I can’t endure it longer; in post-haste I must present her— FALK. You had best refrain, And not initiate the eye profane Into your mysteries— LIND. That would be a jest!— From you, my fellow-boarder, and my mate, To keep concealed my new-found happy state! Nay, now, my head with Fortune’s oil anointed— FALK. You think the occasion good to get it _curled_? Well, my good friend, you won’t be disappointed; Go and announce your union to the world! LIND. Other reflections also weigh with me, And one of more especial gravity; Say that there lurked among our motley band Some sneaking, sly pretender to her hand; Say, his attentions became undisguised,— We should be disagreeably compromised. FALK. Yes, it is true; it had escaped my mind, You for a higher office were designed, Love as his young licentiate has retained you; Shortly you’ll get a permanent position; But it would be defying all tradition If at the present moment he ordained you. LIND. Yes if the merchant does not— FALK. What of him? ANNA [_troubled_]. Oh, it is Lind’s unreasonable whim. LIND. Hush; I’ve a deep foreboding that the man Will rob me of my treasure, if he can. The fellow, as we know, comes daily down, Is rich, unmarried, takes you round the town; In short, my own, regard it as we will, There are a thousand things that bode us ill. ANNA [_sighing_]. Oh, it’s too bad; to-day was so delicious! FALK [_sympathetically to_ LIND]. Don’t wreck your joy, unfoundedly suspicious, Don’t hoist your flag till time the truth disclose— ANNA. Great God! Miss Jay is looking; hush, be still! [_She and_ LIND _withdraw in different directions._ FALK [_looking after_ LIND]. So to the ruin of his youth he goes. GULDSTAD. [_Who has meantime been conversing on the steps with_ MRS. HALM _and_ MISS JAY, _approaches_ FALK _and slaps him on the shoulder._ Well, brooding on a poem? FALK. No, a play. GULDSTAD. The deuce;—I never heard it was your line.