Heinecke. (Deferentially) Would the Herr Councillor be so kind as to sit down?
Muhlingk. Ha! ha! real silk.
Frau Heinecke. Yes, it is silk.
Muhlingk. A present, perhaps?
Frau Heinecke. (Hesitatingly) Well, yes, you might say----
Muhlingk. (Innocently) From my son?
| Heinecke. Yes, sir. | } | (Together) |
| Frau Heinecke. Sh! |
Muhlingk. (Aside) Rascal! (Aloud) By the way, your good son has not acted in a very dutiful manner toward mine. Frankly, I expected a little more gratitude. You can tell him that he is discharged and that I shall give him until four this afternoon to settle his accounts.
Frau Heinecke. Oh, that will make him feel bad.
Heinecke. He loved the Herr Councillor like his own father!