borowski!
Mertens(in an undertone toMrs. von Tiedemann). Who is she?
Mrs. von Tiedemann. It's the widow of the former teacher at the estate here.
Mertens. She seems to hail from the days of the French occupation!
von Tiedemann.Doesshe? She has at least eighty years on her back.
Mertens. But is well preserved.
Mrs. Borowski(toPaul). I say, Mr. Warkentin, I knew your father when he was no bigger than ... (Holding her hand not far from the ground.)
Paul(subdued). Fifty years ago?
Mrs. Borowski. Oh, it's longer than that. Almost sixty. I saw them all grow up. Now I'm almost the only one left from those times.
Laskowski(leans over toward her with his glass). Well, here's to you Auntie!... You don't drink very much any more I suppose? (He drinks.)
Mrs. Borowski. Oh, indeed! I am still able to take a glass.
Paul. Come, Mrs. Borowski, let me help you. (He fills her glass.)
Mrs. Borowski. When I was young I never caught sight of wine. Now that I'm old I have more than I can drink.
Laskowski. Drink ahead, Auntie! Drink ahead! Wine makes you young!
Mrs. Borowski. You know, your good wife is always sending me some.
Laskowski(nonplussed). I do say, dearie, why, I don't know a thing about that.
[Antoinettesilently shrugs her shoulders and casts a quick glance at him.]
Laskowski(friendly again). Makes no difference, dearie, no difference at all! Just send ahead! We do have a lot of it.
Antoinette. There is surely enough for us to spare a little for an old lady.
Laskowski. Sure, dearie!
Mrs. Borowski(leans over toAntoinette). Do you remember, pet, how you used to come and call with your parents, now dead and gone? A little bit of a thing you were, Paul would lift you on the horse and you didn't cry at all, you sat there just like a grown-up ... I remember it very well.
Antoinette. I don't. Such thingsareforgotten.
Paul(looks at her). Have you really forgotten that, madam?
Antoinette. Heavens, I haven't thought of it again.
Mrs. Borowski. Just wait and see, pet, when you are old you will think of it again.
Antoinette. Not all people grow to be as old as you, dear Mrs. Borowski.
Laskowski(has partaken freely of the wine). Dearie, you'll grow as old as the hills! I can prophesy that much. Haven't you the finest kind of a time!
Antoinette. I?... Of course!
Laskowski(garrulously). What do you lack!... Nuthin'!... Children's what you lack!
Antoinette(looks at him sharply). Never mind, please!
Laskowski(abashed). Well, well, don't put on so, dearie!