Lena—I know what you have suffered, but it is for that very reason that—you should know this—that there is something I cannot stand . . .
(They are interrupted by the entrance of a postal messenger. He is wearing the regulation costume of the country postal clerk. On his coat is pinned a military medal. Over his shoulder he carries a mail bag, and in his hands a large package inscribed “Modes”, and two letters bearing the official stamp.)
Bara.—What’s to do here, Mr. Postman?
Postman.—Well, well, good afternoon, Mrs. Housekeeper. I have here a package for the lady and two letters for her lord. Her ladyship has already seen it from her window.
(Enter Erna. She is clad in a very loose negligee. Her arms are bare to her elbows, her throat is open and her skin is flushed with the heat of the afternoon. She comes in hastily.)
Erna (To postman).—Give it here.
Postman.—To be sure, but only what belongs to her ladyship—this package. The Modiste loaded it on me down below the church in order to save the postage. You see it has a blind knot as if it were something forbidden.
Erna (As Bara takes the package).--And what about—those letters—don’t they belong to the house?
Postman.—They belong here, but they happen to be official papers for his lordship.
Erna.—Give them to me, and don’t waste time; I guess I am his wife.
Postman.—Even so, it would be a mistake to . . .
Erna (With authority).—Will you please hand them over?
Postman.—I know my postal regulations. An official communication like this cannot be turned over except for a receipt signed by the person addressed. I am sorry, but if my lord is not at home, I shall move on. I may find him somewhere yet. (Replaces letters into the mail pouch.) Besides, my lord himself instructed to deliver only into his hands anything addressed to him personally. Having served under him in the war, I know what insubordination means.
Erna.—Go and mind your business then! Dummes Luder!
Postman (Offended, drawing himself into a military pose).—Your ladyship, I am not your servant, not your retainer, I belong to the imperial family. So long as I am in this service, even my superior, the postmaster, must address me with respect. I kiss your hand, madam. (Exit.)
