Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/503

 You see one hears almost anything around here. What would become of me if Harshaw should be sold out one of the days?

Lena (With energy)—Never! Who on earth could have given you that suspicion?

Burris.—Last night at the casino at Sopot, I heard

Lena.—Such nonsense! As surely as I inherited this beautiful place from my sainted mother, so surely it shall never pass into alien hands. You have my word on it, Mr. Karl.

(She extends her hand with a pitiful lack of sense of direction. She has tried heroically to conceal from her approaching blindness, but her vague movements give her away.)

Burris (Catching her hand with animation).—Gracious lady, this is the best news I have heard yet! Now that this burden is off my heart I may take my leave.

( starts, but is quicker.)

Erna (With a gesture of authority).—This evening you shall take supper with us, Mr. Burris.

Lena (Disappointed).—Please do us the honor, Mr. Karl.

Burris (Moved).—Lady,—gracious ladies (He recovers his poise and in the tone of a gallant.) The honor is all on my side.

Erna (Indicating place at head of the table).—If you please, please, Sir.

( takes off his sword with an air of studied elegance. By accident he lets it drop. Stooping to pick it up, he catches his breath in a spasm of pain, and his hand goes to his side. Not until he has knelt by supporting himself on his chair, does he succeed in recovering his sword.)

Erna (As if to help him).—Did it hurt?

Burris.—Just a tiny bit.

Lena.—If you do not feel quite well, Mr. Burris

Burris (Vehemenily).—It is nothing at all, my lady. I am so entirely well that if the weather permits tomorrow I shall make the entire rounds of the estate. My wound is entirely healed. In fact, the surgeons in the hospital hurt me more than the enemy. They took their time about letting me out.

( enters. He is a young, distinguished looking cavalry officer in the reserve corps. His uniform is somewhat worn, but still elegant. He has no sword. He uses a monocle, he carries a riding whip, and smokes a cigarette. Before entering, he looks through the door.)

Rudolph.—Das war doch ein Infanteriesabel! (Enters quickly)