Part 24 (1/2)

FRAN.

You will discard him!

MIN.

See there! Do you begin to pity him again already! No, silly girl, a man is never discarded for a single fault. No; but I have thought of a trick to pay him off a little for this pride, with pride of the same kind.

FRAN.

Indeed, you must be very composed, my lady, if you are thinking of tricks again.

MIN.

I am so; come. You will have a part to play in my plot.

(Exeunt.)

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

Minna's Room.

Minna (dressed handsomely and richly, but in good taste), Franziska (They have just risen from a table, which a servant is clearing.)

FRAN.

You cannot possibly have eaten enough, my lady.

MIN.

Don't you think so, Franziska? Perhaps I had no appet.i.te when I sat down.

FRAN.

We had agreed not to mention him during dinner. We should have resolved likewise, not to think of him.

MIN.

Indeed, I have thought of nothing but him.

FRAN.

So I perceived. I began to speak of a hundred different things, and you made wrong answers to each.

(Another servant brings coffee.) Here comes a beverage more suited to fancies--sweet, melancholy coffee.

MIN.

Fancies! I have none. I am only thinking of the lesson I will give him. Did you understand my plan, Franziska?

FRAN.

Oh! yes; but it would be better if he spared us the putting it in execution.

MIN.

You will see that I know him thoroughly. He who refuses me now with all my wealth, will contend for me against the whole world, as soon as he hears that I am unfortunate and friendless.

FRAN. (seriously).

That must tickle the most refined self-love.