FRAN. And I will make you still more composed. MIN. So much the better! His letter! oh! his letter! Each line spoke the honourable noble man. Each refusal to accept my hand declared his love for me. I suppose he noticed that we had read his letter. I don't mind that, if he does but come. But are you sure he will come? There only seems to me to be a little too much pride in his conduct. For not to be willing to be indebted for his good fortune, even to the woman he loves, is pride, unpardonable pride! If he shows me too much of this, Franziska!!!!! FRAN. You will discard him! MIN. See there! Do you begin to pity him again already! No, silly girl, a man is never discarded for a single fault. No; but I have thought of a trick to pay him off a little for this pride, with pride of the same kind. FRAN. Indeed, you must be very composed, my lady, if you are thinking of tricks again. MIN. I am so; come. You will have a part to play in my plot. (Exeunt.) ACT IV. SCENE I. Minna's Room. Minna (dressed handsomely and richly, but in good taste), Franziska (They have just risen from a table, which a servant is clearing.) FRAN. You cannot possibly have eaten enough, my lady. MIN. Don't you think so, Franziska? Perhaps I had no appetite when I sat down. FRAN. We had agreed not to mention him during dinner. We should have resolved likewise, not to think of him. MIN. Indeed, I have thought of nothing but him. FRAN. So I perceived. I began to speak of a hundred different things, and you made wrong answers to each. (Another servant brings coffee.) Here comes a beverage more suited to fancies--sweet, melancholy coffee. MIN. Fancies! I have none. I am only thinking of the lesson I will give him. Did you understand my plan, Franziska? FRAN. Oh! yes; but it would be better if he spared us the putting it in execution. MIN. You will see that I know him thoroughly. He who refuses me now with all my wealth, will contend for me against the whole world, as soon as he hears that I am unfortunate and friendless. FRAN. (seriously). That must tickle the most refined self-love. MIN. You moralist! First you convict me of vanity--now of self-love. Let me do as I please, Franziska. You, too, shall do as you please with your Sergeant. FRAN. With my Sergeant? MIN. Yes. If you deny it altogether, then it is true. I have not seen him yet; but from all you have said respecting him, I foretell your husband for you. SCENE II. Riccaut De La Marliniere, Minna, Franziska RIC. (before he enters). Est-il permis, Monsieur le Major? FRAN. Who is that? Any one for us? (going to the door). RIC. Parbleu! I am wrong. Mais non--I am not wrong. C'est la chambre!!!!! FRAN. Without doubt, my lady, this gentleman expects to find Major von Tellheim here still.