[Holding her crocheting needle to her chin and observing her husband attentively.] Christie, what silly stuff are you talking?
AUGUST
[Who, pale from the first, has grown paler at the mention of STRECKMANN'S name, now arises solemnly and excitedly.] Your honour, we want to announce a marriage.—I am ready, by God's help, to enter into the holy state of matrimony.
FLAMM
[Stops looking at the gun. Lightly.] Is it possible? And are you in such a hurry about it?
MRS. FLAMM
[Banteringly.] How does that concern you, Christie? Dear me, let the good folks marry in peace! You're a reg'lar preacher, you are! If that man had his will, father Bernd, there wouldn't be hardly anything but single men and women.
FLAMM
Well, marriage is a risky business,—You're the bookbinder August Keil.