Countess Tertsky, Thekla, Lady Neubrunn (the two latter sit at the same table at work).
Countess (watching them from the opposite side). So you have nothing, niece, to ask me? Nothing?
I have been waiting for a word from you.
And could you then endure in all this time
Not once to speak his name? [The Countess rises and advances to her.
Why, how comes this?
Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, 5
And other ways exist, besides through me?
Confess it to me, Thekla! have you seen him?
Thekla. To-day and yesterday I have not seen him.
Countess. And not heard from him either? Come, be open!
Thekla. No syllable.
Countess. And still you are so calm? 10
Thekla. I am.
Countess. May't please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn! [Exit Lady Neubrunn.