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[''With some embarrassment, shrugging his shoulders.''] Well, mother, since Fanny will have it so

[Coldly.] And when does this distinguished party set out, if one may ask?

We are going at once—to-night. My covered sledge is waiting on the road, outside the Hinkels'.

[Looking her from head to foot.] Aha! so that was what the party meant?

[Smiling.] Yes, Erhart and I were the whole party. And little Frida, of course.

And where is she now?

She is sitting in the sledge waiting for us.

[In painful embarrassment.] Mother, surely you can understand? I would have spared you all this—you and every one.