Marie. _George_? Gertrude. Yes! Marie. [_Lurkingly_.] Perhaps you were right! Perhaps he _does_ love another! Gertrude. [_Softly groaning_.] Oh, why did you say that? Marie. Because---- No, no--how could he? That was wicked in me, wasn't it? How could he think of another, when he looks at you? Gertrude. No, no, Marie, you are right! I told him so myself! Marie. [_Slowly and marked_.] And what did he say? Gertrude. He?--He said nothing! And then--he cried---- Marie. [_Triumphantly_.] He cried? George cried? Have you ever seen him do that before? Gertrude. No, never! Marie. [_To herself_.] He cried---- Gertrude. And then he said: "What if we should be parted, after all?" Marie. If who should be parted--you and he? Gertrude. Yes--if he should die---- Marie. If he--oh, that is what he meant! Oh, well, he just wanted to say something. [_With forced lightness_.] Gertrude. Of course he did. But what about the other woman? Oh, I didn't let him see that I cared--and for the time I didn't care, really; but now, when I think of it! My God!--if it were really so! If I only knew!!!!!!! Marie. Of course, he would not tell you! Gertrude. Do you think he would tell any one else? Marie. Yes, sooner than tell you. Gertrude. Yes! I suppose so! Marie. Shall I ask him? Gertrude. Oh, if you would do that for me---- Marie. There now, it is done. Here is the comb and the rest of the hairpins. Now go! Gertrude. And do you really think he would tell you? Marie. I am sure he will. Gertrude. Oh, Marie, how grateful I shall be to you---- Marie. [_Pushes her out of the door_.] Go now, go! [_Stretches herself_.] Ah--ah--ah---- [_Calls softly_.] George! [_There is a knock at the door_.] Come in! Paul. [_Enters_.] Pardon me, Miss Marie; is Mr. Brauer in? Marie. No, Mr. Paul! Paul. The assistant pastor would like to speak to him--but here he is, himself. Pastor. [_Enters_.] Good-morning, Miss Marie! Marie.