I have liked it well. (He takes out his pipe and plays a
melancholy "Cuckoo.") Well, well--we start this afternoon.
MOTHER. You want my daughter?
TALKER (sadly). Not your daughter, Madame.
MOTHER. What is it you want? Are you so backward in asking? It is
not like the Master Johannes who came to my house eight days ago.
TALKER (taking his courage in his hands). Madame, though I have
wandered about the world, I have saved some pennies in my time.
A few trifling coins--enough for middle-age. Since I have had the
great honour of knowing you--(He breaks of as the voice of the
SINGER to full song is heard approaching.) Oh, God bless that poor
young fool! Madame, I entreat you--
MOTHER (rising and moving hastily away). Another time, dear
Johannes--(she smiles very fondly at him as she goes out)--another
time you must tell me--all.
(The TALKER stares after her, hardly believing. Then, with an air
of solemn happiness, he takes out his pipe and dances carefully but
cheerfully round the room, piping to himself. The SINGER comes in
singing merrily, He joins the TALKER at the end of the room, turns
round with hint and trips up and down the room with him, one
singing and the other piping.)
TALKER. Friend, we are gay.
SINGER. Very, very gay, Master Johannes. (They turn round and go up
and down the room as before.
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