Trast. (Aside) Poor devil! How can I get him out of it?
CURTAIN.
ACT II.
Scene:--The drawing-room in the Muhlingk's house (The "Vorderhaus"). The furnishings are rich but rather stiff. At the back, a wide door hung with portieres opens into the dining-room. On the left, beside a fire-place is a sofa and an oval table. Beside it a rocking-chair. In the dining-room the richly set table can be seen. Dinner is over and a servant is clearing away the things. Herr Muhlingk, Frau Muhlingk, Kurt and Leonore are drinking coffee in the drawing-room. The servant who has passed the cups goes out.
Kurt. As I remarked before, the black horse is fine!
Kurt. Expensive it certainly is!
Frau Muhlingk. I shall make up the rest of the money, just to stop the argument.
Kurt. (Kisses her hand) My best thanks, Mama;--Now I can show myself to Berlin mounted and spurred!--You can admire me, too, Lori!
Leonore. (Without looking up from her book) Yes, my dear.
Kurt. Lothar Brandt and Hugo Stengel wanted to come out to see the beast. Perhaps that doesn't interest you either, Lori?