Margaret. Let me once!

[She plucks a china-aster and picks off the leaves one after another.]

Faust. What's that for? A bouquet?

Margaret. No, just for sport.

Faust. How?

Margaret. Go! you'll laugh at me; away! [She picks and murmurs to herself.]

Faust. What murmurest thou?

Margaret [half aloud]. He loves me—loves me not.

Faust. Sweet face! from heaven that look was caught!

Margaret [goes on]. Loves me—not—loves me—not— [picking off the last leaf with tender joy] He loves me!