Frau von Drosse.
Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy.
Major.
Yes?
Frau von Drosse.
Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder....
Major.
So far as they wish to get married--no.
Frau von Drosse.
But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.