We must make up our minds to that, Agnes. Really, I do what I can. Yesterday I even forged a telegram to her--you know that, eh! I did intend to write to his intimate friend Hallerpfort, but thought better of it. I shall drive into town directly after dark. Without your aunt knowing it, of course--for now, during the harvest, that would upset her still more. So you will stay all night with her, and er--well, the rest I will arrange with Stephan.
Just come here, girl, look me in the face ... We two know each other and ... Eh?
Now see, I know very well that for two years you have been secretly corresponding with Fritz.
Uncle! (_Presses her hands to her face_.)
There, that will do, that will do, that will do.... You can well believe, if I had been opposed to it on principle, I should have long since put an end to the business, shouldn't I?... But there are things--well, in short, that you don't understand. Well, I should not have begun about the matter to-day, but necessity knows no law, eh? And if I go to see him this evening, I don't wish to grope altogether in the dark.... So--on the basis of what has just been said--have you, perhaps, by any chance had a letter from him?
So?--Ho, ho ...! Who is to blame for that?
Ah, let us not talk about that, uncle. But from another quarter, I have had news of him.
(_Taking a letter from her pocket_.) Please read--and I think you will not reproach me.
Ah, from the little Frohn! Now then, what does the little Frohn write? (_Reads, muttering_.) Lanskis--Steinhof--met cousin--danced (_aloud_). Indeed, then he could dance, but not write, that is a nice business--I should not have believed it of him at all.... (_Reads further, muttering_.) Eyes for the so-called beautiful Frau von Lanski ... The whole regiment is talking of it.... Hm! eh, what! Such a goose! What things such a goose does cackle!... Regiment has other things to bother itself about.... But such a regulation goose ... If a young lieutenant like that isn't all the time trotting after them. And when he once shows attention to a lady who doesn't belong to the regiment ... Besides, the Lanski is nearly forty ... Such idiocy! Then he might at least--hm--hm--eh, pardon! Now then, what is it?... My poor old girl ... Yes, yes, jealousy ... You have borne up disgracefully since yesterday.