Burris (Putting her away gently).—But I still cannot think we should go today. (Thunder in the distance.) Did you hear that?
Erna.—The more need we have to hurry. The storm is still far away. In half an hour we can be in town—long before the storm breaks, if it breaks at all.
Burris (Mystertously obstinate).—You will see that we finish by staying at home. (He walks about room with nervous strides.)
Erna.—You mean that seriously?
Burris (With a profound sigh).—I was never more serious—not even before Dubow.
Erna.—Karl Burris, I don’t understand you at all. You put me completely to sea. (She puts her arms about his neck. He repulses her rather rudely.)
Burris.—I mean just this: we do not drive to Sopote today. I mean this: we shall never drive to Sopote again. I mean once and for all that the military society of that place has ceased to exist for us from this time on.
Erna.—Have you taken leave of your senses? (Laughing wildly.) Lena, did you hear that? Your esteemed overseer has had a sun stroke. You say that we don’t go?
Burris (After an impressive pause).—I don’t, and you particularly not. (Pacing floor, finally stopping in front of Erna.) Today’s mail brought another letter. (He takes out of his pocket a folded sheet and offers it to Erna. She reads eagerly.) Be careful! That piece of paper contains such an antidote to all your dreams and aspirations that it might easily prove an overdose. You’d better pull yourself together pretty thoroughly before you read it.
Erna (Reading)—Vom K. U. K. Commando des Infanterie regiments Numero—(Turns page nervously and reads on.) {{lang|de|Was? . . . laut Superarbitratsbefundes derzeit ganzlich invalid . . .
Burris (Rubbing his hands together).—Yes, according to the findings of the medical corps, I am plainly an invalid.
Erna.— . . . nicht einmal zu Lokaldiensten geeignet . . .
Burris.—That’s it, I never wished for anything more ardently.
Erna.—Dir Invaliditat des Petenten ist bedingt . .
Burris—I know it by heart, for it is the most welcome announcement of my life. My invalidism is caused by a pro-
