MORITZ JAEGER comes stooping in at the low door. Reserve soldier, newly discharged. Middle height, rosy-cheeked, military carriage. His cap on the side of his head, hussar fashion, whole clothes and shoes, a clean shirt without collar. Draws himself up and salutes.
JAEGER
[In a hearty voice.] Good-evenin', auntie Baumert!
MOTHER BAUMERT
Well, well now! and to think you've got back! An' you've not forgotten us? Take a chair, then, lad.
EMMA
[Wiping a wooden chair with her apron, and pushing it towards MORITZ.] An' so you've come to see what poor folks is like again, Moritz?
JAEGER
I say, Emma, is it true that you've got a boy nearly old enough to be a soldier? Where did you get hold o' him, eh?
[BERTHA, having taken the small supply of provisions which her father has brought, puts meat into a saucepan, and shoves it into the oven, while AUGUST lights the fire.