Leonarda. Will nothing ever make you take things seriously?
Rosen. Yes. When the day comes that you are in need of anything, I will be serious.
Leonarda. And you propose to hang about here waiting, till I have some ill luck? You will have to wait a long time, I hope. (Goes to her desk.)
Rosen. I hope so too!--because meanwhile I shall be able to continue coming here.
Leonarda. Till you get your orders from America.
Rosen. Of course--till I get my orders from Sherman.
Leonarda. You have not had any orders, then?
Leonarda. It is beginning to look very suspicious. How long is it since I made you write to him?
Leonarda. It has just struck me--. I suppose you did write?
Rosen. Of course I did. I always do what you tell me.
Leonarda. You stand there twirling your moustache--and when you do that I always know there is some nonsense going on--.
Leonarda. You have never written! Why on earth did that never strike me before?
Rosen. I have written repeatedly, I assure you!
Leonarda. But not to Sherman? You have not reported yourself for service again?
Rosen. Do you remember the Russian cigarettes I have so often spoken of? I have got some now. I brought a few with me to try; may I offer you one?
Leonarda. Are you not ashamed to look me in the face?
Leonarda. You have been putting me off with evasions for more than two months--playing a perfect comedy with me! To think that an officer, who has been through the American war and won honours, rank, and a definite position, could throw away his time in this way--and in other ways too--for a whole year now--
Rosen. Too long. But you know, better than any one, why I have done it!
Leonarda. Did I ask you to come here? Do you think you can tire me out?
Rosen. Leonarda! (She looks at him; he bows formally.) I beg your pardon. Mrs. Falk.
Leonarda. You shall write the letter here, now, and report yourself for immediate service.
Leonarda. You are twirling your moustache again. What are you planning in your mind?
Rosen. I?--Shall I write here? (Goes to the desk.)
Leonarda. Yes. (He takes up a pen.) Ah, I know what it is! As soon as you get home, you will write another letter recalling this one.
Leonarda. Ha, ha, ha! (Sits down.) Well, I give you up!
Rosen. Thank you!--Then will you try one of my cigarettes?