He overwhelms DREISSIGER with
childish caresses, strokes his cheeks and arms, kisses his hands, and
at last, like a drowning man, throws his arms round him and prevents
him moving._
PFEIFER
Dear, good, kind Mr. Dreissiger, don't leave me behind. I've always
served you faithfully. I've always treated the people well. I couldn't
give 'em more wages than the fixed rate. Don't leave me here--they'll do
for me! If they finds me, they'll kill me. O God! O God! My wife, my
children!
DREISSIGER
[_Making his way out, vainly endeavouring to free himself from PFEIFER'S
clutch._] Can't you let me go, fellow? It'll be all right; it'll be all
right.
_For a few seconds the room is empty. Windows are shattered in the
drawing-room. A loud crash resounds through the house, followed by a
roaring_ "Hurrah!" _For an instant there is silence. Then gentle,
cautious steps are heard on the stair, then timid, hushed
ejaculations_: "To the left!"--"Up with you!"--"Hush!"--"Slow,
slow!"--"Don't shove like that!"--"It's a wedding we're goin'
to!"--"Stop that crowdin'!"--"You go first!"--"No, you go!"
_Young weavers and weaver girls appear at the door leading from the
hall, not daring to enter, but each trying to shove the other in.
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