He worked until very late last night, papa. At dawn this morning I saw his light still burning; and then it was past three o'clock. Brauer. Yes, I must admit, he is diligent and industrious--but also stubborn--damned stubborn. [_The last is said almost to himself. Aloud_.] Has mama been down? Gertrude. No, not yet. Brauer. And Marie? has she returned? Gertrude. She arrived by the early morning train. Brauer. And how nearly finished is the lover's nest, eh? Gertrude. Only one more trip to the city, I believe she said. Brauer. Well, and do you like the arrangement? Gertrude. I don't know, papa dear. I am kept entirely in the dark. It is to be a surprise to me. Oh, I will like it very much indeed, I think. Brauer. And are you happy, my pet? Gertrude. Oh, papa, dear, I sometimes feel as if I didn't deserve all this happiness. Brauer. Well, my dear, a housewife who calls these soft-boiled eggs, certainly does not deserve such happiness. Gertrude. [_Embarrassed_.] I only boiled them about three-quarters of an hour---- Brauer. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Gertrude. Oh, I beg your pardon, papa, I will---- Brauer. There, there, I was only joking; never mind it. And Marie, I suppose, is taking her rest now? Gertrude. If she only would do so. Papa, you must compel her to take a rest. No one can endure such a strain. One day she is looking after this house, and the next day she is in the city, furnishing our new home; and the nights she passes on the train. I am sure she will break down. Brauer. Well, well, I will look after that. Mrs. Brauer. [_Enters from L_.] Good-morning! Brauer. Morning! Well? Gertrude. [_Throws her arms around her mother_.] Good-morning, mama dear! Mrs. Brauer. [_Caressing her_.] My sweet! my pet! only four more good-mornings, and then---- Gertrude. You must come to visit me soon, mama! Mrs. Brauer. [_Crying_.] Visit? ah, yes! Brauer. No tears now, no tears, I beg of you! Tears on an empty stomach--b-r-r-r-r-r, that's poison. Mrs. Brauer. My darling, who dressed your hair last night? Gertrude. The housekeeper. Mrs. Brauer.