Mme. Abrahams. Gladly, my friend!  Here is a gulden,—­you will accept it.

Henrich.  Ah, my best thanks!  I hope that I may serve you ladies again.  Now, you must drink your fill while the mistress is out; she won’t be angry, or if she is, I will make it all right.

Mme. Abrahams. My good man, the greatest service you can do us is not to urge us.

Henrich.  As I say, gentle ladies, I know the mistress won’t mind; you simply must drink.  Perhaps it isn’t sweet enough.  I will go get some more syrup.—­But here she comes herself.

SCENE 8

(Enter Geske.)

Geske.  I beg your pardon for staying away so long. ladies, you haven’t drunk a thing in all this time!  We simply must empty the pot, and then when you have the coffee, you must taste our ale.  If I do say it it is as good as any ale in town.

Mme. Sanderus.  Oh, I feel so very bad, you must pardon me if I am unable to stay any longer.  My sister will stay and try it.

Mme. Abrahams. Oh, no, it would be a sin to desert my sister.  We commend ourselves to the affection of Madam Burgomaster.

Geske.  Then you must have a glass of brandy—­it will make you perfectly well again—­it drives out the wind.  Henrich! run get a glass of brandy—­the lady’s not feeling well.

Mme. Sanderus.  No, excuse me; I must go. [Exeunt.

SCENE 9

(Enter another Councillor’s Wife.)

Councillor’s wife.  Your humble servant.  I have come dutifully to extend my felicitations.

(Geske reaches out her hand to be kissed, and the lady kisses it.)

Geske.  It will be a pleasure to me if I or the burgomaster can be of any service.  Won’t you sit down, please?  Don’t stand on ceremony, just imagine that you are among your equals.

Councillor’s wife.  I am deeply obliged, madam! (Sits down.)

Geske.  Some of your colleagues were just here and drank some coffee with me; I think there must be a couple of cups left, if you should like some.  The bottom’s the best.  I don’t believe I can drink any more, because I’ve got so much in me already that my stomach’s like a drum.

Councillor’s wife.  I thank you humbly, but I have just had some coffee.

Geske.  As you wish.  We gentlefolk don’t urge any one.  Oh, listen, dear madam—­do you know of any Frenchwoman to recommend for my young lady?  I want her to learn French.

Councillor’s wife.  Yes, my lady, I know one who is very satisfactory.

Geske.  Good; but I want to have her understand at the outset that I cannot tolerate having her call me “Madame” as the French people usually do.  Not that I am proud, but I have my own ideas on the point.