Countess. Aye! Then time
Flies swiftly with your Highness, Princess niece! [5]
Max. There is no hurry, aunt.
Countess. Away! Away!
The folks begin to miss you. Twice already
His father has asked for him.
Thekla. Ha! his father?
Countess. You understand that, niece!
Thekla. Why needs he
To go at all to that society? 10
'Tis not his proper company. They may
Be worthy men, but he's too young for them.
In brief, he suits not such society.
Countess. You mean, you'd rather keep him wholly here?
Thekla. Yes! you have hit it, aunt! That is my meaning. [15]
Leave him here wholly! Tell the company—
Countess. What? have you lost your senses, niece?—
Count, you remember the conditions. Come!
Max (to Thekla). Lady, I must obey. Farewell, dear lady! [Thekla turns away from him with a quick motion.
What say you then, dear lady?