Yes--that is--but we're talking and talking-- MARIE. [_Jumping up_.] Oh, excuse me, mamma. MAGDA. No, you must stay here. MRS. SCHWARTZE. Yes, Magda; but about your trunks at the hotel,--I am constantly on the rack for fear something should be left. MAGDA. Send for them, then, children. FRANZISKA. [_Aside to_ Mrs. Schwartze.] Now I'll question her thoroughly, Augusta. Leave us alone. [_Exit_ Mrs. Schwartze. FRANZISKA. [_Sitting down, with importance_.] And now, my dear Magda, you must tell your old aunt all about it. MAGDA. Eh? Ah, look here, mamma needs help. Go on, quick! Make yourself useful. FRANZISKA. [_Viciously_.] If you command it. MAGDA. Oh, I have only to request. FRANZISKA. [_Rising_.] It seems to me that your requests are somewhat forcible. MAGDA. [_Laughing_.] Perhaps. [_Exit_ Franziska _in a rage_. MARIE. Oh, Magda! MAGDA. Yes, sweet. That's the way to go through the world,--bend or break; that is, I never bend. It's the only way. MARIE. Oh, good Heavens! MAGDA. Poor child! Yes, in this house one learns quite other views. I bent, myself, yesterday disgracefully. Ah, how nice our old mamma is! [_Earnestly, pointing to the mother's picture_.] And she up there! Do you remember her? [Marie _shakes her head_.] MAGDA. [_Thoughtfully_.] She died too soon! Where's papa? I want him. And yet I'm afraid of him too. Now, child, while I eat my breakfast, now you must make your confession. MARIE. Oh, I can't. MAGDA. Just show me the locket! MARIE. There! MAGDA. A lieutenant! Naturally. With us it's always a tenor. MARIE. Oh. Magda, it's no joke. He is my fate. MAGDA. What is the name of this fate? MARIE. It's Cousin Max. MAGDA. [_Whistles_.] Why don't you many the good youth, then? MARIE. Aunt Frankie wants a better match for him, and so she won't give him the guaranty he needs. It's abominable! MAGDA. _Si! C'est bête, ça!_ And how long have you loved each other? MARIE. I don't remember when we did not. MAGDA.