Leonie.

Oh, Ellen and Norbert! I've no objection to the match, none whatever--but it's your scheme, not mine, and you can't expect me to be particularly enthusiastic about it. But I should think it would be one more reason for you to keep quiet.

Beata.

Then--if you don't mean to do anything--why did you bring me this?

Leonie (with irrepressible triumph).

Why did I bring it? Because I--(relapses into her usual amiability)--I thought it might interest you, and you see I was not mistaken. Ah, here comes Norbert!

Enter Norbert.

Norbert.

I'm sorry to have kept you, mother. The carriage was-- (Startled.) Why, Aunt Beata, what's the matter?

Beata (making an effort to smile).