Aunt Clara. Have the soup brought in! It will take me some time to fill all of the plates, anyhow.
Lene. Very well!
Aunt Clara. Now where are you to serve? And where is the coachman to serve? You haven't forgotten?
Lene. I am to serve on the right and the coachman on the left. Is that right?
Aunt Clara. Yes, you may go! And don't forget, all serving is to be done by way of the green room! Be sure not to come in from this side! [Lene goes off.]
[Aunt Clara retires to the background, where she is occupied for some time, without being very much in evidence. The door at the right is opened.]
Paul (still hidden to view). Come in, ladies and gentlemen! In this way! (von Tiedemann, Mrs. von Tiedemann, Dr. Bodenstein, Raabe, father and son, Mertens, Kunze, Mrs. Borowski, Schnaase, Mrs. Schnaase, Josupeit, Licentiate Schrock and others enter and dispose themselves in groups before and behind the Oleanders.)
Raabe, Sr. (puts his hand up to his side). I don't know, but that cemetery put a stitch into my side.
Schnaase. Yes, that was a nasty, cold snow. If we only get something to eat soon!... So we can warm up!
von Tiedemann. Ought to be a bit careful of yourself at your age, Mr. Raabe!