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Oh, Magda!
MAGDA.
Yes, sweet. That's the way to go through the world,--bend or break; that is, I never bend. It's the only way.
MARIE.
Oh, good Heavens!
MAGDA.
Poor child! Yes, in this house one learns quite other views. I bent, myself, yesterday disgracefully. Ah, how nice our old mamma is!
[_Earnestly, pointing to the mother's picture_.] And she up there! Do you remember her? [Marie _shakes her head_.]
MAGDA.
[_Thoughtfully_.] She died too soon! Where's papa? I want him. And yet I'm afraid of him too. Now, child, while I eat my breakfast, now you must make your confession.
MARIE.
Oh, I can't.
MAGDA.
Just show me the locket!
MARIE.
There!
MAGDA.
A lieutenant! Naturally. With us it's always a tenor.
MARIE.
Oh. Magda, it's no joke. He is my fate.
MAGDA.
What is the name of this fate?
MARIE.
It's Cousin Max.
MAGDA.
[_Whistles_.] Why don't you many the good youth, then?
MARIE.
Aunt Frankie wants a better match for him, and so she won't give him the guaranty he needs. It's abominable!
MAGDA.
_Si! C'est bete, ca!_ And how long have you loved each other?
MARIE.
I don't remember when we did not.
MAGDA.
And where does he meet you?
MARIE.
Here.
MAGDA.
I mean elsewhere--alone.
MARIE.
We are never alone together. I think this precaution we owe to our own self-respect.
MAGDA.
Come here--close--tell me the truth--has it never entered your mind to cast this whole network of precaution and respect away from you, and to go with the man you love out and away--anywhere--it doesn't matter much--and as you lie quietly on his breast, to hurl back a scornful laugh at the whole world which has sunk behind you?
MARIE.
No, Magda, I never feel so.
MAGDA.
But would you die for him?
MARIE.
[_Standing up with a gesture of enthusiasm_.]
I would die a thousand deaths for him!
MAGDA.
My poor little darling! [_Aside_.] They bring everything to naught. The most terrible of all pa.s.sions becomes in their hands a mere resigned defiance of death.
