MISS JAY. Yes, I saw it clearly. STIVER [_in the door, with a coffee-cup in one hand and a biscuit in the other_]. The witnesses must not mislead the court; I here make affidavit, they’re in error. MISS JAY [_within_]. Come forward, Anna; stand before this mirror! SOME LADIES [_calling_]. You, too, Lind! MISS JAY. Back to back! A little nearer! LADIES. Come, let us see by how much she is short. [_All run into the garden-room; laughter and shrill talk are heard for a while from within_. [FALK, _who during the preceding scene has been walking about in the garden, advances into the foreground, stops and looks in until the noise has somewhat abated._ FALK. There love’s romance is being done to death.— The butcher once who boggled at the slaughter, Prolonging needlessly the ox’s breath,— He got his twenty days of bread and water; But these—these butchers yonder—they go free. [_Clenches his fist._ I could be tempted—; hold, words have no worth, I’ve sworn it, action only from henceforth! LIND [_coming hastily but cautiously out_]. Thank God, they’re talking fashions; now’s my chance To slip away— FALK. Ha, Lind, _you’ve_ drawn the prize Of luck,—-congratulations buzz and dance All day about you, like a swarm of flies. LIND. They’re all at heart so kindly and so nice; But rather fewer clients would suffice. Their helping hands begin to gall and fret me; I’ll get a moment’s respite, if they’ll let me. [_Going out to the right._ FALK. Whither away? LIND. Our den;—it has a lock; In case you find the oak is sported, knock. FALK. But shall I not fetch Anna to you? LIND. No— If she wants anything, she’ll let me know. Last night we were discussing until late; We’ve settled almost everything of weight; Besides I think it scarcely goes with piety To have too much of one’s beloved’s society. FALK. Yes, you are right; for daily food we need A simple diet.