No, no, thank you. Pastor; your time will come some other day. [_Aside_.] It will at least give him something to do. [_Meaning_ George.] Gertrude. I want to go too, papa! I love moonshine promenades. Brauer. No, no, my pet. In the first place, it is very improper for lovers to be out so late at night, without a chaperon. Marie. I would much prefer to go alone. I am not at all afraid--and I do not wish to trouble George--or any one else---- Brauer. Any one else is out of the question, for in this house every one rises at five in the morning. [_To_ George.] Now, then, what excuse have you to offer? George. Excuse? I? Why, none at all, except that she does not want me to go. You heard it yourself! Brauer. Have you two been quarreling again? Mrs. Brauer. Don't insist, Henry, if they don't want to---- Brauer. By the way, send for Mr. Paul--I wish to speak to him. Pastor, your health! [_Drinks_.] [_At this_ Marie _and_ Gertrude _go to door C., and speak to some one outside in pantomime. A voice is heard_.] Voice. Mr. Paul! Mr. Paul! Paul. [_From behind scene_.] I am coming in one moment! [_Short pause. He enters_.] Here I am! Brauer. Ah, there you are! Give him a glass of punch! Paul. Thank you, I have just had a glass of beer. Brauer. Very well! Now, don't let us disturb you, children! Pastor, this is the time to prepare your toast. [_Aside to_ Paul.] Well, have you learned anything of this stranger? Paul. Not a sign of one, excepting two tramps at the inn, the gendarme placed under arrest; but that was the day before yesterday. Brauer. H'm! If I had ever had the slightest reason to doubt her word---- Marie, my child, come here to me. Marie. Yes, papa! Brauer. [_Looks at her sharply_.] Never mind, now. Paul. [_Aside to_ Brauer.] By the way, I saw the old woman again! Brauer. Sh! not so loud! Where? Paul. She had money, too---- Brauer. I wonder where she stole it? Paul. I wonder! The innkeeper said she had a gold piece. But don't you worry, Mr. Brauer. She will soon give us cause to have her locked up again. She is incorrigible! Brauer. Does she sleep at the inn? Paul.