Yes, he had to go out on the fields, he said--and that was quite some time ago. I wanted to accompany him, I begged and begged, but he flatly refused to let me go. Marie. [_Breathing heavily_.] Oh!!!!!!!! Gertrude. I don't know how it is; but to-day he is acting so strangely. Papa has asked for him several times--and do you know, dear, at times he is not at all pleasant to me! Marie. But why should he---- Gertrude. That's just it! why should he? Oh, if I only knew--if I was only certain he loved me--and then, another thing--I don't know if I should tell you--I have a growing fear, some other girl will take him away from me. Marie. [_With forced laugh_.] Away from you, dear? how could that be possible? Gertrude. Oh yes, you may laugh; but at times, when he looks at me, I see a strange look come in his eyes. Half affection--half pity--and I don't want to be pitied! Why should he? Am I not happy? Marie. [_Caressing her_.] Yes, dear; you ought to be very, very happy. Gertrude. But I cannot rid myself of the fear, perhaps he really loves another and is only taking compassion on me! Oh, if I only knew---- Marie. But, my darling---- Gertrude. For you see, I am still so young--and think, how ill-mannered I was only this morning! I was so sorry afterwards--but I do love to laugh. [_Laughs_.] Marie. [_With strange y desperate tone of voice_.] And you shall laugh--laugh--laugh--so--so!!!!!!! Gertrude. Mama, too, insists that my love for him is only that of a child and not of a woman and a bride; but you see she would rather I'd not marry at all and so remain at home with her all my life. But you will be good to her, won't you? You will soon be her only one. Marie. I----? Gertrude. Why yes! Marie. I shall soon know whose only one I am! Gertrude. What are you saying? Marie. [_As_ George _enters_.] There he is! [Gertrude _runs towards him_. Marie _takes a few steps, then hesitates and stops_.] Gertrude. [_Pulling him, as she runs towards him_.] Oh, George!!! [_Then_] Confound you! George. [_Reproachfully_.] _Gertrude!!!!!!_ Gertrude. [_Crushed_.] Why, what did I say? George. [_Lovingly_.] Now listen to me, little one. Such language may be excusable in your papa, but never in my bride. Gertrude.