MIN.
Surely he will come!
FRAN.
He ought to remain away! You remark in him—in him, the best of me—a little pride; and therefore you intend to tease him so cruelly!
MIN.
Are you at it again? Be silent! I will have it so. Woe to you if you spoil this fun of mine… if you do not say and do all, as we have agreed. I will leave you with him alone; and then—but here he comes.
SCENE IV
Paul Werner (comes in, carrying himself very erect as if on duty), Minna, Franziska
FRAN.
No, it is only his dear Sergeant.
MIN.
Dear Sergeant! Whom does the "dear" refer to?
FRAN.
Pray, my lady, do not make the man embarrassed. Your servant, Mr.
Sergeant; what news do you bring us?
WER. (goes up to Minna, without noticing Franziska).
Major von Tellheim begs to present, through me, Sergeant Werner, his most respectful compliments to Fraulein von Barnhelm, and to inform her that he will be here directly.
MIN.
Where is he then?
WER.
Your ladyship will pardon him; we left our quarters before it began to strike three; but the paymaster met us on the way; and because conversation with those gentlemen has no end, the Major made me a sign to report the case to your ladyship.
MIN.
Very well, Mr. Sergeant. I only hope the paymaster may have good news for him.
WER.
Such gentlemen seldom have good news for officers.—Has your ladyship any orders?
(Going.)
FRAN.
Why, where are you going again, Mr. Sergeant? Had not we something to say to each other?
WER. (In a whisper to Franziska, and seriously).
Not here, little woman; it is against respect, against discipline.
… Your ladyship!!!!!
MIN.
Thank you for your trouble. I am glad to have made your acquaintance.
Franziska has spoken in high praise of you to me.
(Werner makes a stiff bow, and goes.)
SCENE V
Minna, Franziska
MIN.
So that is your Sergeant, Franziska?
FRAN. (aside).
I have not time to reproach her for that jeering your.
(Aloud.)
Yes, my lady, that is my Sergeant. You think him, no doubt, somewhat stiff and wooden. He also appeared so to me just now; but I observed, he thought he must march past you as if on parade. And when soldiers are on parade, they certainly look more like wooden dolls than men. You should see and hear him when he is himself.
MIN.
So I should, indeed!
FRAN.
He must still be in the next room; may I go and talk with him a little?
MIN.
I refuse you this pleasure unwillingly: but you must remain here, Franziska. You must be present at our conversation. Another thing occurs to me.
(Takes her ring from her finger.)