(Enter Henrich.)

Henrich.  Here is the syrup.

Geske.  Pour it into the pot.  Goodness me, some one is knocking.  It must be the wives of councillors to call on me.

Henrich (at the door).  Whom do you want to speak to?

Girl.  Tell your master that he can lie like ten tinkers.  I have worn out a pair of shoes running to and fro after the dripping-pan.

Henrich.  I say, whom do you want to speak to?

Girl.  I want to speak to Master Herman.

Henrich.  You are on a wild-goose chase.  Burgomaster von Bremenfeld lives here.

Girl.  It is a scandal when people can’t get their things done, and have to let themselves be made fools of by a miserable tinker.

Henrich.  If you have any fault to find with tinkers, you must go to the Council Hall; you will get justice there, or I don’t know Burgomaster von Bremenfeld.

Two lackeys.  Our ladies are desirous of announcing that if it suits the convenience of Madam Burgomaster, they should like to have the honor of waiting on her.

Henrich (to the Girl).  Now, do you see, you scum of the earth, that it’s no tinker that lives here? (To the servants.) I will inquire if the burgomaster’s lady is at home.

[The Girl goes.

Henrich (to Geske).  Here are two councillors’ ladies outside, who want to talk to the mistress.

Geske.  Let them in.

SCENE 5

(Enter Madame Abrahams and Madame Sanderus.  They kiss Geske’s apron.)

Mme. Abrahams. We have come here to-day to offer our most humble congratulations and to témoigner the heartfelt joy and delight that we feel at your advancement, and at the same time to recommend ourselves to your favor and affection.

Geske.  Tres humble servitoor!  I wonder if you wouldn’t like to drink a cup of coffee.

Mme. Abrahams. We thank Madam Burgomaster, but this time we have come only to offer congratulations.

Geske.  Tres humble servitoor!  But I know you like coffee.  Perhaps you just want to be urged.  Be so good as to sit down; the coffee is all ready.  Henrich!

Henrich.  Gracious madam?

Geske.  Have you put the syrup in the coffee?

Henrich.  Yes, I have. [Exit.

Geske.  Please, good ladies, won’t you have some?

Mme. Sanderus.  I hope you will be so good as to excuse us, but we never drink coffee.

Geske.  Oh, nonsense, I know better I beg you be seated.

Mme. Sanderus (aside to Mme. Abrahams).  Oh, ma soeur, I am sick at the mere thought of that syrup.

Geske.  Henrich, come fill the cups.

(Enter Henrich.)