(Enter Geske.)
GESKE. I beg your pardon for staying away so long. ladies, you haven't drunk a thing in all this time! We simply must empty the pot, and then when you have the coffee, you must taste our ale. If I do say it it is as good as any ale in town.
MME. SANDERUS. Oh, I feel so very bad, you must pardon me if I am unable to stay any longer. My sister will stay and try it.
MME. ABRAHAMS. Oh, no, it would be a sin to desert my sister. We commend ourselves to the affection of Madam Burgomaster.
GESKE. Then you must have a glass of brandy—it will make you perfectly well again—it drives out the wind. Henrich! run get a glass of brandy—the lady's not feeling well.
MME. SANDERUS. No, excuse me; I must go. [Exeunt.
SCENE 9
(Enter another Councillor's Wife.)
COUNCILLOR'S WIFE. Your humble servant. I have come dutifully to extend my felicitations.
(Geske reaches out her hand to be kissed, and the lady kisses it.)