r tidings of the Major? That surely could
not possibly be his leave-taking!

FRAN.
What could not?

LAND.
Has not our ladyship told you? When I left you, my pretty maid, below
in the kitchen, I returned accidentally into this room!!!!!

FRAN.
Accidentally--with a view to listen a little.

LAND.
What, girl! how can you suspect me of that? There is nothing so bad in
a landlord as curiosity. I had not been here long, when suddenly her
ladyship's door burst open: the Major dashed out; the lady after him;
both in such a state of excitement; with looks--in attitudes--that
must be seen to be understood. She seized hold of him; he tore himself
away; she seized him again--"Tellheim." "Let me go, Madam." "Where?"
Thus he drew her as far as the staircase. I was really afraid he would
drag her down; but he got away. The lady remained on the top step;
looked after him; called after him; wrung her hands. Suddenly she
turned round; ran to the window; from the window to the staircase
again; from the staircase into the room, backwards and forwards. There
I stood; she passed me three times without seeing me. At length it
seemed as if she saw me; but heaven defend us! I believe the lady took
me for you. "Franziska," she cried, with her eyes fixed upon me, "am I
happy now?" Then she looked straight up to the ceiling, and said again
--"Am I happy now?" Then she wiped the tears from her eyes, and
smiled, and asked me again--"Franziska, am I happy now?" I really
felt, I know not how. Then she ran to the door of her room, and turned
round again towards me, saying--"Come, Franziska, whom do you pity
now?" and with that she went in.

FRAN.
Oh! Mr. Landlord, you dreamt that.

LAND.
Dreamt! No, my pretty maid; one does not dream so minutely. Yes, what
would not I give--I am not curious: but what would not I give--to have
the key to it!

FRAN.
The key? Of our door? Mr. Landlord, that is inside; we took it in at
night; we are timid.

LAND.
Not that sort of key; I mean, my dear girl, the key--the explanation,
as it were; the precise connexion of all that I have seen.

FRAN.
Indeed! Well, good-bye, Mr. Landlord. Shall we have dinner soon?

LAND.
My dear girl, not to forget what I came to say!!!!!

FRAN.
Well? In as few words as possible.

LAND.
Her ladyship has my ring still. I call it mine!!!!!

FRAN.
You shall not lose it.