Frau Beermann.  In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my daughter ...

Frau Lund.  No, no, don’t disturb her.

Beermann.  Permit me. [Introducing.] ...  Herr Hans Jacob Dobler, our famous poet ...

Frau Lund [taking his hand].  A famous poet?  Delighted.

Bolland.  Author of “Life Story of Hans.” ...

Frau Lund [pleasantly to Dobler].  If I were younger, Herr Dobler, I would certainly make believe that I read your book.  But at my age I find that sort of thing too tiresome.  What is the “Life Story of Hans”?

Dobler.  It is a novel, gnadige Frau.

Bolland.  A masterpiece.

Frau Lund.  Then my ignorance is unpardonable.  I’ll soon make reparation.

[Frau Bolland followed by Effie, Dr. Wasner and Fraulein Koch hurry out of the music room.]

Frau Bolland.  I am off for the Arts Club.  I’ll be late, I fear. [To Frau Lund.] Oh, how do you do, Frau Lund?

Effie [hurries over to Frau Lund and kisses her hand].  Mama Lund!

Frau Lund.  How is my little mischief maker?  When are you coming to see me?

Effie.  I would glady come ... but, I am so busy with music lessons and Professor Stohr’s lectures ...

Frau Lund.  And this and that and your eighteen years.  You are quite right, my dear.

Frau Bolland [to Frau Beermann].  May Effie come along?  They say there are very won-der-ful paintings at the Arts Club.

Frau Beermann [turning to Frau Lund], I don’t know if ...

Frau Lund.  Of course, let her go along.  She has such a pretty little dress.  Why should she be here with us old people?  The gentlemen will entertain us ...

Frau Bolland.  But then we’ll have to hurry.  It is quite late.  Goodbye, Frau Beermann.  I enjoyed myself so much.  Goodbye, my dear Frau Lund.  So glad to have seen you again.  Goodbye, goodbye ...  Adolph!

Bolland.  Yes, Mother.

Frau Bolland.  You won’t forget the theatre tonight?  At eight.  The Viennese actor is so fine. [Off to left.  Followed by Effie and Fraulein Koch.  Frau Bolland in the doorway.]

Frau Bolland.  Will you come with us, Herr Dobler?  You can explain so many things.

Dobler.  I’ll be glad to. [Shaking hands with Frau Beermann and bowing.]

Beermann.  Come soon again, Herr Poet.

Bolland.  And think over the story I told you.

[Dobler goes out left, following Frau Bolland, Effie, and Fraulein Koch.]

Frau Lund [to Frau Beermann].  I’ll just have a cup of coffee.

Frau Beermann.  I’ll tell them to make a fresh cup for you.  A fresh cup of coffee. [To the butler who is clearing the table.] Tell the chef—­[Butler goes out through the middle door.  In the meantime Frau Holland again appears through left.]