Roses: Four One-Act Plays - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?
Frau Lindemann.
In the first place, Herr Strubel, I would have you know that my name is Frau Lindemann.
Strubel.
Just so.
Frau Lindemann.
And secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity----
Strubel.
(_Singing, as_ Rosa _brings him a gla.s.s of beer._) "Beer--beer!"--Heavens and earth, how hot it is! (_Drinks._)
Frau Lindemann.
If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there at the Springs?
Strubel.
Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights--my soul thirsts for the heights every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow, "I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."
Frau Lindemann (_scornfully_).
Bah!
Strubel.
Oh, you're thinking that _you_ are my beloved? No, dearest: my beloved stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here--up to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into her window--see?
Rosa (_laughing_).
Oh, so that's why----
Frau Lindemann.
Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that?--Besides, I've no more time for you.--Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right away. Good-bye, Herr Strubel. (_Goes out._)
Strubel (_laughing_).
I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her head?
Rosa (_mysteriously_).
Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads--and--ahem--there are letters _with_ crowns and letters _without_ crowns.
Strubel.
Letters--? Are you----?
Rosa.
There are maids of honour--and other maids! (_Giggles._)
Strubel.
Permit me. (_Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger._) Ow! Ow!
Rosa.
What's the matter?
Strubel.
Why, your head's on fire! Blow! Blow! And while you are getting some salve for my burns, I'll just-- (_Goes to the telescope._)
(_Enter_ Frau Von Halldorf, Liddy, _and_ Milly. Frau Von Halldorf _is an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected._)
Liddy.
Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.
Frau v. Halldorf.
What a pity that it's in use just now.
Strubel (_stepping back_).
Oh, I beg of you, ladies--I have plenty of time. I can wait.
Frau v. Halldorf (_condescendingly_).
Ah, thanks so much. (_She goes up to the telescope, while Strubel returns to his former place._) Waitress! Bring us three gla.s.ses of milk.
Liddy (_as_ Milly _languidly drops into a chair_).
Beyond to the right is the road, mother.
Frau v. Halldorf.
Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage--neither a royal carriage nor any other sort.
Liddy.
Let me look.
