hopes.

Heinecke. Eh?

Robert. How many a young girl is enticed into these things purely through ambition and vanity! And it's dangerous! More dangerous than you realize--Of course I am sure that the young manager has the highest and the noblest of motives, but--Well, however that may be, to-morrow I'll hear myself what the teacher says, and if my doubts are groundless, I promise to take care of you myself, and we shan't rest a moment until you have reached the climax of your art! (Alma takes the vase from the table and buries her face in the flowers) Wouldn't it be strange if we were to owe everything--even this piece of good fortune--to the house of Muhlingk!

(Michalski laughs mockingly.)

Alma. Mama, who sent me this bouquet?

Frau Heinecke. That's a welcome to--(Indicates Robert) from the Gnadiges Fraulein!

Alma. Oh, from her! (She puts down the vase)

Robert. Wait a minute! One question! It seems that every time I mention the "Avenue" or any of the family, someone bursts out laughing, or makes some disapproving remark. Herr Muhlingk junior is the only one who seems to meet with your approval. Now, frankly, what have you against our benefactor? What has he done to offend you? (A pause) You, for instance. Brother-in-law, what made you laugh so scornfully? (Silence) Or you. Alma, that you won't have anything to do with the flowers that came from Miss Muhlingk! Mother just told me how kind she has always been!

Alma. Kind, is she? She's a stuck-up thing, that can't poke her nose high enough in the air when she meets me!--Never says a word to me; why, it's all she can do to return my bow! Oh, she----!

Auguste. She's the same way to me.

Robert. (Sorrowfully, to himself) That isn't like her!

Frau Heinecke. (Tenderly) Just wait till she marries my boy!

Robert. (Shocked,--interrupting her) Mother! But I'd forgotten: I've brought some presents for my sisters, and you, too, Brother-in-law.

Auguste. (Jumping up greedily) What have you got? Where is it?

Robert. In the bed-room. There's a card with each one's name on it.

(The three, Auguste ahead, hurry into the bedroom.)

Heinecke. And you've got nothing for us?

Robert. There wasn't anything out there good enough for you, dear parents. Tell me what you want?

Frau Heinecke. If I should see the day when I had a sofa to match them arm-chairs--(She sees that Robert is staring ahead without listening to her) But you ain't listening!

Robert. (Sadly reproving) No, mother, I wasn't listening!

Heinecke. (Defiantly) And I want a new paste-pot--you ought to be able to afford that! (The three come back from the bedroom. Auguste carries a colored shawl, Alma a jewel-case, Michalski a Turkish pipe. They surround Robert and thank him)

Auguste. What a pity they don't wear Indian shawls any more!

Michalski. (Puffing at the stem of his pipe) Course it don't draw!

Robert. (To Alma, who is playing with her jewels) Are you satisfied, Alma? Look at the three blue stones, they are Indian sapphire.

Alma. Very pretty! But to tell the truth, I like the dark-blue sapphires more! They have such beautiful brilliancy!

Robert. How do you know so much about such things?

Alma. Oh--from the shop windows! People of our sort like to look in windows!

Robert. And what's that shining in your ear?

Alma. Paste, that's all! Two Marks a pair!

Robert. Dear, you mustn't wear things like that!--Promise me you'll take them off this minute--and I'll show you another special surprise that I've brought you.

Alma. (Sullenly, taking off the ear-rings) As you please!

Robert. It's the dress of a hindoo Princess--looted on a military invasion undertaken by a friend of mine. Think of it! Pink and gold!

Alma. (Joyfully) Oh, how heavenly!

Michalski. (Laughing) And I s'pose you hung her up stark naked on a tree!

(Robert stares at him.)

Alma. (Lovingly) You're a dear, sweet, old brother!

(A coachman in livery knocks at the window.)

Frau Heinecke. Go, see what Johann wants, Father.

Alma. (To Auguste) Oh, but they'll all turn green with envy when I wear this to the masked ball to-morrow.

Auguste. Shh!

Heinecke. (From the window) Johann says Herr Kurt is going to drive to the city at three, and he wants to know if you'd like to go along.

(Alma and Auguste exchange glances.)

Robert. What does that mean?

Auguste. Simple enough! Herr Kurt has his carriage, and since he's an obliging young man he gave Alma a standing invitation to ride to the city with him.

Robert. What? She allowed that? You, sister, you accepted that?

Alma. A poor girl ought to be glad enough to ride in a carriage once in a while!

Frau Heinecke. And you save car-fare!

Robert. Good heavens! And what do the ladies on the Avenue say to that?

Alma. Oh, they don't know anything about it! When I ride with him he stops the carriage at the back doorway where only the tradespeople go in.

Robert. So much the worse! What a disgusting implication in all this secrecy! Alma, haven't you felt that yourself?--Alma, come here!--Look me in the eyes.

Alma. (Staring at him) Well?

Robert. (Takes her head in both his) You are pure!--you are--(He kisses her cheeks and forehead)

Heinecke. Decide, now! Johann is waiting!

Robert. Tell