MOTHER (smiling). You asked my permission a week ago. You do not need to
ask it now.

TALKER (still at the window). It has been a happy week. The week has
liked me well.

MOTHER. You take the road again this afternoon. Your plan still holds?

TALKER (with a sigh). They say so, lady.

MOTHER. Who say so? Is not Master Johannes the master of his company?
Who say so?

TALKER. The birds. I held converse with a cuckoo-bird this morning.
"Cuckoo," he said--in this manner (he imitates it on his pipe)--meaning,
as I gathered, "O fool!" I bowed low to him, and "Pardon, bird," said
I,--"but I would have you tell me why I am a fool." He answered thus in
parables--"Cuckoo."

MOTHER. And what did _that_ mean?

TALKER (sighing). It meant, "There's no fool like an old fool."

(She looks away. He waits a little, then sighs again and leaves the
window, entering a moment later by the door.)

MOTHER (looking up). Well, Sir?

TALKER. Madame, I am a man of good family, although--although I
quarrelled with my good family. I left them many years ago and took to
the road. I have seen something of the world since then, but I think I
must always have had at the back of my mind some dim picture of what a
home was--some ancient memory, perhaps. That memory has been very strong
within me these last days.

MOTHER. You have liked my home, Master Johannes?

TALKER. I have liked it well. (He takes out his pipe and plays a
melancholy "Cuckoo.") Well, well--we start this afternoon.

MOTHER. You want my daughter?

TALKER (sadly). Not your daughter, Madame.

MOTHER. What is it you want? Are you so backward in asking? It is not
like the Master Johannes who came to my house eight days ago.

TALKER (taking his courage in his hands). Madame, though I have wandered
about the world, I have saved some pennies in my time. A few trifling
coins--enough for middle-age. Since I have had the great honour of
knowing you--(He breaks of as the voice of the SINGER to full song
is heard approaching.) Oh, God bless that poor young fool! Madame, I
entreat you--

MOTHER (rising and moving hastily away). Another time, dear
Johannes--(she smiles very fondly at him as she goes out)--another time
you must tell me--all.

(The TALKER stares after her, hardly believing. Then, with an air
of solemn happiness, he takes out his pipe and dances carefully but
cheerfully round the room, piping to himself. The SINGER comes in
singing merrily, He joins the TALKER at