George. Smitten with her? Mrs. Brauer. [_Somewhat reproachfully_.] George!!! Brauer. Sh, sh--silence! [_During following scene_, Marie _noiselessly clears off the table_.] Pastor. [_Enters_.] I should not have dared to annoy the ladies at this early hour, if---- Brauer. [_Laughingly_.] Eight o'clock is not so very early in the country, my dear Pastor; you will soon learn that here. Mrs. Brauer. And how is the good old pastor? Pastor. [_Doubtfully shrugging his shoulders_.] Well! Mrs. Brauer. [_Alarmed_.] He is not worse, I hope? Pastor. At the age of eighty, my dear lady, one cannot be said to be growing stronger. Brauer. Ah, I see, Pastor, you are somewhat of a philosopher. Will you take something? Pastor. You are very kind. A good glass of brandy is half the morning sun. Brauer. Now that is a manly word, Pastor. Pastor. Oh! thank you! Your health! [_Drinks_.] Brauer. Will you take something, George? George. No thank you, uncle, not now. Mrs. Brauer. When did you arrive, Pastor? Pastor. Just three weeks ago. Mrs. Brauer. And do you like our town? Pastor. Very much indeed, thank you. I find the whole world beautiful; but the surroundings here are exceptionally so. Yes, this place to me seems doubly attractive, for here every one seems smiling and happy---- Pardon me. Miss, you have dropped the napkin. [Marie _smilingly bows her acknowledgment_.] [Gertrude _exits, stifling a laugh_.] Brauer. Pastor, you will pardon this rudeness, she is still a child. Pastor. Oh, certainly, certainly; for she is right. I have not yet been able to overcome my old tendency to play the gallant in the presence of ladies--and in this frock--I know--I must look somewhat ridiculous. Brauer. Tell me. Pastor, how did you happen to obtain this position? Pastor.