No, Dame Cousin, for heaven’s sake, no! You remember how the wicked fellow was seen to talk to my brother-in-law’s step-daughter three times, and how consequently he intended to marry her? Now he holds himself aloof, and has made the poor girl the talk of the town. FRAU STAAR. Goodness me, is there any one we can ask then? FRAU MORGENROTH. There comes Cousin Sperling. (_Enter Sperling, with a large bouquet._) SPERLING. Frau Under-Tax-Receiver, Frau Chief-Raft-and-Fishery Master, Frau Town-Excise-Treasury-Secretary, your humble servant! I was in my garden--the Herr Vice-Church-Superintendent sent for me--I ran like a sunbeam! Scarce did I take the time to cull these children of the spring. THE THREE LADIES. Do you know already? SPERLING. I know all. A celebrated professor--carriage smashed up--nose ditto--letter of recommendation from the Minister of State. FRAU STAAR. A professor, you say? FRAU BRENDEL. Only a professor? FRAU MORGENROTH. Oh, my delicious coffee that was spilled in the fire! FRAU STAAR. Never believe it, Dame Cousin. All my life I have heard that ministers take little interest in professors. No, no, there is some misunderstanding. SPERLING. Nay, but I will stand up for my opinion that the man who has had his nose smashed is a learned professor, on his way from Egypt or Weimar, where he has either been measuring the pillar of Pompey, or else seen Wieland put his head out of the window. In short, there is no time to be lost. Here are the flowers. Now get me some children. Children I must have! Then he may come and see what the town of Krähwinkel can do! FRAU STAAR. Gently, gently; they shall be here at once. (_Exit._) (SPERLING _turns aside and mutely practises the pantomimes of reception_.) FRAU MORGENROTH. Have you noticed, worthy cousin, what ridiculous airs the old lady is putting on? FRAU BRENDEL. Yes, indeed, Dame Cousin; she puffs herself up like dough in the oven. FRAU MORGENROTH. Goodness me! Her husband was only _Under_-Tax-Receiver. FRAU BRENDEL. When he died he left a debt to the Treasury. FRAU MORGENROTH. Dear me, and I wonder what the banquet will be like? Do you remember that joint eight weeks ago? It was horribly burned. FRAU BRENDEL. And how she looks! what will she put on? FRAU MORGENROTH. Not much choice. She has but three gowns. FRAU BRENDEL. To be sure, the brown one---- FRAU MORGENROTH. And the white one---- FRAU BRENDEL. And her stuff gown. FRAU MORGENROTH. She had that made for the first christening at the burgomaster’s. FRAU BRENDEL. Begging your pardon, Dame Cousin, it was made when the Vice-Church-Superintendent married his second wife. FRAU MORGENROTH. Who was another such fool. FRAU BRENDEL. You’re right there, quite right there. (_Enter Frau Staar with two children, the latter eating enormous slices of bread and butter._) [Illustration: ENTER FRAU STAAR WITH TWO CHILDREN.] FRAU STAAR. There are the children. SPERLING. Come along then!