FRAU LUND [vivaciously]. Always glad to come here. Good afternoon, gentlemen. Where is my little Effie?
FRAU BEERMANN. In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my daughter ...
FRAU LUND. No, no, don't disturb her.
BEERMANN. Permit me. [Introducing.] ... Herr Hans Jacob Dobler, our famous poet ...
FRAU LUND [taking his hand]. A famous poet? Delighted.
BOLLAND. Author of "Life Story of Hans." ...
FRAU LUND [pleasantly to Dobler]. If I were younger, Herr Dobler, I would certainly make believe that I read your book. But at my age I find that sort of thing too tiresome. What is the "Life Story of Hans"?
DOBLER. It is a novel, gnadige Frau.
BOLLAND. A masterpiece.
FRAU LUND. Then my ignorance is unpardonable. I'll soon make reparation.