I have just heard the Major. He will be here directly--there he is now!

SECOND SCENE.

THE SAME. MAJOR VON DROSSE (about fifty, tall, broad-shouldered, rather stout. Dark-grayish full beard parted in the middle, waving right and left over his shoulders. In the full, well-browned face with flashing eyes and bushy eyebrows, there are energy and abundant vitality, controlled by the self-command and chivalric manner of an old officer. Brief in speech, domineering, but never without a gleam of inner kindness).

Major.

Afternoon, Agnes!

Agnes.

Afternoon, uncle!

Major.

(Goes to the table, examines the letters, sits down and looks straight before him for a little while.) Wilhelm!

Wilhelm.