Major.
Boy, don't be so hard in the mouth.... Do you think I don't know you are in love?...
Fritz.
In love? Ah, good God!
Major.
Just think, my boy, only a year and a half ago, you came to me one fine day and explained to me that you wished to engage yourself to Agnes.... You know that I have not the slightest objection to Agnes. She will make an excellent Frau von Drosse.
Fritz.
Indeed? Do you believe it?
Major.
But your twenty-one years and, ah, good God!... You still carry about with you most merrily the eggshells on your back--as the infantry carries the knapsack. You hadn't the slightest idea of what are commonly called "women"--of course, I don't count barmaids and such people.... So I said to you: "My boy, let this interview be buried--and above all, so far as Agnes is concerned.... Do as your father and your grandfather did! Get some experience and--then come again." Don't you remember that?