BECKMANN.
Ah, General, we seem to be in a strange land to-day.
VON KLEBS.
We are under a curse, my dear madam. We are bearing a penance. [They sit.]
BECKMANN.
But you must know dall' Orto, the great Italian Wagner singer. We are very fortunate in getting her for the festival. If she were not here--
VON KLEBS.
Well, well, what if she were not? Eh? I hoped that our strictly moral circle, at least, would hold itself aloof from all this. But since the Governor gives receptions in the lady's honor! And, best of all, to cap the climax, who do you think was standing to-day among the enthusiasts, craning his neck like the rest? You'll never guess. It's too inconceivable. The pastor!
SCHWARTZE.
The pastor?