Minna, FranziskaMIN.

Now I have found him again, Franziska! Do you hear? Now I have found him again! I scarcely know where I am for joy! Rejoice with me, Franziska. But why should you? And yet you shall; you must rejoice with me. Come, I will make you a present, that you may be able to rejoice with me. Say, Franziska, what shall I give you? Which of my things would please you? What would you like? Take what you will; only rejoice with me. I see you will take nothing. Stop!

(Thrusts her hand into the desk.)

There, Franziska, (gives her money)

buy yourself what you like. Ask for more, if it be not sufficient; but rejoice with me you must. It is so melancholy to be happy alone.

There, take it, then.

FRAN.

It is stealing it from you, my lady. You are intoxicated, quite intoxicated with joy.

MIN.

Girl, my intoxication is of a quarrelsome kind. Take it, or (forcing money into her hand). . . and if you thank me . . . Stay, it is well that I think of it.

(Takes more money from the desk.)

Put that aside, Franziska, for the first poor wounded soldier who accosts us.