No, no, thank heaven. Now, little one, run along and tell papa that I am here. Gertrude. Marie, will you come, too? Marie. No; I think I will remain here a little while longer. Gertrude. Then I'll stay, too. George. Now, little one---- [Gertrude _exits with a sigh_.] Marie. [_Quickly and suppressed_.] Did you find her? [George _nods_.] Will she come? Why don't you answer? George. Marie, when you exacted this promise from me this morning, I did not realize what it meant. I had never seen your--I don't want to speak that word--I had never seen this person until to-day. She must not come to this house, secretly--she must not!!! Marie. George!!! George. Take uncle into your confidence, at least. Marie. No, no one--no one but you!! George. What do you want with her? You know you belong to this house. Here you have everything your heart desires. Here you have love--here you have---- Marie. [_Interrupts him_.] Bread! Why don't you say it? Yes, here I have bread! George. I did not mean to say that. Marie. No; but I did! And do I not earn it, as well as the little love I obtain in this house? I am "The Calamity Child"--and I do not ask for charity. George. You seem to be possessed of the very devil to-day! Marie. Perhaps! George. I implore you, do not insist. I fear the consequence. You will see! for whatever is done against nature, punishes itself. Marie. And is it against nature when a child cries out for its own mother? George. She is not your mother; your mother is in this house. Marie. Gertrude's mother is in this house, not mine. A mother must feel for her child, she must see---- George. Sh--sh! [_Enter_ Gertrude.] Gertrude. You two are continually talking in whispers; can't you tell _me_? It makes me so unhappy! Marie. [_Caressing her_.] But darling, it is all done for your sake! [_During this_, George _looks at her disapprovingly, while_ Marie _casts a timid glance at him_.] Brauer. [_Enters_.] At last you have come. Where in thunder have you been all day? It almost seemed to me as if you were trying to avoid me! George. But, uncle----