Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/526

 jectile lodged beneath my breast bone, snugly between the sixth and seventh ribs, and its removal is possible only through a serious operation, the result of which cannot be predicted, although its present position does not in any way endanger the life, nor seriously interfere with the health—“den relativen Gesundheitszustand des Petenten.” Thank God!

Erna (Angrily flinging the letter on the table).—So it’s still that rebel shot in your body, is it?

Burris.—It is. (Striking his right side.) Thanks to the Smail Beg, and to the surgeons at the military hospital at Dubow. Otherwise, I should have to go to war again. As a confirmed invalid, I shall not even have to go to training. (Thunder sounds closer.)

Erna (Vehemently reproachful).—But you said nothing about this when you boasted of your heroic deeds before Dubow, and that, Sir was that was  fraud.

Burris (Shocked).—Fraud! My dear lady, no one ever asked me about this matter. Fraud? You are wrong. The question at that time was simply whether I was strong enough to undertake my duties here at Harshaw. It might have been called fraud, had I deceived anyone in regard to my fitness for my position. I hope that the rebel shot between my ribs has in no way impaired my usefulness here. (Laughing.) Neither the one nor the other of your esteemed ladyships can complain on that score.

Erna.—Dazu noch diese Gemeinheit!

Burris.—I never felt better or stronger in my life.

Erna.—Invalid! Ganzlich! (She studies the letter.)

Burris.—And I should ask for no better fortune than that my present state of health continue to the end of my life.

Erna (Bursting into tears)—Was fur ein Ungluck!

Lena.—Erna, remember!

Burris.—On the contrary, my dear. You should bless your good luck and mine. (Approaching, he takes her hand and and kisses it.) A new life shall come to Harshaw, dear Miss Lena, if you will permit me to call you by that intimate name again. There is no need now to place an additional mortgage on the old estate. This year has been so prosperous that we can pay off a considerable portion of our old indebtedness, and begin to look forward to a debt free future. (He leads to .) Erna herself will grow more reasonable; the sweet promise of motherhood will prepare for her a glorious reparation for her broken dreams of vain military honors.