But I cannot rid myself of the fear, perhaps he really loves another and is only taking compassion on me! Oh, if I only knew----
Marie.
But, my darling----
Gertrude.
For you see, I am still so young--and think, how ill-mannered I was only this morning! I was so sorry afterwards--but I do love to laugh. [Laughs.]
Marie.
[With strange y desperate tone of voice.] And you shall laugh--laugh--laugh--so--so!!!!!!!
Gertrude.
Mama, too, insists that my love for him is only that of a child and not of a woman and a bride; but you see she would rather I'd not marry at all and so remain at home with her all my life. But you will be good to her, won't you? You will soon be her only one.