_
MOTHER BAUMERT
[_Calls after her in a warning voice._] Jenny, Jenny! don't you be doin'
anything foolish, now!
BERTHA
She'll do herself no harm, mother. You needn't be afraid.
EMMA
That's the way she always goes on.
[_Seats herself at the loom and weaves for a few seconds._
_AUGUST enters, carrying a tallow candle, and lighting his father,
OLD BAUMERT, who follows close behind him, staggering under a heavy
bundle of yarn._
MOTHER BAUMERT
Oh, father, where have you been all this long time? Where have you been?
OLD BAUMERT
Come now, mother, don't fall on a man like that. Give me time to get my
breath first. An' look who I've brought with me.
_MORITZ JAEGER comes stooping in at the low door. Reserve soldier,
newly discharged. Middle height, rosy-cheeked, military carriage. His
cap on the side of his head, hussar fashion, whole clothes and shoes,
a clean shirt without collar. Draws himself up and salutes._
JAEGER
[_In a hearty voice._] Good-evenin', auntie Baumert!
MOTHER BAUMERT
Well, well now! and to think you've got back! An' you've not forgotten
us? Take a chair, then, lad.
EMMA
[_Wiping a wooden chair with her apron, and pushing it towards MORITZ.
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