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.)
MME. SANDERUS. That is enough, my good man. I can drink only half a cup.
HENRICH. I am to ask Madam Burgomaster to step in for a moment and speak to the burgomaster.
GESKE. Excuse me, good ladies, I must go for an instant. You shall shortly have the honor of seeing me again.
[Exeunt Henrich and Geske.