Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/519

 am. In this case it is because you are cool, seeing it is not your gown. (Takes it out and displays it.)

Bara (Returning with the work basket).—I was sure that I saw your ladyship in your room this morning sewing buttons on your gloves, and I guessed right that you must have left your basket there. But then, I am a nichtswurdige person just the same. (Sees the gown laid out.) My, my, what a beauty! It will make your ladyship look like an angel! Such sleeves, such trimmings!

Erna.—It is not half bad. Madame is only a seamstress in a country town, but her taste is worthy of Vienna. (Before mirror.) Aber um Christiwillen! That’s a pretty note! It’s just about fifteen inches too small round the waist.

Bara.—I beg your pardon, I am unworthy to address your ladyship thus, but permit me humbly to remind her that it is often so—If a woman marries in February, by September it is more than likely that she will need to enlarge her waist band. In this regard a baroness is on the same footing with the housemaid.

Erna.—You may go, housekeeper. If we want you, we shall ring. But be very sure you hear this time.

Bara.—I humbly pray, most gracious baroness, I prefer to have you call me plain Bara. Housekeeper! There was a time at Harshaw when to be called housekeeper was not like calling names, so to speak. Under the old born lady of Plecht, and under the old esteemed Mrs. Burris, the housekeeper did not have to look after the comfort of the whole creation. Today the housekeeper is the lady’s maid, the chamber maid, the nurse, the cook, and errand girl, all in one skin. I am expecting any day to be sent to milk the cow.

( makes a gesture of command.)

Bara (Kissing her hand).—No harm, my lady. (She goes out.)

Erna (Spreading the costume out and examining it).—Ah, I I knew that my dressmaker was not famous for nothing. She allowed for a generous letting out. (She takes her shears eagerly and begins to loosen the folds.) Eine fresche Person, deisediese [sic] Bara! As to the rest of what she said, that is only another indication of my false position here, since I married Karl.

Lena.—But, Erna, please to recall that you did all in your power not to avoid this false position.

Erna.—No, I don’t want you to think I am sorry I married Burris. That part is all right, but you heard Bara—The old Mrs. Burris.” That is his mother. The young Mrs. Burris, that is I—I, your retainer.