Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/512

 Erna (Throwing away gun, and touching him solicitously).—I didn’t really hurt you, did I!

Lena.—Mr. Karl!

Burris (Dashed by caressing touch).—Dear Lady, as long as it is not loaded, no one can discharge it.

Erna (Resuming her frivolous tone).—What then is the use of such a devil’s plaything? It ought to shoot of itself. But why did you catch at your side, Mr. Karl?

Burris (Confused).—Once in a while I still feel a sudden pang.

Erna (Very sweetly) —Mr. Karl, you are not well yet, and you can’t get to work tomorrow. If I had any voice in Harshaw I should not allow it for a minute.

Lena (Embarrassed)—For nothing in the world would I wish

Erna.—What’s the matter, Lena?

Lena.—Nothing—I am a little nervous. I knew you were joking with the pistol, but I couldn’t help myself. I felt as if—Rudolph’s story started it—I was sure for a moment that the old piece had supernatural power.

Burris.—Who would be credulous enough to believe such fairy tales? Only the childish Oriental of the childlike Orient credits such charms and enchantments.

Rudolph.—Still, you dodged, I noticed, as Erna fired.

Burris.—A purely reflex movement. The wounded carry for a long time a certain sensitiveness in the region of the wound. Besides, I am afraid I am somewhat shaken up by the trip.

Rudolph.—Nevertheless, these are not things to joke about, comrade.

Burris (Throwing off his increasing lassitude, and with forced gayety, and tone of renewed humility). Gracious ladies, lord baron—I assure you most respectfully that I am entirely recovered and quite capable of immediate service. When I have had a good night’s rest in my old bed on the other side, I shall feel as good as new. I shall exchange this imperial coat for my overseer’s jacket, and plunge in with a will. There is nothing on earth I should rather have come to me now than this opportunity of taking up my work on this estate, where my ancestors have lived and worked faithfully and respectfully generation after generation for time immemorial.

Lena (Warmly).—No one will even doubt that, Mr. Karl. There is nothing to worry about now except that it is What time is it anyway?