FRAN. (aside). I have not time to reproach her for that jeering _your_. (Aloud.) Yes, my lady, that is my Sergeant. You think him, no doubt, somewhat stiff and wooden. He also appeared so to me just now; but I observed, he thought he must march past you as if on parade. And when soldiers are on parade, they certainly look more like wooden dolls than men. You should see and hear him when he is himself. MIN. So I should, indeed! FRAN. He must still be in the next room; may I go and talk with him a little? MIN. I refuse you this pleasure unwillingly: but you must remain here, Franziska. You must be present at our conversation. Another thing occurs to me. (Takes her ring from her finger.) There, take my ring; keep it for me, and give me the Major's in the place of it. FRAN. Why so? MIN. (whilst Franziska is fetching the ring). I scarcely know, myself; but I fancy I see, beforehand, how I may make use of it. Some one is knocking. Give it to me, quickly. (Puts the ring on.) It is he. SCENE VI. Major von Tellheim (in the same coat, but otherwise as Franziska advised), Minna, Franziska MAJ. T. Madam, you will excuse the delay. MIN. Oh! Major, we will not treat each other in quite such a military fashion. You are here now; and to await a pleasure, is itself a pleasure. Well (looking at him and smiling) dear Tellheim, have we not been like children? MAJ. T. Yes, Madam; like children, who resist when they ought to obey quietly. MIN. We will drive out, dear Major, to see a little of the town, and afterwards to meet my uncle. MAJ. T. What! MIN. You see, we have not yet had an opportunity of mentioning the most important matters even. He is coming here to-day. It was accident that brought me here without him, a day sooner. MAJ. T. Count von Bruchsal! Has he returned? MIN. The troubles of the war drove him into Italy: peace has brought him back again. Do not be uneasy, Tellheim; if we formerly feared on his part the greatest obstacle to our union!!!!! MAJ. T. To our union! MIN. He is now your friend. He has heard too much good of you from too many people, not to become so. He longs to become personally acquainted with the man whom his heiress has chosen. He comes as uncle, as guardian, as father, to give me to you. MAJ. T. Ah! dear lady, why did you not read my letter? Why would you not read it? MIN. Your letter! Oh! yes, I remember you sent me one. What did you do with that letter, Franziska? Did we, or did we not read it? What was it you wrote to me, dear Tellheim? MAJ. T. Nothing but what honour commands me. MIN. That is, not to desert an honourable woman who loves you. Certainly that is what honour commands. Indeed, I ought to have read your letter. But what I have not read, I shall hear, shall not I? MAJ. T. Yes, you shall hear it.