She is waiting, behind yonder garden hedge.
My God! Do not keep her waiting any longer; call her in here.
I will get her out of the way. When I appear out there on the veranda, the coast is clear!!
Marie, for your own sake, I warn you for the last time; discovery means certain disaster.
One disaster more or less, it matters little!
Is that your last word? Very well, I will bring her to you. [_Gets his hat and goes out centre door_.]
[_Opens door L. and calls out_.] Gertrude! Gertrude!
[_Outside with crying voice_.] What is it?
[_After a moment's pause_.] I am coming! [_Another short pause and she appears in door_.]
How red your eyes are! You have been crying! What's the matter, dear? [_Caressing her_.]
[_Lightly_.] He went out again a few moments ago.
He heard you were crying and did not want to disturb you.
But, Marie, what is the matter with your own eyes? And you look so queerly----
My pet, they are the eyes that God has given me and----
[_Enters with basket_.] Here are the eggnog and cakes, for the pastor. Now be careful and don't crush them!
I am going through the garden across the fields; perhaps I will meet George.
[_Concerned_.] No, no; you must not walk across the fields alone. Papa has forbidden it.
But if you shouldn't, what then? No, no, I will not allow it! I will not! I had such a fright last night.
[_Goes up to the other door and turns back once more_.] Marie, you are not angry with me?
Then I will go that way! [_Looks all around_.] Give my love to George!
[Marie _goes out on veranda--gives sign--returns--locks doors R. and L.--then at C. door--in terror, with searching eyes, she slowly retreats backwards, her eyes glued on the outer darkness--until she finally covers her face with her hands, and is standing against the wall_.]
[_Enters_. George _goes out on veranda, looking off_.] Mine lady, mine daughter--yes--don't be afraid. Oh, you are such a fine lady--you have lover--you marry, they say----?
[_Forcing herself to speak_.] No; I'm not to be married! It is Gertrude, my foster sister.
You no marry, eh? Never mind--you marry some day--some day [_Examining_ Marie's _dress with her fingers_.] What a fine dress you have, and all wool---- [_Same with apron_.] Oh, and a silk apron--all silk! Give me, give me?