Fires of St. John Part 28

Brauer.

You are merry, eh? Let me hear you laugh!

Marie.

[_Tries to laugh_.] Ha, ha, ha----!

Brauer.

[_Imitating her_.] Yes, yes--ha, ha, ha----!

Mrs. Brauer.

Come here, my child. [_Strokes her hair_.] Did you sleep well last night?

Marie.

Yes, mama.

Brauer.

But if this stranger should attack you again?

Pastor.

Pardon me, but what do I hear?

Brauer.

Oh, nothing of importance, Pastor. [_To_ Marie.] You will take the one o'clock train----

Marie.

Yes, papa.

Brauer.

There is another--at four--t'will be daylight then----

Marie.

But I would not reach the city in time.

Brauer.

Very well, you needn't go to bed, then. George can take you to the depot.

Marie.

[_Startled_.] George?

George.

[_Startled and simultaneously_.] What--I?

Brauer.

Certainly! Why not?

Pastor.

Pray do not think me obtrusive; but I am at your service.

Brauer.

No, no, thank you. Pastor; your time will come some other day.

[_Aside_.] It will at least give him something to do. [_Meaning_ George.]

Gertrude.

I want to go too, papa! I love moons.h.i.+ne promenades.

Brauer.

No, no, my pet. In the first place, it is very improper for lovers to be out so late at night, without a chaperon.

Marie.

I would much prefer to go alone. I am not at all afraid--and I do not wish to trouble George--or any one else----

Brauer.

Any one else is out of the question, for in this house every one rises at five in the morning. [_To_ George.] Now, then, what excuse have you to offer?

George.

Excuse? I? Why, none at all, except that she does not want me to go.

You heard it yourself!

Brauer.

Have you two been quarreling again?

Mrs. Brauer.

Don't insist, Henry, if they don't want to----

Brauer.