Alma. Kind, is she? She's a stuck-up thing, that can't poke her nose high enough in the air when she meets me!--Never says a word to me; why, it's all she can do to return my bow! Oh, she----! Auguste. She's the same way to me. Robert. (_Sorrowfully, to himself_) That isn't like her! Frau Heinecke. (_Tenderly_) Just wait till she marries my boy! Robert. (_Shocked,--interrupting her_) Mother! But I'd forgotten: I've brought some presents for my sisters, and you, too, Brother-in-law. Auguste. (_Jumping up greedily_) What have you got? Where is it? Robert. In the bed-room. There's a card with each one's name on it. (_The three_, Auguste _ahead, hurry into the bedroom._) Heinecke. And you've got nothing for us? Robert. There wasn't anything out there good enough for you, dear parents. Tell me what you want? Frau Heinecke. If I should see the day when I had a sofa to match them arm-chairs--(_She sees that_ Robert _is staring ahead without listening to her_) But you ain't listening! Robert. (_Sadly reproving_) No, mother, I wasn't listening! Heinecke. (_Defiantly_) And I want a new paste-pot--you ought to be able to afford that! (_The three come back from the bedroom_. Auguste _carries a colored shawl_, Alma _a jewel-case_, Michalski _a Turkish pipe. They surround_ Robert _and thank him_) Auguste. What a pity they don't wear Indian shawls any more! Michalski. (_Puffing at the stem of his pipe_) Course it don't draw! Robert. (_To_ Alma, _who is playing with her jewels_) Are you satisfied, Alma? Look at the three blue stones, they are Indian sapphire. Alma. Very pretty! But to tell the truth, I like the dark-blue sapphires more! They have such beautiful brilliancy! Robert. How do you know so much about such things? Alma. Oh--from the shop windows! People of our sort like to look in windows! Robert. And what's that shining in your ear? Alma. Paste, that's all! Two Marks a pair! Robert. Dear, you mustn't wear things like that!--Promise me you'll take them off this minute--and I'll show you another special surprise that I've brought you. Alma. (_Sullenly, taking off the ear-rings_) As you please! Robert. It's the dress of a hindoo Princess--looted on a military invasion undertaken by a friend of mine. Think of it! Pink and gold! Alma. (_Joyfully_) Oh, how heavenly! Michalski. (_Laughing_) And I s'pose you hung her up stark naked on a tree! (Robert _stares at him._) Alma. (_Lovingly_) You're a dear, sweet, old brother! (_A coachman in livery knocks at the window._) Frau Heinecke. Go, see what Johann wants, Father. Alma. (_To_ Auguste) Oh, but they'll all turn green with envy when I wear this to the masked ball to-morrow. Auguste. Shh! Heinecke. (_From the window_) Johann says Herr Kurt is going to drive to the city at three, and he wants to know if you'd like to go along. (Alma _and_ Auguste _exchange glances._) Robert. What does that mean?