MOTHER EARTH
Laskowski. These fellows from Berlin. They are up to snuff! That's the place! If they ever come out into the country, look out, boys. They'll not leave a shirt on your back! Guess you made a good deal of spondulics in Berlin, didn't you, Doc.? (He goes through with the gesture of counting money.)
Paul (cutting). Why?
Laskowski. Goodness, a fellow will ask about that. You don't need it, of course. Ellernhof is worth sixty, seventy thousand dollars any day, and a fellow can live off of that. If you can only find a buyer ...
Paul. I haven't the least desire, dear Laskowski.
Laskowski. It's a hard thing too, now-a-days. Buyers are scarce and times are hard for the farmer.
[Aunt Clara comes from the right, carrying a tray with a bottle of wine and glasses.]
Antoinette. You have gone to all this trouble, after all, Miss Clara.
Aunt Clara. Not at all worth mentioning! (Sets the things on the table.)
Laskowski (examines the wine-bottle). Why, what have you brought here, Miss?