Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/542

 auntie and uncle are kneeling at the foot of the bed, and auntie is crying.

Ann (Fiercely). Come down from there! (Pulls him down.)

John.—Why so reasonable! As if he could help it. You have less control than I.

Ann.—If you could only guess how far from the thing you think, my thoughts were! You darling boy! (Clasps him passionately.) You are all I ever think of.

John.—There you go, and a moment ago you could have torn him limb from limb. Come to me Johnny.

Ann.—I shan’t hurt him. But you just please remember that you and I don’t count. It is only his welfare I am living for. And for God’s sake don’t goad that fellow in there. He may change his mind and then where would you be?

John.—He may ask for payment yet.

( and come back. He is leading  and carrying . His eyes are on  in his mother’s arms.)

Hans.—Now we are man and wife. We have solemnized our union before him who looks down upon us from the eternal abiding place. Are you satisfied? Now I [sic] have I your august permission to carry off your ward? All right. Silence gives consent, and I thank you. Here is my hand at parting, though I had not thought to offer it—farewell! Rule as mayor and physician here in Potsedin for a hundred years; and above all, take good care of your son. He is the heir to the estate and the preserver of the name and fame of Karvan on the store front at the sign of the golden eagle. Now let’s hurry. In another minute it will be too late, Andrew.

Andrew (Entering).—At your service, my lord.

Hans.—Ask the apothecary if you can accompany us to the station.

Andrew.—Will not Mr. Hans stay for the funeral? If I may make so bold as to ask.

Hans.—In three days I must be on the sea. When you are taking father to the grave, I shall be boarding the ship. It is necessary that I go now—necessary for us who go as well as for those who stay.

Johnny.—At least you might hear my best wishes for your wedding before you go.

Hans.—All right! If they are not too long. Let her go!

Johnny.—My dearest daddy

Hans (Laughing).—Now you’ve fixed it.