Major von Tellheim, Minna, FranziskaMAJ. T.

Ah! Minna, what is this? What does this contain?

MIN.

I am not entitled to extend my curiosity so far.

MAJ. T.

What! You would still separate my fate from yours?--But, why do Ihesitate to open it? It cannot make me more unhappy than I am: no, dearest Minna, it cannot make us more unhappy--but perhaps more happy!

Permit me.

(While he opens and reads the letter, the Landlord comes stealthily on the stage.)