Marie. Don't, George! Go away! Please don't! George. [_Embarrassed_.] But why should I suddenly go away, Marie? Marie. Go, George, I beg of you! I must lay the table!! Now go! George. Marie, you said yourself you had no one but me! Marie. If you do not want to despise me, please go---- George. [_With forced laugh_.] I despise you? Very well--I'll go---- [_Turns once more in the door and hesitatingly exits_.] [Marie _breaks down, weeping_.] [_Curtain_.] END OF THE SECOND ACT. ACT THREE _Same setting. Above the centre table a lighted hanging-lamp. Another lamp on table, L. The glass doors to garden are open. Full moonshine falls partly into the room. At rise of curtain, at table, L., are_ Brauer, Mrs. Brauer _and_ Pastor. _At centre table_, Gertrude _and_ George. _It is evening_. Brauer. Now, then, tell Marie to bring the bowl! Pastor. Ah! you are going to have a bowl? Mrs. Brauer. Why, of course, Pastor. This is St. John's Eve. The villagers will set off tar-barrels and bonfires, and we will celebrate it with a bowl. Brauer. [_Mischievously_.] But perhaps this festival is too heathenish for the clergy---- Pastor. Bless you, that all depends. If you have not the clergy's sanction, then it is wicked and heathenish---- Brauer. But if they are invited, then it is Christianly and good? Ha, ha----! Pastor. Well, I did not say that. You had better apply to the consistory, they are better able to decide that point. Brauer. Ah, Pastor, you are a diplomat. Well, what are you two doing over there? You are not saying a word. Gertrude. George is too lazy. He is drawing little men, and I am writing. Brauer. In his place I think I would prefer to draw little women. Eh, Pastor? George. Just as you say, uncle! Brauer. [_Aside_.] What the devil is the matter with him to-day? Come, children, be jolly, this is St. John's Eve! Ah, here is the punch! Now, then, Gertrude, lend a hand! [Marie _has entered with the bowl and glasses_.] Gertrude. Yes, papa. Brauer. [_Drinks_.] Excellent, Marie! Superb! I tell you, Pastor, whoever gets her for a wife will be a lucky man indeed. Gertrude.