[_With a sigh_.] Nothing! Brauer. [_Imitating him_.] Nothing!!! I can't quite make you out---- Here, have a drink? George. No, thank you! Brauer. Well, then, don't! Your health, my pet! Gertrude. Drink hearty, papa! Brauer. [_Rises_.] The carriage will arrive here sharply at ten! Understand? George. Yes! Brauer. And your friend from the city--we will find him at the station? George. Yes; he arrives quarter to ten. Brauer. For we must have two witnesses.--Do you know what I would like? [_Tapping him on breast_.] I would like to be able to look in there. Gertrude. Oh, let him alone, papa! He is now my George. If I am satisfied with him---- Brauer. You are right! He who gets my child can laugh--but he also shall laugh. Understand? [_Exit R_.] Gertrude. Never mind him, George dear. You need not laugh if you don't want to. Not on my account. [_Bells_.] Do you hear, George? The church bells, ringing softly, singing, like human voices!!!! That is for you and me!! George. Why for us? Gertrude. It is the old pastor's desire; half an hour this morning, and then again this afternoon, when we exchange rings. Do you know, George, mama says a bride's dream the night before her wedding is surely an omen. Do you believe that? George. [_Preoccupied_.] Yes. Gertrude. I dreamed last night of a large, yellow wheat-field, in which a poor little rabbit had hidden itself; and high above, in the air, I saw a large hawk. Then it appeared to me that I was the little rabbit, and in fear and dread I called out "George! George!" when suddenly it shot down upon me!--just think---- George. And then? Gertrude. Then I awoke. The cold perspiration stood thickly upon my brow---- Oh, George dear, you will protect me? You won't let any one hurt me, will you? For I am only a poor little rabbit, after all---- George. [_Staring before him_.] My God! Gertrude. George, I wanted to ask you something. George. Well? Gertrude. You don't love some one else, do you? George. [_Disturbed_.] But, my child---- Gertrude. Well, you know that if a bride cannot laugh on her wedding day, she loves another---- George.