Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 28

Why, Kellermann will see----

v. Wolters.

And then go--or no--stay there until the casket arrives. Do you understand?

Tempski.

At your command, Lieutenant. (_He goes out._)

v. Wolters.

That's attended to. And now, my dear Frau Mulbridge, there's something that I want to confide to you. A visitor is coming here presently--a lady. (Frau Mulbridge _glances anxiously at_ Daisy, _who nods._) She is not to be seen by any one--except Daisy. Daisy, it appears, used to open the door for her sometimes in former days.

Frau Mulbridge.

Daisy--? What does this mean?

Daisy.

Oh, Tempski might have gossiped, you know.

Frau Mulbridge.

And so he let _you_ open the door?

Daisy.

I never gossip, mother.

Frau Mulbridge.

I'm finding things out now! Why did I never hear of this before?

Daisy.

Oh, you were always in the stables with father in the evening.

Frau Mulbridge.

And there I was trying to keep this child from any knowledge of the things that went on in here--and he----

v. Wolters.

We've no time for that now, Frau Mulbridge. Daisy, you will watch outside, won't you?

Frau Mulbridge (_protesting_).

Oh, that's too----

Daisy (_firmly_).

Yes, I'll watch. (_The bell rings softly._) Should I----? (v. Wolters _nods._)

Frau Mulbridge (_calling her back_).

Daisy! (Daisy _goes out without noticing her mother._)

v. Wolters.

May I ask, Frau Mulbridge, that you----

Frau Mulbridge.

Very well. We have served him faithfully, and I'll not start making any trouble now at the end. (_Exit, left_. v. Wolters _goes to the door at the right, listens, and then opens it cautiously_. The Unknown Lady _enters. She is heavily veiled, dressed entirely in black, and carries a spray of white roses. As she enters, she staggers slightly and leans against the writing-table for support._)

v. Wolters (_who has softly locked the door_).

May I show you the way, Countess? (The Lady _shakes her head and motions questioningly toward the back_. v. Wolters _nods, and she goes out through the curtained doorway. After a short pause_, v. Wolters _opens the door at the right._)

v. Wolters (_calling_).

Daisy! (Daisy _appears at the threshold._) Kindly see that no one enters the house while this lady is here--no one, do you understand?

Daisy.

Oh, yes, I understand very well.

v. Wolters.

It may be that she has something else to say to me. If the men should come for the casket before she has left, take them around the other way. Keep the main entrance clear.

Daisy.

No, that wouldn't be safe.

v. Wolters.

Well, what shall we do?

Daisy (_breathing heavily_).

I'll--think of something.

v. Wolters.

His death grieves you, too, dear child?

Daisy.