And why shouldn't it? I know of a rich Silesian proprietor who married his mother's lady's maid. And there's Dreissiger, the rich manufacturer, his wife is an innkeeper's daughter too, and not half so pretty as you, Miss, though she rides in her carriage now, with servants in livery. And why not? [_He marches about, stretching himself, and stamping his feet._] Let me have a cup of coffee, please. _Enter ANSORGE and OLD BAUMERT, each with a bundle. They seat themselves meekly and silently beside HORNIG, at the front table to the left._ WELZEL How are you, father Ansorge? Glad to see you once again. HORNIG Yes, it's not often as you crawl down from that smoky old nest. ANSORGE [_Visibly embarrassed, mumbles._] I've been fetchin' myself a web again. BAUMER He's goin' to work at a shilling the web. ANSORGE I wouldn't ha' done it, but there's no more to be made now by basket-weaving'. WIEGAND It's always better than nothin'. He does it only to give you employment. I know Dreissiger very well. When I was up there takin' out his double windows last week we were talkin' about it, him and me. It's out of pity that he does it. ANSORGE Well, well, well! That may be so. WELZEL [_Setting a glass of schnapps on the table before each of the weavers._] Here you are, then. I say, Ansorge, how long is it since you had a shave? The gentleman over there would like to know. TRAVELLER [_Calls across._] Now, Mr. Welzel, you know I didn't say that. I was only struck by the venerable appearance of the master-weaver. It isn't often one sees such a gigantic figure. ANSORGE [_Scratching his head, embarrassed._] Well, well! TRAVELLER Such specimens of primitive strength are rare nowadays. We're all rubbed smooth by civilisation ... but I can still take pleasure in nature untampered with.... These bushy eyebrows! That tangled length of beard! HORNIG Let me tell you, sir, that them people haven't the money to pay a barber, and as to a razor for themselves, that's altogether beyond them. What grows, grows. They haven't nothing to throw away on their outsides. TRAVELLER My good friend, you surely don't imagine that I would ... [_Aside to WELZEL._] Do you think I might offer the hairy one a glass of beer? WELZEL No, no; you mustn't do that. He wouldn't take it. He's got some queer ideas in that head o' his. TRAVELLER All right, then, I won't. With your permission, Miss. [_He seats himself at ANNA'S table._] I declare, Miss, that I've not been able to take my eyes off your hair since I came in--such glossy softness, such a splendid quantity! [_Ecstatically kisses his finger-tips._] And what a colour!... like ripe wheat. Come to Berlin with that hair and you'll create no end of a sensation. On my honour, with hair like that you may go to Court.... [_Leans back, looking at it._] Glorious, simply glorious! WIEGAND They've given her a fine name because of it. TRAVELLER And what may that be? ANNA