oughly.)

TALKER (clapping the SINGER heartily on the back). I knew it, I knew it!
You and the wandering life!

SINGER (delightedly). You, too, Johannes! You've had enough of it!

(They suddenly turn round and go up and down the room together, piping
and singing. A genteel cough is heard outside the window, and the MOTHER
is seen for a moment. The TALKER turns round with his pipe to his lips.
They go up the room together again, and at the top the TALKER, with a
wave of the hand, leaves his companion and goes out. He is seen passing
the window.)

[The DAUGHTER comes in.]

SINGER. Sweetheart!

DAUGHTER (going to him). Is it all right?

SINGER. Everything is all right, beloved.

DAUGHTER. You have told him?

SINGER (nodding). It couldn't have fallen out better. He, too, was tired
of wandering and wanted to settle down.

DAUGHTER. I told mother. She seemed glad. You know, I think she seems
younger about something.

[Enter FIDDLER.]

FIDDLER. Are we starting this afternoon?

DAUGHTER. Oh, Fiddler dear, do you mind very much? (She holds out her
hand, and the SINGER takes it.) We aren't coming at all. We--we--

SINGER. We are getting married.

FIDDLER (nodding to herself). I thought so.

DAUGHTER. But you will come and stay with us sometimes. Oh, say you
will!

SINGER (smiling at FIDDLER with great friendliness). Of course she will.

(The TALKER and the MOTHER are seen coming least the windows.)

FIDDLER. There's Johannes. I expect we shall be starting this afternoon.

[The TALKER and the MOTHER come in arm-in-arm. He bows to her and takes
the floor.]

TALKER. Ladies and gentlemen, companions-in-arms, knights and ladies of
the road, comrades all,--I have the honour to make an announcement to
you. The wandering company of the Red Feathers is determined from this
date, likewise disbanded, or, as others would say, dissolved. "What
means this, Master Johannes?" I hear you say. "Who has done this thing?"
Ladies and gentles all, I answer you that young Cupid has done this
thing. With unerring aim he has loosed his arrows. With the same happy
arrow (taking the MOTHER'S hand) he has pierced the hearts of this
gracious lady and myself, while yonder gallant gentleman I name no
names, but the perspicacious will perceive whom I mean--is about to link
his life with the charming maiden who stands so modestly by his side.
There is one other noble lady present to whom I have not yet referred--

FIDDLER (holding ou