Fires of St. John - LightNovelsOnl.com
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[_Imitating him_.] Nothing!!! I can't quite make you out---- Here, have a drink?
George.
No, thank you!
Brauer.
Well, then, don't! Your health, my pet!
Gertrude.
Drink hearty, papa!
Brauer.
[_Rises_.] The carriage will arrive here sharply at ten! Understand?
George.
Yes!
Brauer.
And your friend from the city--we will find him at the station?
George.
Yes; he arrives quarter to ten.
Brauer.
For we must have two witnesses.--Do you know what I would like?
[_Tapping him on breast_.] I would like to be able to look in there.
Gertrude.
Oh, let him alone, papa! He is now my George. If I am satisfied with him----
Brauer.
You are right! He who gets my child can laugh--but he also shall laugh.
Understand? [_Exit R_.]
Gertrude.
Never mind him, George dear. You need not laugh if you don't want to.
Not on my account. [_Bells_.] Do you hear, George? The church bells, ringing softly, singing, like human voices!!!! That is for you and me!!
George.
Why for us?
Gertrude.
It is the old pastor's desire; half an hour this morning, and then again this afternoon, when we exchange rings. Do you know, George, mama says a bride's dream the night before her wedding is surely an omen.
Do you believe that?
George.
[_Preoccupied_.] Yes.
Gertrude.
I dreamed last night of a large, yellow wheat-field, in which a poor little rabbit had hidden itself; and high above, in the air, I saw a large hawk. Then it appeared to me that I was the little rabbit, and in fear and dread I called out "George! George!" when suddenly it shot down upon me!--just think----
George.
And then?
Gertrude.
Then I awoke. The cold perspiration stood thickly upon my brow---- Oh, George dear, you will protect me? You won't let any one hurt me, will you? For I am only a poor little rabbit, after all----
George.
[_Staring before him_.] My G.o.d!
Gertrude.
George, I wanted to ask you something.
George.
Well?
Gertrude.
You don't love some one else, do you?
George.
[_Disturbed_.] But, my child----
Gertrude.
Well, you know that if a bride cannot laugh on her wedding day, she loves another----
George.
