Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 24

v. Wolters.

The reason does not concern you. (_Turns to go._)

Mulbridge.

Beg pardon, Lieutenant, but may I speak to you? I've been in the captain's service seven years. I've been in Germany nearly eighteen years--have a German wife and daughter. I'm not as young as I used to be. What's going to become of the horses and the racing-stable, and-- the rest?

Frau Mulbridge.

Yes, it's really too bad about him, Lieutenant. He's so fond of his horses. Why, if ever you want to speak to him, you have to go and stay at the stable. That's the only way I can manage to see him.

Mulbridge.

And she's a great help to me, too, Lieutenant.

v. Wolters.

I can understand your anxiety, Mulbridge. The captain spoke about you on our last journey together. He especially commended you and your family to my care. But, of course, everything will depend upon the heir.

Frau Mulbridge.

And who is the heir, Lieutenant?

v. Wolters.

No one knows. He had no relatives. But be a.s.sured that whoever it is, I will do my best to----

Mulbridge.

Thank you, Lieutenant! Thank you! (_He says a few words aside to his wife and goes out, left._)

v. Wolters.

Have you anything else to do here, Herr Kellermann?

Kellermann.

Yes, indeed, a great many things, Lieutenant. (_Goes out at the centre, carrying several wreaths, and then returns for more_. Frau Mulbridge _helps him._)

v. Wolters.

Oh, by the way, may I have a word with you, Daisy? (Daisy _comes forward_, v. Wolters _continues aside to her._) My dear child, I know that the captain had a great deal of confidence in you.

Daisy.

Yes, he had.

v. Wolters.

Well then, listen. Some one wishes to come here before the casket is removed some one who must not be seen.

Daisy.

Very well. She may.

v. Wolters (_amazed_).

What----? She----?

Daisy.

Why, it must be the lady.

v. Wolters.

What lady?

Daisy.

The lady for whom he let himself be shot.

v. Wolters.

What! You know----?

Daisy.

She had to come, of course. Who else should it be?

v. Wolters.

H'm! Well then, listen carefully. If the undertaker--or any other stranger--should still be here when it begins to grow dark, throw on a wrap and wait at the door downstairs until a carriage stops. Will you?

Daisy.

Certainly I will. And Tempski?

v. Wolters.

Yes, Tempski, faithful as he is----

Daisy.

Tempski was never around in those days.

v. Wolters (_looking at her in astonishment_).

Oh--so Tempski--was never--around--in those days! H'm! Well then, I'll undertake to get rid of Tempski myself. Thank you, my child. (_Gives her his hand, then aloud._) I have another errand, but I'll be back soon. (_Goes out at the right._)

Frau Mulbridge.