MOTHER. What is it you want? Are you so backward in asking? It is not like the Master Johannes who came to my house eight days ago.
TALKER (taking his courage in his hands). Madame, though I have wandered about the world, I have saved some pennies in my time. A few trifling coins—enough for middle-age. Since I have had the great honour of knowing you—(He breaks of as the voice of the SINGER to full song is heard approaching.) Oh, God bless that poor young fool! Madame, I entreat you—
MOTHER (rising and moving hastily away). Another time, dear Johannes—(she smiles very fondly at him as she goes out)—another time you must tell me—all.
(The TALKER stares after her, hardly believing. Then, with an air of solemn happiness, he takes out his pipe and dances carefully but cheerfully round the room, piping to himself. The SINGER comes in singing merrily, He joins the TALKER at the end of the room, turns round with hint and trips up and down the room with him, one singing and the other piping.)
TALKER. Friend, we are gay.
SINGER. Very, very gay, Master Johannes. (They turn round and go up and down the room as before.)
TALKER. Something is stirring our middle-aged blood. I feel years younger.
SINGER. I have only just been born.
TALKER (with a wave of the hand): Shall we take another turn?
SINGER. At your pleasure. (They go up and down as before.)