Don't scream so! What's the matter?
MARIE.
She's looking round. She's seen them. She's stopping. She's bursting open the door. She's jumped out! Now! Now! She's in father's arms! [Covers her face and sobs.] Oh, Aunt Frankie! Aunt Frankie!
FRANZISKA.
What else could a father do? Since I have forgiven her, he could not--he could not hold out--
MARIE.
She's between father and mother. Oh, how grand she is! She's coming--she's coming. What a homely little thing I shall seem beside her! Oh, I am so frightened! [Leans against the wall, left. A pause. Voices of Magda and her parents are heard outside.]
Enter Magda, brilliantly dressed, with a large mantle, and a Spanish veil on her head. She embraces Marie.
MAGDA.
My puss! My little one! How my little one has grown! My pet--my--[kissing her passionately]. But what's the matter? You're dizzy. Come, sit down. No, no, please sit down. Now. Yes, you must. [Places Marie in an arm-chair.] Dear little hands, dear little hands! [Kneels before her, kissing and stroking her hands.] But they're rough and red, and my darling is pale. There are rings round her eyes.