Major. Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story. Frau von Drosse. Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy. Major. Yes? Frau von Drosse. Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder.... Major. So far as they wish to get married--no. Frau von Drosse. But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs. Major. Ah, the poor devil! And for that purpose, one of the kind.... Who then is it? Frau von Drosse. Why! You surely know her ... Frau von Lanski of Steinhof. (Agnes _winces_.) Major. Ah, indeed--well, to be sure, hm--that is quite probable. Frau von Drosse. Their estate is quite close to the city ... There he could always go in the evenings ... If only the husband were not so rude. I should be afraid of him. Major. Well, you are not a lieutenant of hussars, darling. Agnes. Won't you drink your coffee, aunt? It will be quite cold. Frau von Drosse. Ah, the stupid fig-coffee. To be sure, your health is good, you don't need anything of the kind! (_drinks_) Richard, do you know, last night I saw a vision. Major. Well, what did you see this time, darling? Frau von Drosse. There was a wide chamber with many mirrors and lights--perhaps it was Versailles--perhaps the castle at Berlin. And hundreds of generals stood there and waited.... (_Excitedly_.) And suddenly the door was opened wide and at the side of the Emperor---- Agnes. Drink, aunt--tell about it later--it excites you. Frau von Drosse. Yes, my sweet one, yes. (_Drinks and leans back exhausted_.) You know, Richard, perhaps they are to increase his pay. Major. Surely he has enough, darling. Do you wish him to gamble it away? Frau von Drosse.