He
shall be my son, as soon as I can be a father to him. The
embarrassment in which I am at present!!!!!

LADY.
Generous man! But do not think so meanly of me. Take the money, Major,
and then at least I shall be at ease.

MAJ. T.
What more do you require to tranquillize you, than my assurance that
the money does not belong to me? Or do you wish that I should rob the
young orphan of my friend? Rob, Madam; for that it would be in the
true meaning of the word. The money belongs to him; invest it for him.

LADY.
I understand you; pardon me if I do not yet rightly know how to accept
a kindness. Where have you learnt that a mother will do more for her
child than for the preservation of her own life? I am going!!!!!

MAJ. T.
Go, Madam, and may you have a prosperous journey! I do not ask you to
let me hear from you. Your news might come to me when it might be of
little use to me. There is yet one thing, Madam; I had nearly
forgotten that which is of most consequence. Marloff also had claims
upon the chest of our old regiment. His claims are as good as mine. If
my demands are paid, his must be paid also. I will be answerable for
them.

LADY.
Oh! Sir... but what can I say? Thus to purpose future good deeds
is, in the eyes of heaven, to have performed them already. May you
receive its reward, as well as my tears.
(Exit.)

SCENE VII.
Major von Tellheim

MAJ. T.
Poor, good woman! I must not forget to destroy the bill.
(Takes some papers from his pocketbook and destroys them.)
Who would guarantee that my own wants might not some day tempt me to
make use of it?

SCENE VIII.
Just, Major von Tellheim

MAJ. T.
Is that you, Just?

JUST. (wiping his eyes).
Yes.

MAJ. T.
You have been crying?

JUST.
I have been writing out my account in the kitchen, and the place is
full of smoke. Here it is, sir.

MAJ. T.
Give it to me.

JUST.
Be merciful with me, sir. I know well that they have not been so with
you; still!!!!!

MAJ. T.
What do you want?

JUST.
I should sooner have expected my death, than my discharge.

MAJ. T.
I cannot keep you any longer: I must learn to manage without servants.
(Opens the paper, and reads.)
"What my master, the Major, owes me:--Three months and a half wages,
six thalers per month, is 21 thalers. During the first part of this
month, laid out in sundries--