MASTER. Oh, if you just know how to move the pieces, that will be enough—Sit down, child. [He sets up the chess pieces] They are carrying on up there so that they make the chandelier rattle—and the confectioner is heating up down below. I think I'll have to move soon.
LOUISE. I have long thought that you ought to do so anyhow.
MASTER. Anyhow?
LOUISE. It isn't good to stay too long among old memories.
MASTER. Why not? As time passes, all memories grow beautiful.
LOUISE. But you may live twenty years more, and that is too long a time to live among memories which, after all, must fade and which may change colour entirely some fine day.
MASTER. How much you know, my child!—Begin now by moving a pawn—but not the one in front of the queen, or you will be mate in two moves.
LOUISE. Then I start with the knight——
MASTER. Hardly less dangerous, girl!
LOUISE. But I think I'll start with the knight just the same.