Marie, dear, listen to me! You have been so kind to me of late--and that has not always been so; but if you had sacrificed for me even more than your own comfort and rest, I--I could not do it--I could not deceive your father and mother, for I fear the consequences. Marie. Then can't you understand that, a foundling though I am, a desire might come over me to see my own mother, though she be but a common beggar and an outcast? That I might want to lay my head on her shoulder and be petted and fondled, and cry myself to sleep on mine--on my own mother's breast? George. Are you not fondled, are you not petted--has mama not always been kind to you? Marie. Yes, but it is not the same--not the same. Never have I felt the desire, the demand within me for my own flesh and blood, as just now. George. But why just now? Marie. [_Imploringly_.] Because my heart is bursting. Oh, George! George. I cannot. I dare not do it! Marie. Then you refuse me? George. You know I must!! Marie. Then have you forgotten what took place in there, in your heart, four years ago? [_Pause_.] George. Marie, you have read my manuscript! Marie. Yes, I read it. Will you do it now? George. Marie, you have sworn falsely!!! Marie. [_Shrugging her shoulders_.] Will you do as I ask? George. 'Tis well! I will do as you ask!!!! [_Curtain_.] END OF THE FIRST ACT. ACT TWO _The same scene as Act I_. [Marie, _seated, with some linen in her lap, at the sewing-machine, looking dreamily out of the window_.] Housekeeper Katie. [_In door R_.] May I come in, Miss Marie? Marie. Oh, is that you? Yes, come in! Katie. I see you are working on Miss Gertrude's wedding outfit. How beautiful, fit for a princess. But what I wanted to ask you: Madame has given me the menu for the wedding feast, and as to fish, it calls for carp. Now you know I am economical, but carp--common carp---- Marie. Why, carp is a very fine fish---- Katie. Oh yes, and good enough for--say--your wedding feast; but not good enough for Miss Gertrude. Marie. For my wedding feast even carp is too good.