I dare say not. I made use of the time in paying court to that little hump-backed niece of the mayor’s, who has so much weight with him. She’s his right hand, just as the bailiff’s his left. Don’t misunderstand me! I didn’t say pleasant things to her directly, except for a compliment on her hair, which is red, as you know. I only said a few things, that pleased her, about you.
Clara.
About me?
Leonard.
Yes, why should I keep it back? It was all done with the best intentions. You talk as if I had never been in earnest about you, as if—— Enough! That affair lasted till I’d got this in my hand, and she’ll know which way I meant it, the credulous little man-mad fool, when she hears the banns read in church.
Clara.
Leonard!
Leonard.
Child! Child! Just you be as harmless as a dove, and I’ll be as wise as a serpent. Then we shall fulfil the words of the Gospel, for man and wife are but one. (He laughs.) And it wasn’t altogether an accident either, that young Herrmann was drunk at the most important moment of his life. I’m sure you never heard that he went in for boozing!
Clara.