Pardon me, uncle; in order to save time, I must ask you for an interview.
What, again? Can't you wait till afternoon?
[_Startled_.] Wha--oh, I see. I suppose now you will demand more than I am willing to give? Marie, leave us [Paul _enters_.] Well, what now?
There, look at him! Well, have you lost your tongue, man? Why don't you speak?
No, no, Mr. Brauer, I have something to say to you--alone.
[_Whispering_.] We have just now caught the old woman.
[_With a glance at_ Marie.] What? Marie, you may remain and chat with George for awhile; he is a very interesting young man. [_Softly, to_ Paul.] Where?
Down in the cellar; just as I wanted to put the beer on the ice, I found her there in a dark corner, loaded down with plunder!
Undoubtedly this offense will earn her a good long term in prison and we will be rid of her for a long time! But how to get her out of the house?
Leave that to me Mr. Brauer; I know a way to keep her quiet.
Yes, yes, and in the meantime I will make out the papers and we will hand her over to the Gendarme; that will be the best. Children, I will be busy for a moment! Wait here until I return.
No, no. I'll be back in a moment. Come, Mr. Paul!
Marie dear, I am with you. No one shall harm you!
Oh, I don't know. It has suddenly come over me so---- [_Starts_.] Sh! He's coming!
[_Noise. Scuffling of feet and smothered cries are heard_.]
[_Calling for help_.] Mine daughter! Mine Mamie! My Mamie!!
Hear? Hear? _My mother_! They are taking her away--to prison! Sh! Be still! No, no; don't open the door! Be quiet! Be quiet!
[_Not as loud as before_.] Oh, mine daughter! My Mamie--my Mamie----! [_Dying out_.]
Will you not go out to her, no matter what she has done?
How can I? How can I? I am afraid--afraid----
[_Frightened_.] No, no; don't leave me!! Sh! Be quiet! So, quiet! Now they have gone! Thank heaven! [_Again wailing, but very distant_.] Hear? Hear? Let her shriek! Let her call! I cannot help her! I am a thief, the same as she. I, too, have come to this house, and I have stolen. But oh, my God, what have I stolen? What have I stolen?
Come, Marie, control yourself! Think of what we have before us!
Yes, yes--I'll be quiet! What have we before us? No, no; I will not--I cannot--I----
