So you had best stay by, Amelia. We
must keep a close eye on her.
[_There is a knock at the door._]
Who's that?
_Amelia:_ [_Looks out of the windows, and then whispers._]
It's Hans Hoffman.
[_The knock is repeated._]
_Mother:_
Open, girl! Don't stand there!
[_Enter Hoffman, gay, familiar, inclined to stoutness, but
good-looking. Accustomed to having the women bow down to him._]
_Hoffman:_
[_To Amelia._] Ah, ha! You gave me the slip yesterday!
_Amelia:_
My mother.
_Hoffman:_ [_Nodding._]
Good day, Mother. [_She curtsies._]
[_Coming closer to Amelia._]
Where did you run to? Here she as good as promised me she would wed me
to-day, Mother, and then--
_Amelia:_
Oh, no!
_Hoffman:_
Yes, you did. You let me kiss you.
_Amelia:_ [_Taken aback._]
Oh, sir!
_Hoffman:_
And when I got to the church square to-day, no bride for Hans Hoffman.
Well, I must say, they had the laugh on me; for I had told them I had
found the girl for me--the prettiest bride of the lot. But to-morrow--
_Amelia:_
I can't.
_Hoffman:_ [_Taking hold of her._]
Oh, yes, you can. I won't bother you long.
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