FIRST SCENE.
Louise sits by the window at her embroidery-frame: Jacobi seats himself opposite to her.
Jacobi (sighing). Ah, Mamselle Louise!
Louise looks at her shepherdess, and works on in silence.
Jacobi. Everything in the world has appeared to me for some time wearisome and oppressive.
Louise works on, and is silent.
Jacobi. And you could so easily make all so different. Ah, Louise! only one kind word, one friendly glance!—Cannot you bestow one friendly glance on him who would gladly give everything to see you happy? [Aside. She blushes—she seems moved—she is going to speak! Ah, what will she say to me!]
Louise. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten stitches to the nose—the pattern is here not very distinct.
Jacobi. You will not hear me, will not understand me; you play with my distress! Ah, Louise!
Louise. I want some more wool;—I have left it in my room. [She goes.]