finish unpacking (To Mauer). We moved out here only last Sunday. We are not even keeping house as yet. We are compelled to take our meals in that frightful park.
Erna.—Why, Mamma, the food seems to agree with you.
Mrs. Wahl.—But there are always so many people there, especially evenings . . . Well, good-night, Frau Genia. Coming with us a bit, Ensign?
Otto.—With your permission. Good-night, Madam. Please remember me to Mr. Hofreiter.
Erna.—Good-night, Frau Genia. Good-night, Doctor.
(Adieus. Mrs. Wahl, Erna, Otto, Exeunt.)
Mauer (After a brief pause, during which his glance has followed Erna).—There is a girl, whom one could almost forgive her mother.
Genia.—Not such a bad sort, good Frau Wahl. I find her rather amusing. If that is the only consideration—(She walks toward the veranda.) As I said to you once before, think the matter over, Doctor.
Mauer (Half in jest)—I'm afraid I haven't enough polish to suit her. (Following her slowly.)
Genia (Has gone up a few steps).—I didn't know that Friedrich had anything to do at the office this evening.
Mauer.—Oh,—I was to tell you,—he must wait for an important telegram.
Genia.—America?
Mauer.—Yes. Something to do with the patent rights for his new incandescent light.
Genia.—It is only an improvement, Doctor. (She sits.)
Mauer (Standing, leaning on the balustrade).—As usual. At any rate the matter appears to assume tremendous proportions. I hear he wants to build an addition to the factory; in fact, to buy up the adjacent block of houses . . .
Genia.—Yes . . .
Mauer.—And besides, that company that has been at him so persistently, has applied again, concerning the purchase of the factory. He is to confer with his banker in the morning.
Genia.—With Natter.
Mauer.—Natter, of course.
Genia.—They were at the funeral too, the Natters, I hear.
Mauer.—Yes.
Genia.—The scarlet car is said to have attracted much attention.
