Roses: Four One-Act Plays Part 38

Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?

Frau Lindemann.

In the first place, Herr Strubel, I would have you know that my name is Frau Lindemann.

Strubel.

Just so.

Frau Lindemann.

And secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity----

Strubel.

(_Singing, as_ Rosa _brings him a gla.s.s of beer._) "Beer--beer!"--Heavens and earth, how hot it is! (_Drinks._)

Frau Lindemann.

If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there at the Springs?

Strubel.

Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights--my soul thirsts for the heights every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow, "I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."

Frau Lindemann (_scornfully_).

Bah!

Strubel.

Oh, you're thinking that _you_ are my beloved? No, dearest: my beloved stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here--up to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into her window--see?

Rosa (_laughing_).

Oh, so that's why----

Frau Lindemann.

Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that?--Besides, I've no more time for you.--Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right away. Good-bye, Herr Strubel. (_Goes out._)

Strubel (_laughing_).

I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her head?

Rosa (_mysteriously_).

Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads--and--ahem--there are letters _with_ crowns and letters _without_ crowns.

Strubel.

Letters--? Are you----?

Rosa.

There are maids of honour--and other maids! (_Giggles._)

Strubel.

Permit me. (_Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger._) Ow! Ow!

Rosa.

What's the matter?

Strubel.

Why, your head's on fire! Blow! Blow! And while you are getting some salve for my burns, I'll just-- (_Goes to the telescope._)

(_Enter_ Frau Von Halldorf, Liddy, _and_ Milly. Frau Von Halldorf _is an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected._)

Liddy.

Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.

Frau v. Halldorf.

What a pity that it's in use just now.

Strubel (_stepping back_).

Oh, I beg of you, ladies--I have plenty of time. I can wait.

Frau v. Halldorf (_condescendingly_).

Ah, thanks so much. (_She goes up to the telescope, while Strubel returns to his former place._) Waitress! Bring us three gla.s.ses of milk.

Liddy (_as_ Milly _languidly drops into a chair_).

Beyond to the right is the road, mother.

Frau v. Halldorf.

Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage--neither a royal carriage nor any other sort.

Liddy.

Let me look.