Mr. Brauer Proprietor of a large country estate Mrs. Brauer His wife Gertrude Their daughter George Von Harten Their nephew An old Gypsy Woman Haffner Assistant Pastor Mr. Paul Overseer Katie Housekeeper Servant Girl _and_ Marie A Foundling _Time of action, about 1880_ _Place of action, Pomerania_ (_Prussia_) THE FIRES OF ST. JOHN ACT ONE _Breakfast-room at the Brauer residence. The back wall is formed by three glass doors, separated by marble pillars. Behind this, the veranda is visible, and balustrade, hung with fine rug, and stairs, leading into the garden. The glass doors have practical, solid wooden shutters, with bars, fastening inside. Doors R. and L. Large table C. with breakfast laid. Front, to the left, sofa, table and easy-chair. To the right, sewing-machine, and basket filled with table-linen. Old-fashioned photos and engravings on walls. Otherwise, well-to-do family home._ _Time of day: Morning._ [Gertrude _busy at breakfast-table_.] Brauer. [_Enters with_ Paul, _from R_.] Confound it! Everything seems to go wrong this morning! [_Throws his cap on chair, angrily_.] Gertrude. [_Happily_.] Good-morning, papa! Brauer. Morning, my child. Such carelessness! You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If this thing had happened earlier in the season, out on the meadows--but at this time of the year--!!! Oh! Confound it all, anyway!!!!! It is inexcusable!!! Gertrude. What is the matter, papa? Brauer. The black cow has been overfed. But of course, when Marie is not about to look after everything, things go to rack and ruin. Well, man, what excuse are you going to make? Paul. None, Mr. Brauer. Brauer. Now that's the most sensible thing you have said this morning. Here, take a cigar and get to work; but mind! send for the veterinary surgeon at once. Have you had breakfast? Paul. Yes, sir! Brauer. Then what the devil are you waiting for? Paul. I--I--I wanted to excuse myself, and---- Brauer. [_Impatiently_.] It's all right! it's all right! Paul. [_Remains--hesitatingly_.] G--Good-morning!! Brauer. Well? Paul. I--I have something else to tell you---- Brauer. Then out with it.