Margaret (very much excited, puts her hat on with decision). It may all be as it was before—so you said just now. It needn't be the Isar ... Well, I'm ready.
Gilbert. But this is perfectly crazy! Fly with me ...? What would be the use of that? Didn't you say yourself that he would know how to find me wherever I went? If you were with me, he would find you too. It would be a great deal more sensible for each of us alone ...
Margaret. You wretch! Would you abandon me now? And a few minutes ago you were on your knees to me! Have you no shame?
Gilbert. What is there to be ashamed of? I am an ailing, nervous man ... I am subject to moods ... (Margaret, at window, utters a loud cry.) What's the matter? What will the general's widow think of me?
Margaret. There he is! He's coming!
Gilbert. In that case ...
Margaret. What—you're going?
Gilbert. I didn't come hero with the intention of calling on the Baron.
Margaret. He'll meet you on the stairs—that would be worse still! Stay where you are—I refuse to be the only victim.
Gilbert. Don't be a fool! Why are you trembling so? He can't have read both novels. Control yourself—take off your hat. Put your cloak away. (Helps her to take her things off.) If he finds you in this state, he'll be bound to suspect ...