me, and shows off
his tricks to me, without my asking for them. He is an ugly dog, but
he is a good animal. If he carries it on much longer, I shall at last
give over hating him.
MAJ. T. (aside).
As I do him. No, there is no one perfectly inhuman. Just, we will not
part.
JUST.
Certainly not! And you wanted to manage without servants! You forget
your wounds, and that you only have the use of one arm. Why, you are
not able to dress alone. I am indispensable to you; and I am--without
boasting, Major,--I am a servant who, if the worst comes to the worst,
can beg and steal for his master.
MAJ. T.
Just, we will part.
JUST.
All right, Sir!
SCENE IX.
Servant, Major von Tellheim, Just
SER.
I say, comrade!
JUST.
What is the matter?
SER.
Can you direct me to the officer who lodged yesterday in that room?
(Pointing to the one out of which he is coming).
JUST.
That I could easily do. What have you got for him?
SER.
What we always have, when we have nothing--compliments. My mistress
hears that he has been turned out on her account. My mistress knows
good manners, and I am therefore to beg his pardon.
JUST.
Well then, beg his pardon; there he stands.
SER.
What is he? What is his name?
MAJ. T.
I have already heard your message, my friend. It is unnecessary
politeness on the part of your mistress, which I beg to acknowledge
duly. Present my compliments to her. What is the name of your
mistress?
SER.
Her name! We call her my Lady.
MAJ. T.
The name of her family?
SER.
I have not heard that yet, and it is not my business to ask. I manage
so that I generally get a new master every six weeks. Hang all their
names!
JUST.
Bravo, comrade!
SER.
I was engaged by my present mistress a few days ago, in Dresden. I
believe she has come here to look for her lover.
MAJ. T.
Enough, friend. I wished to know the name of your mistress, not her
secrets. Go!
SER.
Comrade, he would not do for my master.
SCENE X.
Major von Tellheim, Just
MAJ. T.
Just! see that we get out of this house directly! The politeness of
this strange lady affects me more than the churlishness of the host.
Here, take this ring--the only thing of value which I have left--of
which I never thought such a use. Pawn it! get eighty louis d'ors for
it: our host's bill can scarcely am
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