(Bonath _stands aside, opening the door. Enter_ Frau v. Yburg _and_ Margot. Frau v. Yburg _is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention; but hidden behind her assurance, and scarcely noticeable, are the traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile_. Margot _is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy, reserved manner._) v. Tietz (_at sight of Margot_). Ah! Frau v. Yburg. I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch a glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind. Ebeling (_kissing her hand_). A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (_Shakes hands with_ Margot.) Frau v. Yburg. Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (_Gives him her hand._) v. Tietz. I'm very happy to meet you both--I hadn't hoped to see Fraeulein Yburg here. But our friend believes in military promptitude. I have just received permission to take my leave. Frau v. Yburg. I hope that you will come to see us soon, Herr von Tietz. v. Tietz. That's very kind of you. (_Bowing to_ Margot.) Fraeulein Yburg! Ebeling (_accompanying him to the door_). Good-bye, my dear fellow. No bad feelings now---- v. Tietz. Oh, I say! Of course not! (_Goes out._) Ebeling. Won't you sit down? Frau v. Yburg. Oh, no. Margot is only going to glance around a bit. Yes, my little girl, you may well look about. Between these four walls many a fate has been shaped. Ebeling. Let us rather say, has been mended. Margot (_softly, suddenly looking up_). Mine, too? Frau v. Yburg. (_Looking at her with evident disapproval._) Perhaps Margot may call for me again in half an hour. You won't mind? Ebeling. It will give me great pleasure. Frau v. Yburg. Then run away, dear, pay your visit, and let the carriage bring you back again. (_Sits down, right._) Margot. (_Giving him her hand with social assurance, but a little timidly, none the less._) Au revoir, Herr Ebeling. Ebeling. Au revoir, Fraeulein Margot. (_Accompanies her to the door, and calls._) Bonath, see to it that Fraeulein Yburg finds her way out. She is coming back later. _Voice of_ Bonath. Very well, Herr Ebeling. (Ebeling _bows to_ Margot, _who is already out of sight, and closes the door._) Ebeling. Well, Frau von Yburg, we've brought matters to this point.