Part 22 (1/2)

WER.

Is the mistress as fond of you as the maid is? That would be capital!

MAJ. T.

What do you mean?

SCENE X.

Franziska (with a letter in her hand), Major von Tellheim, Paul Werner

FRAN.

Major!!!!!

MAJ. T.

Franziska, I have not yet been able to give you a ”Welcome” here.

FRAN.

In thought, I am sure that you have done it. I know you are friendly to me; so am I to you. But it is not at all kind to vex those who are friendly to you so much.

WER. (aside).

Ah! now I see it. It is so!

MAJ. T.

My destiny, Franziska! Did you give her the letter?

FRAN.

Yes; and here I bring you...

(holding out a letter).

MAJ. T.

An answer!

FRAN.

No, your own letter again.

MAJ. T.

What! She will not read it!

FRAN.

She would have liked, but--we can't read writing well.

MAJ. T.

You are joking!

FRAN.

And we think that writing was not invented for those who can converse with their lips whenever they please.

MAJ. T.

What an excuse! She must read it. It contains my justification--all the grounds and reasons!!!!!

FRAN.