Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about five. Hallerpfort. Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness to reckon by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping? Agnes. At Braun's? I think you know, Herr von Hallerpfort, that this house---- Hallerpfort. Oh, certainly that I know!... I only made the mistake of putting my horse at the entrance to Braun's, and as he doesn't belong to me, it is my duty to look after him. Agnes. And all that is the truth? Hallerpfort. Absolutely. Agnes. I should not be so persistent--forgive me for it--but here we have all been so distressed about him. For nearly a week, we have sat and waited for news.... Tell me truly. Wilhelm (_entering at the left_). Fräulein, your aunt. Hallerpfort (_springing up_). Good-bye, then! And be reassured, it is all about a joke--about---- Agnes. If only your face were not so serious. Hallerpfort. Oh, that--that is deceptive. (_Exit quickly to the right_.) _FIFTH SCENE_. AGNES. FRAU VON DROSSE (_extremely delicate in appearance, forty, suffering--with girlish complexion--gay, absent smile--dreamy, gentle expression--gliding, careful walk--breathing deeply_). Agnes. (_Hastens to meet her, to support her_.) Forgive me, aunt, that I did not go to fetch you. Frau von Drosse. No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news? (Agnes _shakes her head_.) Frau von Drosse (_sighing_). Ah, yes. Agnes. Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will soon be here himself. Frau von Drosse. Yes, if things happened according to presentiments! _SIXTH SCENE_. THE SAME. MAJOR. WILHELM. Major. Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what is it then? What is it then? Frau von Drosse. Ah, Richard, you surely know. Major. Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? Many a time I didn't write for four weeks. Wilhelm (_who is handing the coffee_). Yes, Major. Major. And were you at all worried then? Wilhelm. Yes, Major.