n great agitation,
controls himself nervously, steps upon the threshold at the right and
addresses those about to enter). _This way, if you please._ (He steps
aside for ANTOINETTE and LASKOWSKI, and makes a short bow). We are very
glad to see you!

LASKOWSKI (seizes both of his hands and shakes them a number of times).
Glad to see you, old chap! Think of seeing you again. (He and
ANTOINETTE have taken off their wraps outside. He wears a black morning
coat and black gloves.)

PAUL (reserved). Unfortunately on a sad occasion!

ANTOINETTE (in a black gown, simple but elegant). Be assured of our
heartfelt sympathy, doctor! (She extends the tips of her fingers to
him.)

PAUL (somewhat formally). Thank you very much, madam! (His eyes are
fastened upon her.)

AUNT CLARA (is the last to enter. She closes the door behind her). Will
you not be seated? Antonie, please take the sofa!

PAUL. Yes indeed, madam, please! Or would you prefer to sit at the
fire? You have been riding.

ANTOINETTE. Thank you! I am quite warm. I'll sit down here. (She sits
down on the sofa and lets her eyes roam about.)

LASKOWSKI. Think of my wife sitting at the fire! It would have to come
to a pretty pass! One who knocks about in the open all day long, like
her! (He sits down on the chair to the left of the sofa.)

PAUL (under a spell). Do you do that, madam?

ANTOINETTE. Just as it comes! A little horseback, skating ... Whatever
winter pastimes there may be!

PAUL (who is still standing at his chair). And in summer?

LASKOWSKI.
Oh, in summer something else is doing again! Then there is rowing,
fishing and swimming to beat the band!

ANTOINETTE. Fortunately we have the lake right near our place.

PAUL (has been speaking privately to AUNT CLARA). Very well, Auntie,
bring us that!

ANTOINETTE. Don't go to any trouble, Miss Clara. We can't stay long.

LASKOWSKI (winks). Well, well, we'll remain a bit longer. I'll still
have to go to the inn to take a look at that gelding.

PAUL (beckons to his aunt). So bring it along!

AUNT CLARA. Very well, boysie, I'm going. (Goes off at the right.)

PAUL (sits down in the chair opposite the sofa and becomes
absent-minded again). So you have a lake? Where is it? Surely not
at Klonowken?

ANTOINETTE. If we only did have that at Klonowken! We have nothing at
all there.

LASKOWSKI (joining in with laughter). Heaven knows! The fox and the
wolf do the social stunt there!

ANTOINETTE. The lake is