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The materials on this website are © copyrighted, and are for the use of individuals and educational institutions only. Any commercial use requires the permission of the compiler & translator P.E. Larson.
The website can be used independently, but it also supports a book:Henrik Hertz was one of the best writers in the stable of playwrights at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen. Indqvarteringen deals with a real social problem, the invasion of families caused by the billeting of troops in private homes during maneuvers, although it presents the problem in a comical, even farcical style. The play was performed not only in Skien in 1843, but also in Sørlandet a few years later, and it entered the repertoire of the Bergen theatre in the 1852-53 season. Ibsen probably directed it then himself, so he must have known it well.
Ibsen profited by his contact with Hertz's plays, which include Kong Renes Datter and Svend Dyrings Hus. He was accused of imitating the latter play in composing Gildet paa Solhoug, a charge against which he defended himself in the preface to the second edition of that play. His defense was justified as far as the details of the two texts are concerned. However, the fact that he worked with Hertz's plays in the theatre as well as in the study during his apprenticeship is significant, and he must have learned from Hertz's theatrical expertise.
In Indqvarteringen Hertz was able to create characters who are viewed satirically, but are still three-dimensional, that is, they have complexity and are not merely farcical puppets. It is possible that Hertz's method of characterization left its mark on some of Ibsen's best plays. The characters of Brandt and Louise in particular are similar to some of Ibsen's characters. Hjalmar Ekdal may owe something to Brandt, and Hedda Gabler may be a cousin of Louise. The marriage of a clever, spirited woman and a prosaic or foolish husband is also part of Ibsen's stock-in-trade. Of course, both Hertz and Ibsen were working in a comic tradition that had been influenced by the practice of the eighteenth century dramatist Ludvig Holberg.
INDQVARTERINGEN
("THE BILLETING")
by Henrik Hertz.
CHARACTERS.
BRANDT, a factory manager.
LOUISE, his wife.
HANNE, her sister.
ADOLF HERMANSEN, a provincial officer.
JOHAN, BRANDT's old SERVANT.
A SERVANT.
The action takes place in the town of Frederiksberg.
Part of a garden beside BRANDT's farmhouse. To the left a wing of the building with a door to a garden room. Beyond this some trees, under which are two small tables and some garden chairs. Somewhat to the right a little patch of shrubbery, which is positioned in such a way that those who stand between it and the nearest sidewings can be seen by the spectators, but not by those who are on the other side of the stage. Two walks or paths go to the garden's exit, one nearest the house, and one between the thicket and the sidewings.
FIRST SCENE.
BRANDT, LOUISE and HANNE are siting beside the table, the first reading a newspaper, the others occupied with handwork.
LOUISE.
Is there anything new in the newspaper?
BRANDT.
Nothing that would interest you.
LOUISE.
You can't know that. When it is new, it always has the good and indisputable feature that it is not old. Let's hear what is there, if it really is new.
BRANDT.
Would it interest you that a man in Jylland has proven positively in front of a large group of people that he cannot walk on water?
LOUISE.
No.
BRANDT.
Or that Madame Klatt's elephant has drunk so much brandy that it has acquired a red trunk?
LOUISE.
No, not that either . . . except that a drinker in such grand style inevitably inspires admiration.
BRANDT.
Or would it interest you that the regiments are summoned for Autumn maneuvers?
LOUISE.
Yes, . . . that is, I am obliged to take an interest in it. After all, you said that billeting is usually made here on the farm.
BRANDT (jumps up).
What? Billeting? Yes, God help us, that's true! And I have not thought about it at all . . . . No, that won't do!
LOUISE.
They do not ask us, certainly. We must tolerate billeting whether we like it or not.
BRANDT.
Yes, but there is billeting and then there is billetting. A couple of fellows can probably be put up on the farm. But with my luck an officer and his Servant usually stay here.
LOUISE.
And you think that would be a bother for us?
BRANDT (quickly).
Yes, of course. It will be an unbelievable bother, and for you especially. You can't imagine what demands such a gentleman makes and what attentions he asks for.
LOUISE.
Which regiment usually lodges here in the neighborhood?
BRANDT.
In our house almost invariably a provincial officer lodges.
HANNE (bursting out).
A provincial officer?
BRANDT.
Oh, well, my gentle lamb, is that so remarkable a curiosity?
HANNE (confused).
No . . . I didn't mean that. But . . . but, I thought, that we have a . . . (To LOUISE.) Don't we have a cousin who is with the provincial officers?
LOUISE.
Yes, Adolf Hermansen.
BRANDT.
Adolf Hermansen? God help us! Is he your cousin? Yes, he is with the provincial officers all right. But that is a terrible story!
LOUISE.
Ha ha ha! Why are you getting so upset? Is it such a great misfortune, that Adolf Hermansen is with the provincial officers?
BRANDT.
Oh no, not at all. But that he is your cousin, that is a misfortune. Don't I know Adolf Hermansen? We used to be inseparable. If he comes to town, and learns that I am married to a cousin of his, then nothing will do but he must look me up.
LOUISE.
But you don't need to worry about it. I understand well enough what you mean. You believe that I, like so many other wives, will insist that my husband break off all his youthful connections. But I am not so egotistical. On the contrary, since Adolf is your
friend, he will also be mine; and I shall take great pains to obtain his good will.
BRANDT (aside).
Thanks! (Aloud.) Those are excellent principles. But you see, my friendship with Adolf was not exactly intense, so to speak. It was one of these fleeting acquaintances that youth establishes and irresponsibility continues. And in recent years all connection between us has been as good as broken off.
LOUISE.
Is that so? Well, that is another matter. But . . . it occurs to me now . . . you once told me about a young officer who nearly got involved in a duel on your behalf. Wasn't that Adolf?
BRANDT (embarrassed).
Yes, indeed it was.
LOUISE.
And, if I remember correctly, you told me six months ago, when you were in need of money for the new English loom, that a friend of your youth went out of his way to make you a very generous offer. Was that Adolf too, perhaps?
BRANDT (embarrassed).
Yes, indeed it was.
LOUISE.
Well . . . so the friendship has not been so very irresponsible.
BRANDT.
Yes . . . understand me rightly . . . he is brave and generous. But . . . but his irresponsibility . . . oh, when I tell you . . .
LOUISE.
Yes, I do not know him at all. As you know, his father and mine were at odds with one another. I myself have lived for a long time in Fyen, so I am not acquainted with my own family. I have never even seen Adolf. In the past he was of spoken of in my parents'
house; but . . . with all due respect for your opinion about the friend of your youth . . . it seems to me that at home they judged him more gently.
BRANDT.
So?
LOUISE.
They did speak now and then about how wild and unrestrained he was . . . .
BRANDT.
That is just what I'm saying. Oh, his wildness, his lack of restraint! A man should not act like that!
LOUISE.
You didn't let me finish . . . . But they also agreed that his lack of restraint was combined with many remarkable qualities; that there was a life and a warmth in his nature, which from time to time tended to express itself a little wildly, but that the foundation of his character was very solid.
BRANDT.
So? . . . (Aside.) I believe my wife is infatuated with him without even having met him.
HANNE (timidly).
I remember too, that they spoke very well of him at home. (To LOUISE.) Do you recall how taken Aunt was with him . . . .
BRANDT (aside to HANNE).
Will you just be quiet.
LOUISE.
Does he know that we are married?
BRANDT.
By God, he should know. But I don't believe he does. We have been married for only two months. Our engagement, by your own desire, was secret almost until our wedding day; and for the last four or five months I have not heard anything from Adolf.
LOUISE.
Surely you mean in the last couple of years, as you said before.
BRANDT.
Yes, of course . . . yes, that is to say, we have come across each other once in the meantime. But one cannot count that. (Looks out to the side.) Now, there is the mailman. So I have no more time to chat with you. (Aside, as he goes.) Adolf here in my house and in my pretty young wife's company! I hope our Lord will let me escape that misfortune.
SECOND SCENE.
LOUISE. HANNE.
HANNE.
Listen, Louise, I want to tell you something.
LOUISE.
Well?
HANNE.
Oh, it probably doesn't matter.
LOUISE.
Not to you perhaps, but it might to me. Now for once you have aroused my curiosity. Just tell me, my lamb, as Brandt calls you.
HANNE.
I only wanted to tell you that I know our cousin Adolf.
LOUISE.
You do? From where?
HANNE.
I do not actually know him. That is to say, I know him, but he does not know me. You see, last year I was at Fru Norager's house in Soro for a couple of days at the same time he was there. On one occasion there was a very large company of ladies and gentlemen from the district at dinner, and among them was Adolf. At that time he was living on a farm in the vicinity.
LOUISE.
Well, but didn't you take the opportunity to make his acquaintance then?
HANNE.
How can you imagine that he would notice me. I was so young then.
LOUISE.
Yes, that's true, you were exactly one year younger then, or about 16 years old.
HANNE.
And besides, he was always surrounded by so many people. At the table I sat far away from him, and later it was as though I was afraid to come near him. I didn't even have the courage to tell the others that I was related to him.
LOUISE.
What do you think of him?
HANNE.
Oh, he's handsome! And he is certainly a very charming person. Everything he said, and everything he did suited him so well. I cannot possibly believe that he is as abandoned as Brandt says. Besides, he was so restrained; everyone spoke so well of him. And
you should see how proper he was. His linen shone. I think that all the other gentlemen were diminished in comparison with him. I stood in the window as he rode away. I have never seen anyone mount a horse like he did and dash off like that.
LOUISE (laughing).
You are well on the way to being infatuated with him.
HANNE.
Oh, how can you believe! . . . It just seems to me that it is my duty to defend him against Brandt's unreasonable suspicions of his character.
LOUISE.
Yes, but just be careful. It is sometimes dangerous to carry out one's duty with too much zeal.
THIRD SCENE.
The preceding. BRANDT.
BRANDT
(with a letter in his hand).
Isn't that just what I expected! Isn't that just what I thought!
LOUISE.
What's happened?
BRANDT
(gives her the letter).
There. Read it yourself . . . . It is a letter from Adolf. He writes that through a friend in Copenhagen he has arranged to come to stay here on the farm, and that he and his squadron are arriving early this morning. He could be here at any moment.
LOUISE
(after having looked at the letter).
But it appears he is not lodging with us for our sakes at all. Just listen! (Reads.) "For a long time I have wished to spend some time in the vicinity of my beloved Aunt." . . . So he doesn't know that my mother has been taken over to Fyen.
BRANDT.
Or it seems like he doesn't know it. Do you believe that he is lodging with us for your mother's sake, he, who is otherwise such a great lover of the free-and-easy life?
LOUISE.
Well, in any case we must prepare for his arrival, and make a couple of rooms ready.
BRANDT.
We have no room. We cannot receive him.
LOUISE.
We have no room? We have two guest rooms, which you yourself have been busy furnishing.
HANNE.
They can be made ready in a minute.
LOUISE.
Indeed they can . . . . Listen, Hanne, you go up and see that the furnishings are attractive and tasteful. Let the girls put the chiffoniere in there that we have standing ready. He can sit and write there.
HANNE.
Yes, I know. I'll take care of it right away.
LOUISE.
Pretty it up however you can; put some flowers in a glass and some water.
HANNE.
Yes, I shall. You will see how attractively I shall decorate it.
(Goes into the house.)
BRANDT.
Well, you women have been busy.
LOUISE.
Yes, I thought that we should relieve you of all the bother. Hanne and I shall take care of Adolf while he is here, as well as we can.
BRANDT.
Oh, the bother! That is the least of it. But our lovely morning and evening hours, which until now we spent out here in rural quietness . . . everything like that is spoiled and profaned by the presence of another man.
LOUISE.
But then remember the evenings, when it started to get so long and sad. You yourself have already wished for some company out here in the evenings.
BRANDT.
And our solitary, pleasant walks? I am telling you beforehand, when we go out in the morning, and he is at home, we are not taking him with us.
LOUISE.
He might be offended by that.
BRANDT.
Offended? No, that is not at all in his character. He prefers it if people don't stand on ceremony with him.
LOUISE.
Well, we'll see . . . . But I forgot to tell you, there was a message for you from the factory.
BRANDT.
Say . . . that's right . . . I have . . . I have wanted to tell you this the whole time. I have been thinking, I shouldn't be leaning over the people at work the whole day. It looks so suspicious.
LOUISE.
Oh. You may be right about that.
BRANDT.
Don't you think so? And Moller, our deputy administrator, is a clever man. It does him good to get training and gain self-confidence. The man must develop himself.
LOUISE.
But I thought you said before that you don't quite trust Moller.
BRANDT.
Moller? No, you are surely mistaken there. He is as good as gold.
LOUISE.
Yes, it seems to me this is a good idea. Then perhaps you will use the extra time to prepare the proposal you are going to make to the treasury concerning the factory.
BRANDT.
Exactly. It has been on my mind me for a long time.
LOUISE.
It is good that things are coming to a head there. Listen, you know what, I will fix up your old room in the other building for you, so that you can work while Adolf is here, far away from the rest of us, and completely undisturbed.
BRANDT.
Now why do you want to do that? That won't do at all. Adolf would be very offended if I were to isolate myself like that.
LOUISE.
Offended? But you just maintained that that is not in his character. That he prefers that no fuss is made over him.
BRANDT.
Yes . . . I did, didn't I. But remember, I am an old acquaintance of his and the man of the house. How would it look if I locked myself up. No, I shall sit and work in the little room beside our living room . . . or listen! I shall sit in with you others. It is so lovely and cozy, and then the work goes better.
LOUISE.
Is that what you want? (She looks at him and laughs.) Do you remember the old song that Uncle Holmer used to sing with his deep voice: "He, who has found a girl."
BRANDT.
I believe so. But why?
LOUISE.
There is a verse in it, I can do a little of it. Just listen.
(Sings.)
A man should always take care of them,
Like a miser of his treasure.
Until along comes a dandy,
Of the proper hunting-class,
Then woman's fidelity good night!
Trallalala
BRANDT (at a loss).
What do you mean by that?
LOUISE.
Nothing. Now I shall go into our living room and fix a table with paper and writing materials for you. Then you can begin at once on your proposal to the exchequer, while the rest of us eat breakfast.
(She goes in.)
FOURTH SCENE.
BRANDT (alone).
She is making fun of me. But there is nothing to be done about it. An uneasy feeling has come over me since I received this annoying news . . . . My wife is an excellent wife, a model among women. But yet she has always been a worldly person . . . and . . . she is a woman. The attention of a young, attractive man flatters her . . . one step leads to another. One jokes, one inspects the area, one romances . . . that damned romance! I never have been able to get into it, and I am no good at it at all . . . . (He walks restlessly up and down.) It is a marvellous feeling, jealousy. I have no reason for it, I cannot account for it, and all the same . . . . Oh, it's really stupid of me. I won't think about it any more. I will . . . couldn't one arrange quite secretly for Adolf to be assigned to another billetting? I'll try that, and write a couple of words.
(Just as he is going in, ADOLF entering calls to him.)
FIFTH SCENE.
BRANDT. ADOLF HERMANSEN. A SERVANT, who carries a cotton sack.
ADOLF (as he enters).
Brandt! Wait . . . it is you, isn't it?
BRANDT (aside).
Now, upon my soul, there he is! (Aloud.) Is that you, Adolf? Is it really you?
ADOLF.
Of course it's me. Weren't you expecting me?
BRANDT.
Expecting you? No . . . yes . . . of course I was expecting you.
ADOLF.
I hope so. After all, I wrote to you, that I would be lodging with my aunt. Didn't you receive my letter?
BRANDT.
Uh, certainly I did, and you're very welcome. (Shakes his hand.) Come and put down your things and make yourself comfortable . . . . But you see . . . actually, it is a very unpleasant situation, but your aunt, whom you are longing to see, has just now been taken
over to Fyen. So you can surely have no desire to lodge here.
ADOLF.
Has she been taken over to Fyen? How unfortunate.
BRANDT.
Yes, isn't that unfortunate? I have been really vexed about it while you were on your way. Because what use can there be now for you to stay here with us? But, if you like, I shall gladly take the trouble myself to get you quartered in another place, in a livelier house . . . even though, naturally, I would happily see you stay here.
ADOLF.
But has everyone from Aunt's house been taken over to Fyen? Her daughters too?
BRANDT (fumbling).
Her daughters? No . . . they are at home.
ADOLF.
Oh, what do you know! So that's all right then. (To the SERVANT.) Hans! Put down my bag. We're staying here.
BRANDT.
So you mean, that you nevertheless . . .
ADOLF.
Yes, naturally. My servant can simply go across to Fyen and bring my luggage over here.
BRANDT.
Your luggage? Well . . . . (To the SERVANT.) Yes, in the meantime you can bring it into the garden room.
(The SERVANT goes into the house.)
ADOLF.
You see, my dear Brandt, as you can well imagine it is not my old aunt, as dear as she is to me, that attracts me here. No, the magnet is rather someone else.
BRANDT.
So . . . ? Dare I ask who?
ADOLF.
Her oldest daughter, my cousin Louise.
BRANDT (aside).
My wife! There we have it! (Aloud.) You're not serious?
ADOLF.
I most definitely am serious. You know that frankness is one of my foremost qualities. I shall not conceal from you that for a long time I have had my head full of this girl. Ever since I was a half-grown boy I have heard her talked about. Moreover, I believe
that her mother and my mother had destined us for one another.
BRANDT (aside).
Unfortunately, that is what my mother-in-law recently told me.
ADOLF.
However, for several years I have not thought about her at all. The unfriendliness that existed between my father and my aunt's husband excluded me from her vicinity, so until now I have not made her personal acquaintance, and perhaps once again shall not
succeed. You know that I have lived somewhat giddily . . . . Six months ago for the first time it was as if all the old memories, everything that I had heard my mother say so often, suddenly awakened, and restored my cousin's picture in my soul, and endowed it once again with all the beauty and charm which in younger years I had attached to it. And you know who I can thank that these pleasant memories awoke in me again?
BRANDT.
No, how should I know . . . .
ADOLF.
You, my friend, and nobody else.
BRANDT.
Me?
ADOLF.
Don't you remember, that six months ago you wrote me a letter, in which among other things you mentioned a daughter of a factory owner who had recently died, from whose widow you intended to take over the management of the factory. This young girl was precisely the cousin I had already heard so much about. The warmth with which you mentioned her, a warmth I had never expected of you, had a contagious effect on me. Since then I have had no peace. More than once I resolved to ask permission to convince myself with my own eyes of my cousin's charms. Finally I made up my mind to have
patience until the time of the maneuvers, and to secure myself a billeting in my aunt's house, in order to be able, quite without suspicion, to undertake my observations in the vicinity and now . . . here I am, and I have decided, if my cousin Louise corresponds to
my conception of her, to fall in love with her and . . . to propose.
BRANDT.
Propose? Propose to Louise? Are you crazy? She is my wife, you know.
ADOLF.
Your wife! What are you saying! . . . But that's impossible. You have been engaged for quite some time now to the lovely Julie Kaufmann in Copenhagen.
BRANDT.
Certainly not . . . that was a stupid rumor.
ADOLF.
But one which you did not seriously deny.
BRANDT.
I let it alone. Just at that time I was secretly engaged to Louise, and I was just as glad if people were set on the wrong track.
ADOLF.
So you are married to Louise! That certainly is an unforeseen obstacle! But so what! That doesn't mean anything.
BRANDT.
That doesn't mean anything?
ADOLF.
No, because then I shall simply fall in love with her.
BRANDT.
No, that will not do at all.
ADOLF.
Shame on you! Are you jealous?
BRANDT.
Jealous? I? . . . No, you misunderstand me. But . . . now listen, Adolf, let's discuss this seriously. You must recognize that with the feelings you have for my wife, you cannot live here in the house.
ADOLF.
What kind of talk is that?
BRANDT.
If you take my advice, I shall secure you an excellent, a much more comfortable lodging here in the vicinity. Do it, my dear, good Adolf! It is in your own best interests, believe me. There are two charming daughters . . .
ADOLF.
Are there? Yes, I shall visit them. But I am staying here. There is my billetting-letter . . . look!
BRANDT.
Are you really serious, that you want to stay here?
ADOLF.
My friend! I can tell that you clearly do not understand the military. It would be contrary to my duty if I objected to the quarters assigned to me, simply because I have a charming cousin there. Such stubbornness would only discredit me with my superiors. It might have the most serious consequences.
BRANDT.
You are incorrigible.
ADOLF.
Therefore, my friend, show me to my room. The service calls, and I must change.
BRANDT.
Well, for God's sake! . . . You can go into the little room, right here by the garden room. Wait, I shall call one of the servants.
ADOLF.
That is not necessary. I have my servant with me. (Ironically.) You can be sure that my billeting will not cause you any more inconvenience than can be avoided. As for your wife, just remember that she is one of my closest relatives. I shall treat her with
all the attention that a pretty young wife can ask for from one who is at once her cousin, her husband's friend and a lieutenant in His Majesty's provincial guards.
(He goes into the garden room.)
SIXTH SCENE.
BRANDT (alone).
Well, now the storm has broken over my head, and much worse than I had feared. And I myself wrote to him about Louise. Oh, what a fool I am! How can a man who is so clever act so stupidly? Adolf will fall in love with Louise ten times as much, simply because she
is married. That's the way men are. But I cannot allow that. I have duties to myself. Something must be done . . . . But what? . . . If I were to send my wife to Copenhagen to my sister, and meanwhile kept Hanne here . . . . But what use is that? He would soon look up my wife, and then what is bad could become worse. But Hanne . . . what about her! Oh, that is a great idea, but risky. She is pretty and gentle, and how powerful is the first impression! It is magnificent, beautiful! . . . . The thing is, it is only a reprieve. The truth will come out some day. Well, let it! Just let it! He will first have paid court to Hanne and declared his preference for her, and then he will already have ruined it with my wife. Women never forgive it if a man prefers another to them . . . . Oh, it is a remarkable idea! If only my wife . . . . God knows what she will say to this remarkable idea. She has already got it into her head that I am jealous. Now she will laugh at me, naturally. But I must get her to listen to reason.
SEVENTH SCENE.
BRANDT. LOUISE (from the garden).
LOUISE.
Are you here, Brandt? Johan has just this moment told me that your friend has arrived and is in the little room.
BRANDT.
Yes, he has arrived, and it is just as well that I see you. We need to make some preparations.
LOUISE.
Oh, that is not necessary. Hanne and I have already made the two guest rooms ready.
BRANDT.
No, dear Louise, those are not the preparations I mean. It is something quite different, which in my opinion is of a very serious nature.
LOUISE.
What a remarkable expression you have on your face. What has caused it?
BRANDT.
Do you know why Adolf has sought so eagerly to be quartered here in the house?
LOUISE.
No, I know that as little as that he has sought it eagerly.
BRANDT.
The poor man did not know that you were married.
LOUISE.
The poor man!
BRANDT.
It was his intention to ask for your hand.
LOUISE.
For my . . . ? Oh, you are joking! He doesn't know me at all.
BRANDT.
He knows you from the comments of others. His mother has praised you inordinately. I also believe that it was her wish to see you as a couple.
LOUISE.
So? (Aside.) I believe he is right about that.
BRANDT.
When he learned that you were married he became very upset. I could clearly see that he has already given himself a fantasy-image, which he cannot let go of without a struggle. He wanted to leave immediately and find himself another lodging; only the thought of his duty to the service prevented him from rejecting an otherwise satisfactory quarters, that and my persuasions moved him to stay.
LOUISE.
As I said, you are joking.
BRANDT.
Every word I say is the simple truth.
LOUISE.
I don't believe you. Just come out with what you have up your sleeve.
BRANDT.
What if I tell you that his confession has made a great impression on me, and that I consider it a duty to my friend to remedy this unpleasant conflict.
LOUISE.
How will you remedy it?
BRANDT.
You see . . . I know Adolf well, perhaps better than he knows himself. I know that the unfortunate circumstance, that you are married . . .
LOUISE (laughing).
The unfortunate circumstance that I am married! Yes, and to you in the bargain.
BRANDT.
That this circumstance, far from subduing his passion, will only increase it. When he meets you, he will perhaps fall in love with you incurably, simply because you are married.
LOUISE.
Do you think so? Just because of that?
BRANDT.
Yes, that is the way he is, and that is perhaps how all human nature is constituted. He might overlook Hanne, even though she is a gentle and gracious young girl. He will have eyes and ears only for you; he will direct all his attentions only to you . . . as I said, precisely because you are married and because his love is hopeless.
LOUISE.
I must confess that I had not anticipated such eloquence in you.
BRANDT.
I think we should try to prevent such an unfortunate consequence in the life of my friend.
LOUISE.
Prevent? Do you want a divorce, perhaps?
BRANDT.
No, but if you will concede the truth of what I have said, then you will also give your consent to a plan I have thought of, whereby nobody is harmed, and much misfortune can be prevented.
LOUISE.
Let me hear your plan.
BRANDT.
You see, Adolf does not know you. He only knows that you are his cousin, and that you are young, attractive and charming.
LOUISE.
Since he knows that, then I cannot ask for anything more.
BRANDT.
He does not know Hanne, either. She is also his cousin, and similarly young, attractive and charming.
LOUISE.
And she is three years younger than I am.
BRANDT.
If he were to meet Hanne as my wife, perhaps he will decide to fall in love with her and overlook you.
LOUISE.
But how will all this end?
BRANDT.
Well, you see, in my opinion, everything depends on the first impression. I propose, therefore, that we . . . if it really is your serious desire to avoid an unfortunate relationship . . . that we, naturally only for today . . .
LOUISE.
Shall let Hanne be your wife and I your sister-in-law.
BRANDT.
Exactly! It is a pleasure to talk with you. You have grasped my idea immediately.
LOUISE (laughing).
But Brandt, where is your jealousy taking you?
BRANDT.
Oh, how can you believe . . . What reason do I have to be jealous? Even if Adolf should go and act stupidly, in all fairness, can't I depend on you?
LOUISE.
Yes, it seems to me that is the least you can expect. But tell me one thing: hasn't it occurred to you that your plan is based on a slight abuse of my sister's honesty?
BRANDT.
Patience! Now I come to my main proposition. We have already spoken several times about an attractive and suitable match for Hanne.
LOUISE.
And now you are suggesting that Adolf is the right man for her?
BRANDT.
It would be an excellent match. He is wealthy and unattached . . . and with his splendid character! . . .
LOUISE.
Quite so, but now I come with my main proposition, as you say. It is precisely Adolf's character that I have doubts about . . . after what you have told us.
BRANDT.
About his character? Have I said . . . ?
LOUISE.
Yes, his irresponsibility. A man should not be like that. Those were your very words.
BRANDT.
Yes, you are right; I have said that. But don't forget that that conversation was about youthful indiscretions, which nobody puts any stock in. I admitted myself that he had done me substantial services.
LOUISE.
Yes, I cannot contradict you, since I do not know him. But what will Adolf say about the fact that we have made a fool of him in this way?
BRANDT.
That kind of thing is just to his taste. He will be delighted at the joke.
LOUISE.
And one more thing: what if Hanne, deceived by his attentions to her, grows fond of him, and what if afterwards he withdraws?
BRANDT.
Yes, that would be bad. But one runs that risk every time a gentleman at a ball or in company pays court to a young girl. In all such cases one must reckon that, if the girl is sensible and well-bred, she can distinguish true love from common flirtation (Courmagerie). And Hanne is very sensible and well-bred. Besides, you must not overlook that in this case she will know what to make of his attentions, if they really should be based only on wantonness . . . . Dear Louise! Believe me, you can participate without hesitation in this altogether innocent plan, which at the most will give occasion for laughter and pleasure.
LOUISE.
No . . . to speak frankly . . . I cannot give my consent. One often gets mixed up in such dubious situations with a light heart, without considering that one does not dictate the outcome. We could realize too late that one should not use too many tricks with one's
friends.
BRANDT (takes her by the waist).
Dearest Louise! Give in to me this once. I will take all the responsibility. If the matter turns out the way I reasonably expect, it will mean happiness for Hanne.
LOUISE.
Yes, if that is how it turns out. But still we ought not to let it happen in that way.
BRANDT.
Dear God! How can you be so obstinate!
LOUISE.
I know very well that you consider me obstinate, and at home they sometimes accused me of the same thing. But, when we two argue, I very seldom get my way. You on the other hand always get your way, even though you are completely flexible.
BRANDT.
But that is a contradiction.
LOUISE.
It is not so great as it seems. I insist on my opinion, it is true, since I do not easily concede that I am wrong. But when nobody listens to my point of view, then I lose the desire to
argue. You on the other hand concede immediately that I am right; but all the same you come with other reasons, or with persuasions, or . . . what is so dangerous for a young wife . . . with signs of love, and then it is not long before your wife gives in.
BRANDT (aside).
How unfortunate when one's wife is so clever!
LOUISE.
However, since it seems that we could live very happily together in this way, this time I will insist on my opinion as always and . . . give in.
BRANDT.
I like that! You are my own, agreeable wife.
LOUISE.
Wait a bit. One thing we must agree upon. If the young gentleman does not seem to me suitable for Hanne, we must immediately make an end of this whole story.
BRANDT.
Naturally. But now we must separate. Adolf is inside getting dressed, and soon he will come out. First of all you must talk to Hanne and prepare her.
LOUISE.
Yes, I must instruct her and speak sensibly to her.
BRANDT.
Do that. You are just splendid at instructing people and talking sensibly to them. I shall go in and warn old Johan; you talk to the girls.
LOUISE.
To the girls? I am opposed to that.
BRANDT.
Why? It is only a joke, a bit of fun. Can't one relieve this prosaic life for once with a bold, poetic idea? . . . All that is required is that we all play our roles naturally. Hanne must be
instructed really well. You must communicate the matter to her seriously. You can say that I wish it, that she can do me a service in that way. Or just say that you are afraid that I will become angry if she does not obey me.
LOUISE.
Certainly not. One must not make it so serious.
BRANDT.
Yes, upon my soul it is serious . . . that is to say, every deception requires art, and art requires seriousness.
LOUISE (laughing).
Ha ha ha! Adolf's arrival has awakened abilities in you which I had not dreamt of before. You instruct Johan, and leave my sister to me.
BRANDT.
Good . . . but there is still one more thing. Now you must . . . . I mean, you . . . . Yes, you must naturally also consider how you will play your sister.
LOUISE.
Well, I should hope that I shall succeed in that.
BRANDT.
Of course you will. You are in a fine mood for just such a little comedy. Yes, you have real talent . . . I do not say it at all to flatter you. I rather rely on your tact.
LOUISE.
You are a dear.
BRANDT.
It occurs to me, that as a young, unmarried, and inexperienced girl, you must be very retiring and unforthcoming, only respond a little and appear shy. I believe you can keep him at a distance.
LOUISE.
Oh, what kind of an idea is that! What kind of young girl acts like that? On the contrary, I must be cheerful and unrestrained. I can very possibly be a little coquettish.
BRANDT.
No, in no way can you be that.
LOUISE.
Oh yes, in a pretty way I can very well be a little coquettish. It has occurred to me that a young, unmarried girl would like to win favor, that Adolf is an attractive, charming man . . . so coquetterie happens by itself.
BRANDT.
Yes, there you are unfortunately correct; it happens by itself. But without wishing to contradict you, I still believe it would be best if it did not happen at all.
LOUISE.
There could be different opinions about that. But there can be only one opinion about the fact that now we must separate and warn Johan and the girls and Hanne.
BRANDT.
Yes, you are right, and therefore I shall go now. Just do not let him meet you here, before everything is ready. And talk with Hanne . . . and you yourself . . . yes, dear Louise, you should not act the coquette.
LOUISE.
Since I must not act according to my own imagination, then I shall not act at all.
BRANDT.
Yes, yes . . . as you wish. (Aside.) God help a man, when his young wife has her own imagination!
(Goes out through the garden.)
EIGHTH SCENE.
LOUISE (alone).
So my husband is jealous. That is nothing new. He was that the whole time we were engaged. They have told me so often that jealousy is a sign of love, that at last I have learned patience with it. I will comply with his moods this time as well. Perhaps
it is for my sister's happiness; we shall see, when we get to know the young gentleman . . . . But I must warn our old Johan in time, since my poor husband is so confused today that he can scarcely give himself orderly instructions, let alone other people.
(She is going out on the way to the house.)
NINTH SCENE.
LOUISE. HANNE.
HANNE (comes running).
Louise! Louise! Did you know that Adolf has arrived?
LOUISE.
Yes, but do not talk so loudly. He is in the little room.
HANNE.
Is he? Have you seen him? What do you think of him?
LOUISE (laughing).
I think well of him, but I have not seen him yet. I have something to talk with you about. Let us go up to your room together.
(She is going, when Adolf is heard speaking in the house.)
HANNE.
God, Louise! That is definitely him, he is coming out. Let us run away.
LOUISE.
Stay. We can hide here.
(They go behind the shrubbery, and stand so that during the following they are seen by all the spectators.)
TENTH SCENE.
ADOLF and JOHAN, who come out from the garden room. LOUISE and HANNE concealed.
ADOLF (elegantly dressed).
So, have you served for a long time with the family here?
JOHAN.
Yes, I have. But there is no wonder in that. Such gentry! The late agent was a saintly man. His wife, who has been taken over to Fyen for the summer, and both daughters . . . oh, they are all saintly people.
ADOLF (aside).
Both daughters . . . it's true, I have two cousins here in the house. I must see to it that I do not mix them up. (Aloud.) Does the young wife resemble her sister?
JOHAN.
Yes, they are both saintly young women.
ADOLF (aside).
Then I shall be sensible about it! (Aloud.) I mean, do they resemble each other otherwise. Are they the same height?
JOHAN.
There can't be much difference, except the married one is a couple of years older.
ADOLF.
Do they dress the same?
JOHAN.
No, not always, as far as I can remember.
LOUISE (aside to HANNE).
Where is he going with these questions?
HANNE (aside).
For God's sake, don't let him notice we are standing here.
ADOLF.
What is the young wife wearing today? That is, what dress, what shawl?
JOHAN.
Today . . . let me see . . . she has a red shawl on and Miss Hanne a blue one.
LOUISE.
(without saying anything, quickly switches shawls with HANNE.)
HANNE (aside to her).
Why are we switching shawls?
ADOLF (aside).
That is not a dependable sign of recognition. (Aloud.) And are they dressed the same besides that?
JOHAN.
No, they certainly aren't. But I have not paid such close attention . . . . Yes, the married one always wears a string of red coral pearls around her neck. She has it on today as well.
LOUISE
(quickly takes off her pearl band and puts it on HANNE).
HANNE (aside).
Louise, are you crazy?
ADOLF.
A string of red coral pearls?
JOHAN.
Yes . . . and today the married one has violet shoes on. I myself brought them in to her.
(As JOHAN mentions the violet shoes, LOUISE bends over, as if to trade shoes, but hesitates . . . hindered in part by her sister.)
ADOLF.
Well . . . red shawl, red pearls, violet shoes.
JOHAN.
Yes, and I truly believe, since the young wife has gotten married, she always wears these beautiful caps.
ADOLF.
With a cap? Yes, now I cannot be mistaken.
LOUISE (aside).
Yes, Sir Cousin! You will be mistaken all the same.
(Takes off her cap and sets it quickly and crookedly on HANNE's head.)
HANNE (aside).
What is the point of all these silly games?
LOUISE.
Hurry up and let's go, before he sees us. I shall explain everything to you.
(She and HANNE run out quickly.)
ADOLF.
I shall not keep you any longer. I only wonder if you could tell your lord that I am waiting for him here.
JOHAN.
He will be here right away. He just ran over to the factory.
(He goes.)
ELEVENTH SCENE.
ADOLF (alone).
My pretty cousin is married then, and to Brandt . . . that is dumb, all things considered. What am I doing here then? In the last half hour I have thought more about her than I would care to admit to myself. I thought about her with all the charms that a young
girl, whose heart is still free, can possess, and now . . . how different the relation one feels oneself in, to a young girl and to a young wife! A young girl has an odor of modesty and chastity, which no young wife can possess. Yes, all this is certain and true . . . and all the same, when I ask myself, if Louise now appears less attractive to my imagination, then I must be candid and answer no. On the way here I often had doubts. I expected to be
disappointed this time as so often before. Now, however . . . I am on the point of believing that she in particular was meant for me . . . and that she in particular is lost for me.
TWELFTH SCENE.
ADOLF. BRANDT (from the garden).
BRANDT (aside, as he enters).
Now if only my wife has talked seriously with Hanne! (Aloud.) So there you are . . . . My, how elegant you look!
ADOLF.
I am reporting to the commander this afternoon, so it was necessary to adorn myself a little.
BRANDT.
You have done right there. But, what I want to say is, have you met my wife?
ADOLF.
No, not yet.
BRANDT.
You haven't? Wait a bit, I'll fetch her. (Aside.) Then at the same time I can speak with Hanne.
ADOLF.
Yes, thanks . . . but . . . we can take some time until she comes. My billeting must not cause her any inconvenience.
BRANDT.
Oh, what . . . inconvenience! Just wait a bit, then I'll . . .
ADOLF.
Stay here, and let us talk together.
BRANDT.
As you wish. But I still cannot believe that you would be irritated, because I advised you earlier to take another lodging. You can well imagine, it was only my joke. An old friend like you . . .! If you also paid a little court to my wife, you know, would I be offended by that? A sensible husband must get used to that. One has an attractive wife, so the gentlemen pay court to her.
ADOLF.
That is a splendid maxim! . . . Dear Brandt, I really owe you an honorable explanation. To speak frankly, I had expected anxiety, jealousy or even suspicion from you, and halfway decided to tease you a little.
BRANDT.
No, jealousy is not part of in my character at all. Above all you must not by any means misunderstand my previous remarks. It was not at all for my sake, but for yours that I advised you against staying here. Since Louise is married now, I reasoned, to stay
here in the house could perhaps be unpleasant for you.
ADOLF.
I hope not. I myself begin to see the foolishness of occupying my thoughts so much with a girl I have not yet seen. It was a remnant of my old recklessness, which I now struggle against as well as I can. Besides, if I ultimately want to part with my heart here in
the house, then I still have good prospects. Your wife does have a sister, after all.
BRANDT (terrified).
What are you saying?
ADOLF.
I am saying your wife has a sister, after all, who is perhaps as charming as she. I can try my luck with her.
BRANDT (aside).
Our Lord has decided to make him my tormenting angel!
ADOLF.
What is the sister like?
BRANDT.
The sister? Well . . . she is a very beautiful girl.
ADOLF.
Surely she is not as pretty as Louise?
BRANDT.
As pretty? No, she isn't.
ADOLF.
Doesn't she resemble her at all?
BRANDT.
Yes . . . naturally, as sisters usually do. That is, there is some external similarity, but not much. But inner or temperamental similarities . . . no, there are none at all.
ADOLF.
No? Well, that can't be helped! (Laughing.) I see well enough, that either I must not fall in love here in the house at all, or it must be with your wife.
BRANDT.
Yes, do that. I shall regard it as a triumph for my taste . . . . But if I am not mistaken, it is she who is coming. Wait here a little.
(Goes toward HANNE, who enters from one of the garden paths.)
THIRTEENTH SCENE.
The previous. HANNE, with LOUISE's cap, red shawl and pearl necklace.
HANNE
(who does not at first notice ADOLF.)
Brandt, you must speak sternly with Louise. Have you heard the idea she has?
BRANDT (aside).
Sh! Not so loud! It is not her idea, it is mine. It is only a joke we have thought of. Be cooperative, and you will be my own gentle Hanne.
HANNE.
But how can I . . . ? I shall only make a fool of myself. Look how she has dressed me up.
BRANDT.
Just be natural. We'll help you, after all. Come now and let me introduce you.
HANNE.
My God! Is he here? . . . If only you knew how frightened I am!
BRANDT.
You'll get over it; that is only in the beginning.
HANNE (irritated).
But I have absolutely no desire to play a married woman.
BRANDT.
Come now. (To ADOLF, who in the meanwhile has kept at a distance.) Dear friend, allow me to present to you my wife.
ADOLF
(approaches respectfully).
If I dare hope to be considered less foreign to you in the role of your cousin . . . . (Aside.) Oh, how pretty and charming she is!
BRANDT.
It is true, you are her cousin. So you must be looked on as an old friend around here.
ADOLF.
I now realize for the first time how fortunate it is for me that the disagreement which has existed formerly between our families has at last been discarded.
BRANDT (aside to HANNE).
You must answer him.
HANNE (aside).
Oh God, what shall I answer? I can hardly collect my thoughts.
BRANDT.
My wife says that she also is very sorry for this strained relationship. Oh, we have often talked about it. But now you can make up for lost time.
ADOLF (to HANNE).
Do I also have your approval to make up for lost time . . .
BRANDT.
But I believe you are saying De to my wife. That will not do. You are blood first cousins, so must you use Du. (To HANNE.) Am I not right?
HANNE (bashfully).
Yes . . . if our cousin is of the same opinion.
ADOLF.
Oh, you need have no doubt about that! I am only afraid that I am not bold enough to say Du. Our acquaintance is so new. From my childhood I heard my mother speak of my charming cousin, and often wished secretly to make her acquaintance. Over the years it feels so natural to say Du. The heart is inclined to familiar addresses. One does not dream that the familiarity can encounter an obstacle or that it can be inappropriate. Now, after the lapse of so many years, I see my beautiful cousin for the first time . . . and I do not have the courage to make use of the right of familiarity that my kinship with her gives me.
HANNE (aside).
He means my sister!
BRANDT (aside).
Now he is embarked, thank God; so I can be on my way. (Aloud.) Yes, you must say Du to each other, that is settled. But please excuse me now. I must go over to the factory. You keep my wife company in the meantime.
HANNE (aside to him).
No, stay here.
BRANDT.
I'll be right back.
HANNE.
Then at least let Louise come out here.
BRANDT.
I shall go up and call her. (Aside.) The devil I will. I am leaving in order to keep my wife away.
(He goes.)
FOURTEENTH SCENE.
ADOLF. HANNE.
ADOLF.
Help me, dear cousin, to get my mouth going to say Du.
HANNE (timidly).
But I cannot very well properly begin.
ADOLF.
No, that is true, it was unfair to ask. Then give me your hand, cousin, and let us seal our kinship with a handshake. (He takes her hand. Aside.) Her hand is trembling! (Aloud.) It is best that we act as if we had known one another a long time. We have after all known each other through our closest relatives. Has your mother often spoken of me?
HANNE.
Yes, very often.
ADOLF.
Has she? Did she speak well of me? She has certainly said that I was a wildcat, and frivolous and wanton.
HANNE.
No, she has positively not said anything other than good about you.
ADOLF.
No? Oh, that is infinitely precious to me! Yes, she is a magnificent woman. I certainly believe that you must resemble her.
HANNE.
Many people have said so, at least. But I am not as tall as she is.
ADOLF.
I do not mean the outer likeness; as far as that goes, I can see myself that you look like her. I was thinking about the inner likeness.
HANNE.
I dare not praise myself that I resemble her. She is so good, so pious and so clever!
ADOLF.
But all that applies also to you, dear cousin.
HANNE.
No, believe me, I am still lacking much to be like Mother.
ADOLF.
Does your sister resemble you?
HANNE.
No, Louise favors my father.
ADOLF.
Louise? I thought your name was Louise.
HANNE (confused).
Yes . . . that is my name, too. I . . . am thinking. (Aside.) I think that I shall go crazy from this.
ADOLF.
Tell me, Louise, did you imagine that I would look the way I do?
HANNE.
Yes . . . but anyway, I have seen you . . . seen you once before.
ADOLF.
Have you? But where?
HANNE.
In Mrs. Norager's house in Sorø, with a large company that was there last year. (Aside.) I should not have said that.
ADOLF.
And you were there and I did not know it? How did that happen?
HANNE.
I don't know . . . there were so many strangers, and you were only there for the dinner.
ADOLF.
But that was a great misfortune! Think, if I had made your acquaintance then, perhaps you would not now be . . . so . . . yes, so we would not now be so strange to one another.
HANNE.
No, that is true. I also have thought about that today.
ADOLF.
Really? Oh, what a pity it is that we have not known each other since childhood. I definitely believe I would have become better and more sensible if I had known you and your sister earlier.
HANNE.
Oh, no! It is rather we who would have benefitted by it.
ADOLF (aside).
This is a pure child of nature!
FIFTEENTH SCENE.
The previous. BRANDT and LOUISE, who come in from one of the garden paths, the latter with uncovered hair and HANNE's blue shawl on.
BRANDT.
(who attempts to hold his wife back. Aside to her).
Are you going to disturb them now?
LOUISE.
It is no disturbance . . . on the contrary!
HANNE
(aside, when she sees LOUISE).
Thank goodness, there is my sister.
(Hurries over to her.)
ADOLF.
(to BRANDT, who approaches).
Oh, Brandt, your wife is an angel, a treasure, a pearl!
BRANDT.
Yes, do I not deserve credit for my choice?
ADOLF.
So charming! and shy and modest like a girl of 16.
BRANDT.
You are right about that. It is remarkable in a married woman.
ADOLF.
And she is so well-bred and interesting.
BRANDT.
Yes, she has had the benefit of a good upbringing. (Aside.) I am sure that Hanne has not said a word.
LOUISE
(who walks over to them).
But shall I not meet our cousin?
ADOLF.
Ah, presumably my other cousin.
LOUISE.
Yes, Cousin Hanne, if you please. But it appears I am superfluous here. My honorable cousin only has eyes for my sister.
ADOLF.
Oh, don't talk that way! But it is excusable, if I need time to collect myself.
LOUISE.
Well then, Sir Cousin! When you have collected yourself, then permit me to take a closer look at you.
ADOLF (stands up straight).
By all means! I am your Servant. But we must agree about one thing, it will not do to say De to me. I say Du with Louise.
LOUISE.
Yes, naturally we must say Du to each other. That goes without saying.
BRANDT (steps between them).
Oh, that is not necessary.
ADOLF.
What? Shall I say Du to your wife and De to your sister-in-law?
LOUISE.
That certainly brought a little variety into the conversation. But all the same the best thing is to say Du. So you are the cousin we have heard so much about?
ADOLF.
If what they have said about me is not too bad, then yes, it is I.
LOUISE.
It is not good to answer so definitely. We have heard so much about you. People are sometimes of the opinion that you are rather irresponsible, but then sometimes, that you have a very respectable character. (To BRANDT.) Isn't that true?
BRANDT (aside).
She is teasing me. (Aloud.) The two qualities can very well go together, especially when one is young.
ADOLF
(to HANNE, who is standing somewhat apart).
Do you believe that I am irresponsible?
HANNE.
I certainly have no reason to believe that.
LOUISE.
Yes, now leave my sister in peace. She is moreover a married woman, and does not have such a sharp eye for gentlemen's faults as we young girls.
BRANDT (aside).
My wife lays claim to him, as it appears. (Aloud.) But shouldn't we go inside? What is the point of standing out here?
LOUISE.
Oh, no! Let's stay here. It's such a lovely morning. See how clear the sky is, and the trees are still fresh from the night's dew. I have ordered Johan to bring some refreshments out here. Now we shall all sit out here together. I shall sit here with my cousin, since I have not talked with him at all yet. And here (moving one little table over to the shrubbery), you can sit here with your wife. Johan is bringing paper and writing materials out to you, if you should have the desire to write to the treasury, as you spoke of doing. (To ADOLF.) I tell you, he has been married only two months; so he cannot spare his wife, not for a moment, when he sits at the worktable. You sigh, cousin; you too had the desire to be just such a loving husband.
ADOLF.
I cannot deny that I have sometimes thought of such happiness.
LOUISE.
Oh God, yes, if only one were married! (Aside to BRANDT.) Doesn't it seem to you I am playing my part well?
BRANDT.
Yes . . . almost too well.
LOUISE.
Here comes Johan. Let's all take our places now.
(After they have all sat down (with BRANDT and LOUISE in the middle) JOHAN comes with a serving-tray with fruit, wine, etc., and leaves when he has set it down.)
LOUISE.
That's good. Just set the tray down here with us. (To ADOLF.) My brother-in-law and his wife do not need solid food. Their love is enough for them. We two, however, we can eat and drink. We are not married.
ADOLF.
Oh, you are a great joker! Not a serious word comes out of your mouth.
BRANDT.
He is right. Hold off now with the jokes.
LOUISE (to ADOLF).
It is serious to me.
BRANDT.
Louise! Listen to what I say to you.
LOUISE (to HANNE).
Louise, your husband is talking to you.
HANNE.
To me? What shall I do?
BRANDT (confused).
Well . . . yes . . . of course. You shall bring me a glass of wine. But let us now be at peace, children, and talk orderly with each other. We must think about what entertainments we can arrange for our guest while he is here with us.
ADOLF.
That is not worth thinking about. I do not need entertainment in such a charming circle.
LOUISE.
Your cousin is gallant.
BRANDT.
What if we took a drive after we eat. I have bought a pretty Tilbury, Adolf. You can take a drive in it with my wife.
ADOLF (aside).
With his wife! This is a rare husband!
BRANDT.
Then I shall drive with my sister-in-law in my old gig. We can go out into the woods. In beautiful weather it is full of people.
LOUISE.
Yes, I have just been thinking about that, and in my opinion we should go someplace else, where there are not so many people.
ADOLF.
Why? Is my pretty cousin shy of people?
LOUISE.
No, but I am not fond of rubbing elbows with my fellow townsmen in the woods.
BRANDT.
Now, that is not such a great calamity.
LOUISE.
No, for God's sake! Copenhageners are worthy of respect, yes even charming in their daily life, at their businesses, and when they are at home. But they are unbearable when they go out to enjoy themselves . . . . You see my shoe, Cousin?
ADOLF.
Yes, I see that you also wear violet shoes, like your sister.
LOUISE.
Your eyes must be dazzled. You have never seen my sister with violet shoes. These are hers I have on. We got so busy making your room ready that by mistake I put them on . . . . By the way, you could tie my shoelace, which I see has come loose.
ADOLF.
I shall do so with the greatest pleasure.
BRANDT (jumps up).
But what are you thinking of! That is not proper at all, to allow a gentleman . . .
LOUISE.
But the other day you yourself tied my shoelace.
BRANDT.
Yes, that's true. But it is a different with me. I am your . . . I am your . . .
ADOLF.
You are her brother-in-law, and I am her blood first cousin, and I am also much closer to her.
LOUISE.
Naturally. You stay with your wife and chat with her. As far as I can see, you have not yet exchanged a word with her.
BRANDT.
(who has sat down again).
One cannot get a word in with you. (Aside.) My wife begins well. (JOHAN comes in with paper, writing implements and paraphernalia.)
JOHAN.
If you please, here are the master's writing materials.
BRANDT (annoyed).
Oh, who told you . . .
JOHAN.
Have I forgotten something? The straight-edge! I'll be right . . .
BRANDT.
Certainly not. Take it all away again.
(JOHAN goes away again with the writing materials.)
ADOLF
(who meanwhile has tied the shoelace).
There now! How's that?
LOUISE.
Remarkable. If my shoelace should come loose again while you are here, nobody shall re-tie it except you.
BRANDT (aside).
I am sitting on nails.
LOUISE
(speaking over to HANNE).
But shouldn't cousin Adolf see his rooms, which we have made ready for him so nicely?
HANNE.
Yes, if our cousin has a desire to see them.
ADOLF
(goes quickly over to HANNE).
I have a great desire to do that. Will you show me?
HANNE.
Yes, gladly.
LOUISE
(standing up likewise).
Come along, cousin, we shall both go up there with you.
BRANDT.
Oh no, now we are sitting so nicely. Let us stay here together now.
LOUISE.
It will only take a moment.
BRANDT.
Yes, I know. But . . . but . . . but I have a couple of words to say to you. You remember what you promised . . .
LOUISE.
I? What have I promised?
BRANDT.
Yes . . . hm . . . you know.
LOUISE.
No, I don't know anything. What do you mean?
BRANDT (aside to her).
You can surely pretend that you know . . . . (Aloud.) Yes, I shall certainly tell you.
ADOLF.
I must see my rooms. That is settled, at any rate.
BRANDT.
Of course. Hanne! You go up with him.
HANNE and LOUISE
(both approaching).
Do you mean me?
BRANDT (confused).
I mean my wife. You go up with Adolf.
LOUISE (to ADOLF).
You see that my brother-in-law is not jealous.
ADOLF.
I have already admired him for that . . . . Come, dear little cousin.
(He offers HANNE his arm. They go out the garden path nearest the house.)
SIXTEENTH SCENE.
BRANDT. LOUISE.
LOUISE.
Well, my friend, it's going well.
BRANDT
(who walks restlessly up and down).
Yes . . . very well . . . extremely well.
LOUISE.
But you must not confuse the names. Or else you will give it all away. Remember now, that you will call me Hanne and my sister Louise, and that you will be tender and loving towards Hanne, but take me as I am, like a good brother-in-law usually does with his sister-in-law.
BRANDT.
I shall remember. But . . . excuse me for saying this . . . but, dear Louise, it seems to me you are forgetting our agreement.
LOUISE.
I? No, you are surely wrong about that. On the contrary, I was led to believe that you would admire my talent for such a little comedy, as you said earlier.
BRANDT.
Yes, there you are right. You have displayed a talent which I had not at all dreamed of. But . . . our agreement was still to give Adolf an opportunity to be alone with Hanne.
LOUISE.
No, that was not our agreement; I should have opposed that.
BRANDT.
But we both found it desirable, if they could make a match of it; and then it follows of itself that one must not put obstacles in the way of that.
LOUISE.
Yes, but do not forget what I stipulated: that I would first pay attention to the young gentleman, and get to know him.
BRANDT (a trifle bitterly).
It just seems like you have been trying to get him to pay attention to you.
LOUISE.
Yes, I was quite taken with his handsome, courteous bearing. He has great spirit and breeding, and I must say that you are right that he can be dangerous for a young wife . . . . But I am afraid that Hanne is too quiet and serious for your friend Adolf.
BRANDT.
Still, experience shows that such incongruous relationships work best.
LOUISE.
Oh, yes of course . . . that is possible, all right. But . . . we are forgetting Hanne while we are talking about her. We must see what she and our cousin are doing.
BRANDT.
Do you want to disturb them again? It is as I say: you take pleasure in separating them.
LOUISE.
Here he comes, so we can save our argument.
SEVENTEENTH SCENE.
BRANDT. LOUISE. ADOLF (from the garden).
ADOLF.
(hurries over to LOUISE).
Dearest cousin! How shall I thank you and your sister for the tasteful arrangement in my rooms. And the delightful little book collection, I am obliged for your thoughtfulness!
LOUISE.
It is my own little private library, which is completely at your service.
ADOLF.
Oh, I am overwhelmed by so much goodness. Allow me to extend my thanks.
(He wants to take her by the hand.)
BRANDT
(steps between them).
Excuse my sister-in-law, dear Adolf! She has a few things to see to in the house. (Aside to LOUISE.) If you want to see what has become of your sister, this is a good opportunity for that.
LOUISE.
I am going now. (To ADOLF.) But have you noticed the portrait miniature which hangs over the sofa?
ADOLF.
My aunt's portrait, painted when she was a young girl. I noticed it immediately. It is as if one is looking at your sister.
LOUISE.
You can thank me for that as well. I have taken it from my own room and hung it up in yours. When you look at it, you can think again about your aunt and her daughter, my married sister.
BRANDT (aside to her).
I like that; that was well-thought-of.
LOUISE (likewise aside).
There, you see. (Aloud.) But excuse me now. The housework calls me.
ADOLF.
Isn't there anything I can help you with?
LOUISE.
Yes, thanks! Come along.
BRANDT
(holds him back).
What an idea! Will Adolf help you to set the table, perhaps? Let him stay here now. I must also have a little of him.
LOUISE.
All right, then I'll go by myself.
(She goes into the house.)
EIGHTEENTH SCENE.
ADOLF. BRANDT.
ADOLF (aside).
It is amazing how uneasy he is when one merely approaches his sister-in-law. I must test him. (Aloud.) She is a very spiritual girl, your sister-in-law.
BRANDT.
Oh yes . . . she has a good head on her shoulders.
ADOLF.
To say the least. No, she is unusually spirited.
BRANDT.
Oh yes, indeed. But, what I wanted to say, I must still show you my new Tilbury, that I spoke of earlier. Would you like . . . ?
ADOLF.
Yes, at once . . . . But to come back to your sister-in-law, when could I next attempt to try my luck with her?
BRANDT (terrified).
Try your luck? What do you mean?
ADOLF.
Well, you know, the idea I came here with. My elder cousin, whom I actually thought of, is married, she is your wife. But her sister is also very charming.
BRANDT (aside).
I have done this to myself. (Aloud.) Of course she is . . . but believe me, she will not do for you at all.
ADOLF.
You think not? She is so cheerful and pleasant.
BRANDT.
Yes, you are right about that. But you must have a rather different sort of wife. You see . . . like for example . . . yes, who can I suggest on the spur of the moment? . . . yes, like my wife. She could be just the thing for you. Gentle, pious, indulgent.
ADOLF.
Your sister-in-law, as far as I can see, has the superior intellect. That teaches us to be patient with each other. If I only knew that I am not indifferent to her . . . .
BRANDT.
Yes, we can always talk about that. Wait here now, then I shall show you . . .
ADOLF.
Then can I depend on your consent?
BRANDT.
Do not doubt that, by all means! An old friend like you! . . . (Aside.) It is high time we put an end to this business.
ADOLF.
I believe I shall make a little attempt today . . . .
BRANDT (quickly).
No, I must advise against that, frankly. My sister-in-law will regard it as very rash, and you will ruin everything. On the whole, you must not think about serious things today. Stay here now, and I shall see to getting a man to prepare my new carriage and bring it out. In the meanwhile I shall send my wife out to you. (Aside, as he goes.) Pay court to my wife! No, that is a little too crazy.
NINETEENTH SCENE.
ADOLF (alone).
I find myself in a remarkable situation. It is obvious that Brandt loves his sister-in-law. He is indifferent to his wife, and he has eyes only for her sister. Married only two months . . . that's terrible! All the same I believe that his sister-in-law is pulling his leg a little. And his wife . . . it appears that she does not feel much warmth for him either. When I was up in my rooms with her just now, and in a moment of abandon put my arm around her waist, . . . how she trembled and turned pale! What if she were in love with me? After all, she has seen me before. Dear God, it runs hot and cold down my back just thinking such thoughts. But those are wicked thoughts . . . I do not want to give them a place in my heart. She is my friend's wife . . . and I want to act like an honest fellow. Isn't her sister a grand girl, so cheerful and alert! Shouldn't I consider myself fortunate if she fell to my
lot. Certainly . . . but as for my married cousin . . . . (Taking out the mentioned portrait.) It is her mother's portrait, which I stole by taking it down from the wall up there. It is feature-for-feature the same picture as my cousin. The shy, feminine expression, the incomparable look of sadness and reflection, which I have observed so often in her mother . . . . Everything is in her, just as I imagined it. Oh my God, why is she married, and with a man who does not love her, and who perhaps she does not love either!
TWENTIETH SCENE.
ADOLF. LOUISE. Later HANNE.
LOUISE
(aside, as she comes out from the garden room).
Hanne sat and cried in her room. I must know what obstacles might be in the way. (Aloud.) Here I am again, cousin! I would have had my sister with me, so that we could both show you the new layout in our garden; but she was angry and didn't want to. Surely
it is not you who have made her angry?
ADOLF.
I don't believe so.
LOUISE.
I don't either. It would be very ungrateful of you, to say the least, after she has moved her own pretty new sofa up to your room, so that you could be comfortable.
ADOLF.
Has she really?
LOUISE.
She has only had it a month, and would scarcely allow any of us to sit on it; and now she has sacrificed it to your boots and spurs.
ADOLF.
Can't I go up and mollify her, if I have offended her without meaning to?
LOUISE.
No, stay here. I hope she reconsiders and comes down by herself. (Looks at him.) But tell me, what kind of a loop is that, which sticks out there. It looks familiar.
ADOLF (confused, wants to conceal it).
Oh, it's nothing.
LOUISE.
Let me see! I'm so curious.
ADOLF
(takes out the portrait).
Well then, look!
LOUISE.
What do I see! My mother's portrait! (Laughing.) And you are carrying it in your breast! Well, now I see that you genuinely are fond of your aunt.
ADOLF.
You are making fun of me.
LOUISE.
If our whole family in ascending order were just as precious to you, I could treat you to a portrait of our great-grandmother. It is a rare piece. She is painted as she looked on her wedding day, in a stiff corset with pink gloves and her hair set a la Fontagne.
ADOLF.
Oh, stop!
LOUISE.
On her lap she has a little greyhound with a crooked neck, and in one hand an Easter-lily.
ADOLF.
Do not tease me any longer. You know why I have kept this portrait.
LOUISE.
No, I don't.
ADOLF.
Well, then let me tell you straightforwardly. I came here today with the intention of . . . well of paying court to your sister, if she corresponded to the impression I had of her.
LOUISE.
To my sister! To a married woman!
ADOLF.
I did not dream that she was married. I did not know either of my two pretty cousins, and that must be my excuse, and also that I did not earlier form an impression of your charm as of hers. But I expected to see a picture of my aunt rejuvenated; and your sister undoubtedly resembles her more than you do.
LOUISE (aside).
Good night, vain imagination! (Aloud.) Yes, that is a very unpleasant circumstance. What do you have in mind now, poor cousin?
ADOLF.
My friend's wife is sacred to me; that goes without saying. But I have decided that I shall not despair. Possibly there is still a consolation here for me, a consolation which can contain greater happiness than I myself imagine.
(Here HANNE approaches from the walk which goes behind the shrubbery.)
LOUISE.
That is a conclusion worthy of you. But dare I ask where you will seek your consolation?
ADOLF
(takes her hand).
What do you think of me, dear cousin!
LOUISE.
I think well of you.
ADOLF.
Is it too bold, if I hope that you will give me compensation for the loss which now cannot be made good?
LOUISE.
I? Are you courting me?
HANNE (aside).
Oh my God! What must I hear!
ADOLF.
You see I am candid. I have confessed honestly to you. Give me an honest answer.
LOUISE.
Since you are candid, I shall be also be. Can you in all fairness ask me to be your makeshift, when all else fails for you?
ADOLF.
Do you love someone else, perhaps?
LOUISE.
That is a matter of conscience. But in any case, what is it worth to let yourself be embarrassed? You love someone else, and all the same pay court to me.
HANNE
(aside and in tears).
If I were only a thousand miles away!
ADOLF.
Oh, answer me seriously! If you like me, then do not deny me your consent. Besides . . . you should get away from this house. The circumstances you live in here are not suitable.
LOUISE (laughing).
Not suitable? Oh, it seems to me they are quite good.
ADOLF.
No, believe me. I see more clearly than the rest of you. Be sure to get away. Come with me to my mother's.
LOUISE.
Thanks, but I am doing very well here otherwise.
ADOLF.
Your sister goes around as patient as an angel, and suffers in silence. Brandt is uneasy, now tortured by passion and now by the feeling of his duty. All this cannot be concealed from you.
LOUISE (aside).
Yes, he sees clearly all right.
ADOLF.
You must be able to see that Brandt is consumed by love for you.
LOUISE.
Do you really think so?
ADOLF.
It is so obvious anyone can see it.
LOUISE.
Yes, since you draw my attention to it, it seems to me that he does love me.
ADOLF.
And that is terrible!
LOUISE.
Yes, you are right, it is terrible. Such a man!
ADOLF.
Therefore be sure that you get out of these unfortunate circumstances, for Brandt's sake as well as for your own. I do not dare conceal from you, that staying in this house is dangerous for your sister's peace and . . . dangerous for your reputation.
LOUISE.
What? My reputation? Then I don't dare to stay here another moment. A person's reputation is his greatest sanctuary.
ADOLF.
Then you agree with me? Now, as I said, come with me to my mother's place in town, today, and, if you will listen to my advice, preferably now, this moment. It will also be good for me to get away from here . . . I admit that frankly. But in time I will get to know you, I will realize that I can expect great happiness by your side. If I am so fortunate as to earn your good will, allow me then to ask for your hand. That is all I ask.
HANNE (aside).
I am going . . . I cannot stand this . . .
(Makes a movement as if to go.)
LOUISE (aside).
That is my sister coming! (Aloud.) Dear cousin, I am quite uneasy about what you have told me, and I realize that I (with emphasis) for my own sake as well as for my sister's should follow your advice. I shall go with you to your mother's, and, as you advise
me, preferably at once . . . . Wait here; I shall just put on a hat and shawl. Or go down by the walk, where you will meet someone who can console you during my absence. (Aside.) My poor, poor husband! What use to him now are all his tricks to watch over his wife! Now I am on the verge of leaving!
(Goes into the house.)
ADOLF.
What does she mean? (Goes over to the shrubbery.) Do I see rightly? Are you here, dear Louise?
HANNE (confused).
I came just now . . . . I was looking for my sister.
ADOLF.
But you have been crying. What's wrong?
HANNE.
Nothing . . . nothing's wrong.
ADOLF.
Of course . . . you have been crying, you are sad. Confide your sadness in me!
HANNE.
I have no sadness . . . none at all. Let me go now. I have no time.
ADOLF.
(holding her back).
Stay! You are not angry at me, are you?
HANNE.
No, I'm not. But let me go. I shall tell my sister to come out. You are waiting for her, surely.
ADOLF (inquiring).
You have heard our conversation, haven't you? You have heard that I asked for her hand. But then you have also heard my open-hearted confession that it was actually you, dear Louise, who as soon as I arrived made an indelible impression on my heart. It should never have come from my lips . . . never! You belong to another, and I must abandon hope for you.
HANNE (aside).
My God, what shall I answer . . . !
ADOLF.
I imagined to find consolation in your sister. Perhaps I deceive myself. But you are both my close relatives, you are sisters, and both dear and precious to me. Give me your hand. I hope it will be for my happiness.
HANNE (confused).
But how can I . . . I cannot at all . . . . (Aside.) But isn't it irritating, that I should stand here and pretend for the sake of your notion!
ADOLF.
Here comes your husband. Let us speak with him and hear what he says.
HANNE.
Oh, God no, let me go. I cannot stay if he is coming.
ADOLF (aside).
This is amazing! She has as it were a dread of her husband.
TWENTY-FIRST SCENE.
ADOLF. HANNE. BRANDT.
BRANDT
(when HANNE wants to leave).
Stay here! Why are you going inside?
HANNE
I must go in now.
BRANDT
(wants to hold her back).
What talk! You will stay and keep Adolf company. I must go up to see your sister.
HANNE.
I can't. You are wrong to keep me here. (Goes inside.)
ADOLF (seriously).
Let your wife go in, Brandt! I want to have a word with you.
BRANDT.
Well then, what do you want?
ADOLF.
I have just had a conversation with your sister-in-law.
BRANDT.
With my wi . . . with my sister-in-law, you say?
ADOLF.
Yes. I have already confided in you that she has made an impression on me. I have now talked to her about it.
BRANDT.
So? . . . What did she answer?
ADOLF.
She asked for time to think. But she did not deprive me of hope. She even admitted that she also thinks well of me.
BRANDT.
Really?
ADOLF.
Most likely she first wants to hear your opinion.
BRANDT (aside).
I strongly doubt that.
ADOLF.
What do you think now?
BRANDT.
Yes . . . to speak frankly, this courtship does not seem good to me at all. Immediately, the first time one sees a young girl, to ask for her hand, that is, to put it mildly, rashness.
ADOLF.
I do not believe it has been generally considered to be that in the capital for a long time.
BRANDT.
But you did not come here for her sake at all. It is my wife you have been fantisizing about for six months, even though you did not know her. If you had not told me that it was she who had made such a strong impression on you, then I would have found that
reasonable. But my sister-in-law!
ADOLF (very seriously).
Brandt. Be sensible! I can well imagine that you do not consider it right that I am fond of your sister-in-law.
BRANDT (aside).
No, you are right about that.
ADOLF.
But let me act here. I believe that it will be best for us all. You cannot and you should not deny me her hand. Let her unite with me, let her go away from your house . . . .
BRANDT.
Oh, you talk like a dreamer.
ADOLF.
Listen, Brandt, you do not understand your heart's situation. But I have seen through you: you love your wife's sister. But thank God I have enough control over myself, that I do not want to take advantage of your weakness. (With a strong voice.) She must leave your house. It is my duty as her nearest relative to deal with her. I shall take her away today.
BRANDT.
You want to take her away?
ADOLF.
Nothing will prevent me. I am not making a secret of it; I want to act openly. (Aside.) There she is!
TWENTY-SECOND SCENE.
ADOLF. BRANDT. LOUISE (with hat and shawl on) and later HANNE, both from the garden room.
ADOLF.
Just come, dear Hanne. I have told your brother-in-law everything. He knows that you are going with me now at once.
BRANDT (to LOUISE).
But what does all this mean? Why are you dressed like that?
LOUISE.
I do not really know . . . . Cousin Adolf has such a great desire to take me away.
BRANDT.
Oh, now I have heard it all! What foolishness!
ADOLF.
My decision is firm . . . . Come, Hanne! (Takes LOUISE's hand and is about to take her with him.)
BRANDT (stopping him).
Are you crazy? You want to take away my wife?
ADOLF.
Your wife? Do you have two wives?
BRANDT.
No, certainly not . . . but . . . but . . .
LOUISE.
Yes, I am his wife, dear cousin! In case you have the desire to court me now, there is no way.
ADOLF.
But your sister Louise, is she then . . .
LOUISE.
Please! Her name is Hanne.
ADOLF.
Hanne! And she is not his wife? Yes, then I can understand his behavior. And Hanne is really not married?
LOUISE.
No, unfortunately.
ADOLF.
Unfortunately? All the better! Then can I hope perhaps . . .
LOUISE.
Perhaps. But first you must make a decision, which of us you will court. Since it seems to me you are uncertain about that.
ADOLF.
Oh, you are wrong to make fun of me! I have confessed to you as honestly as you can require. Plead my case with your sister.
LOUISE.
Yes, I shall see what I can do for you. Here she comes at this moment.
(Walks towards HANNE, who is entering.)
BRANDT.
But am I hearing correctly? It is Hanne that you are aiming for after all?
ADOLF.
Yes, of course, dear friend, but you yourself are to blame for all the confusion.
BRANDT.
You are right about that, it was a great mistake of us. Your choice has my full consent. Hanne is a splendid girl. She will not give you a "No;" nor should she, either.
HANNE
(who meanwhile has talked with LOUISE, aside to her).
But he believes that I am married.
LOUISE.
Yes, but now he has said he will not be offended that you are unmarried. He will take you all the same.
HANNE.
Oh, you are making fun of me. I do not want to know anything at all about it.
LOUISE.
What kind of talk is that! You cried to me in there and complained, and said you were unhappy. One does not cry for nothing.
HANNE.
But I myself have heard that he paid court to you.
LOUISE.
But I have explained to you . . .
HANNE.
But I do not believe you.
LOUISE.
Yes, yes . . . I can understand that you are angry with cousin Adolf for his great recklessness . . . no? So let's give him a rejection. (Turns to ADOLF with assumed seriousness.) Dear cousin, I have talked with my sister.
ADOLF
(who meanwhile has stood in conversation with BRANDT, approaches quickly).
Have you? What answer did she give?
LOUISE.
My sister does not conceal her good will to you as our close relative; nor does she deny you her respect as a military man. But she has become too uneasy over your flightiness to dare consider a union which generally lasts for a whole lifetime.
HANNE (aside to her).
I have not said anything of the kind!
ADOLF.
But dear God, my flightiness is not nearly as great as you suppose. I have the best intentions to become steady and settled.
LOUISE.
Yes, then she must wait until these intentions are developed. But for now duty and prudence command . . .
BRANDT.
Oh, what fancies! Hanne will give in. I vouch for Adolf.
HANNE (aside to LOUISE).
You should be ashamed of yourself for talking that way.
LOUISE (softly to her).
Allow me . . . it is a matter of your welfare. (Aloud to ADOLF.) For all these reasons and considerations she has decided . . . (taking HANNE's hand) . . . and I confess, I cannot blame her for it . . . she has decided, dear cousin, to . . . give you her hand. Concerning her heart you must speak with her more intimately yourself.
ADOLF.
I am a lucky man!
BRANDT.
I like that. (Aside.) It is proper that I reveal the engagement, after I have secured him good employment.
ADOLF.
Now I am no longer angry with you, that you have pulled my leg. It has paved my way to great happiness.
BRANDT.
Yes, do not hold it against me, dear friend. But I do not deny that I got a little worried when I found out that we would have an officer to quarter, and my concern did not diminish when I discovered that it was you. In future it will be a firm rule with
me: rather a whole company of enlisted men than one single lieutenant.
LOUISE.
My friend, allow me to make an observation. The billeting which the king and the authorities impose on us, I bend over backwards to tolerate like a good subject; it is dangerous neither for you nor for your wife. But there is another billetting, which is a great plague for you and a great inconvenience for your wife. That is jealousy. Let us guard ourselves against that!
BRANDT.
Yes, there you are right.
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