Fires of St. John Part 54

Of you? That I can't tell. Perhaps you will be happy, perhaps not; that must all rest with yourself. And I? Oh, be content. I will take care of myself. As soon as possible I shall leave this house. Not to-day, as I would like--it might create suspicion----

George.

And where will you go?

Marie.

Ah, the world is large. I shall go far, far away, where no one will ever find me. No, no, not even you, George.

George.

And if you should go to ruin out there?

Marie.

Do not fear. I am the calamity child, the foundling. My hands are hard and callous--see, see! Just like my heart is, now. I will work and work, and toil, until I fall exhausted--then I will sleep and rest, until it is time for work again; and thus I will perhaps maintain a miserable existence.

George.

You say you are a calamity child! Well, so am I. But our accounts do not harmonize. You are going out into the world and misery, and it was I who drove you to it. Even did I not love you as I do, that thought would follow me forever and embitter my entire life. But, be it so. We are both children of misery! Therefore let us grit our teeth, shake each other by the hand--and say farewell!

Marie.

[_Softly_.] Good-bye, Georgie dear--and--don't be afraid--he is not yet coming--and forgive me--do you hear? From to-day--you understand? Did I not love you as much as I do, this would not have been quite so hard; but there--there--'tis all right now--I know; I can never be entirely poor now; for once, at least, the fires of St. John have burned for me--once--just once----

George.

Marie----

Marie.

[_Glancing around_.] Don't--don't----

Mrs. Brauer.

[_Enters, followed by_ Gertrude.] Hasn't the carriage arrived yet, children? And where is papa? It is time to go.

Marie.

He is coming now, I believe.

Brauer.

[_Enters_.] So there, I am ready to go! But, that is, you wanted to speak to me first?

George.

[_With a glance at_ Marie.] It is all settled now, thank you.

Brauer.

Then come, wife, my coat, quick!

[_She helps him with frocks after he has divested himself of jacket_.]

Gertrude.

[_Aside to_ Marie.] Did you ask him?

Marie.

[_Nods_.]

Gertrude.

And what did he say?

Marie.

It was all nonsense, my pet. He loves you and only you. He never has loved any one else--he says--and he will be very happy--so he says----

Gertrude.

[_Embraces him joyfully_.] My darling George----

Brauer.

Come, come, my child--time enough for that after the ceremony. Come!

[_All follow him to the door. When_ George _reaches door he turns, and as he takes one parting glance at_ Marie, Brauer _pushes him off_. Marie _stands motionless, looking after them, handkerchief in mouth, nervously forcing it between her teeth_.]

[_Curtain_.]

END OF PLAY.