She was tall, with great dark eyes, and there was something very distinguished and foreign about her. HEFFTERDINGT. [_Leads_ Marie _to the back of the stage, and lays his hand on_ Schwartze's _arm_.] You asked for a token of love! SCHWARTZE. [_Staring at the flowers_.] From her! MRS. SCHWARTZE. They must have cost a small fortune! MARIE. Theresa has something else very wonderful to tell, too. HEFFTERDINGT. What is it, Theresa? Quick! THERESA. If the pastor wishes it. When I came back, the porter told me that last evening in the twilight a carriage stopped before the door; there was a lady inside. She didn't get out, but kept watching all the windows of our house where there were lights. And when he went out to ask what she wanted, she said something to her coachman, and they were gone! [_All show signs of astonishment_.] HEFFTERDINGT. That's all, Theresa. [_Exit_ Theresa. HEFFTERDINGT. Pardon us, dear Miss Marie, if we treat you once more like a child, and ask you to leave us alone for a moment. MARIE. I am so frightened at all this, Pastor. [_Imploringly_.] Papa? SCHWARTZE. What is it, child? MARIE. Papa, papa, do you know who this lady is? SCHWARTZE. I? No. I can only guess. MARIE. [_Bursting out_.] Magdalene--Magda! Magda is here! [_Falling on her knees_.] Oh, you will forgive her? SCHWARTZE. Get up, my child. Your sister is far above my poor forgiveness. HEFFTERDINGT. She is not above your love. MARIE. Magda is here! Magda herself is here! [_Throws her arms about her mother's neck, weeping_.] FRANZISKA. Won't any one bring me a glass of water? I am so upset! HEFFTERDINGT. Are you quite resolved? [Schwartze _remains motionless_.] Will you let her go on her way without-- SCHWARTZE. That would be best. HEFFTERDINGT. How will it be with you if in your death-hour a longing for your lost child comes upon you, and all you can say to yourself is, "She stood before my door and I would not open it"? SCHWARTZE. [_Shaken and half convinced_.] What would you have me do? Must I abase myself before my runaway child? HEFFTERDINGT. No, you shall not do that. I--I--will go to her. SCHWARTZE. You? Pastor--you? HEFFTERDINGT.