SCENE V.
Minna, Franziska

MIN.
So that is your Sergeant, Franziska?

FRAN. (aside).
I have not time to reproach her for that jeering _your_.
(Aloud.)
Yes, my lady, that is my Sergeant. You think him, no doubt, somewhat
stiff and wooden. He also appeared so to me just now; but I observed,
he thought he must march past you as if on parade. And when soldiers
are on parade, they certainly look more like wooden dolls than men.
You should see and hear him when he is himself.

MIN.
So I should, indeed!

FRAN.
He must still be in the next room; may I go and talk with him a
little?

MIN.
I refuse you this pleasure unwillingly: but you must remain here,
Franziska. You must be present at our conversation. Another thing
occurs to me.
(Takes her ring from her finger.)
There, take my ring; keep it for me, and give me the Major's in the
place of it.

FRAN.
Why so?

MIN. (whilst Franziska is fetching the ring).
I scarcely know, myself; but I fancy I see, beforehand, how I may make
use of it. Some one is knocking. Give it to me, quickly.
(Puts the ring on.)
It is he.

SCENE VI.

Major von Tellheim (in the same coat, but otherwise as Franziska
advised), Minna, Franziska

MAJ. T.
Madam, you will excuse the delay.

MIN.
Oh! Major, we will not treat each other in quite such a military
fashion. You are here now; and to await a pleasure, is itself a
pleasure. Well
(looking at him and smiling)
dear Tellheim, have we not been like children?

MAJ. T.
Yes, Madam; like children, who resist when they ought to obey quietly.

MIN.
We will drive out, dear Major, to see a little of the town, and
afterwards to meet my uncle.

MAJ. T.
What!

MIN.
You see, we have not yet had an opportunity of mentioning the most
important matters even. He is coming here to-day. It was accident that
brought me here without him, a day sooner.

MAJ. T.
Count von Bruchsal! Has he returned?

MIN.
The troubles of the war drove him into Italy: peace has brought him
back again. Do not be uneasy, Tellheim; if we formerly feared on his
part the greatest obstacle to our union!!!!!

MAJ. T.
To our union!

MIN.
He is now your friend. He has heard too much good of you from too many
people, not to become so. He longs to become personally acquainted
with the man whom his heiress has chosen. He comes a