STUDENT. The Colonel's daughter?
HUMMEL. His daughter—yes! Look at her!—Did you ever see such a masterpiece?
STUDENT. She resembles the marble statue in there.
HUMMEL. It's her mother.
STUDENT. You are right.... Never did I see such a woman of woman born!—Happy the man who may lead her to the altar and to his home!
HUMMEL. You see it, then? Her beauty is not discovered by everybody.... Then it is written in the book of life!
The YOUNG LADY enters from the left, wearing a close-fitting English riding-suit. Without looking at any one, she walks slowly to the entrance, where she stops and exchanges a few words with the JANITRESS. Then she disappears into the house. The STUDENT covers his eyes with his hand.
HUMMEL. Are you crying?
STUDENT. Can you meet what is hopeless with anything but despair?
HUMMEL. I have the power of opening doors and hearts, if I can only find an arm to do my will.... Serve me, and you shall also have power....