Act I. _Fritz Kobus_, a well-to-do landowner and confirmed bachelor,

receives felicitations on his fortieth birthday. He invites his friends to dine with him. Among the guests is _Suzel_, his tenant's daughter, who presents him with a nosegay, and sits beside him. Never before has he realized her charm. _Rabbi David_, a confirmed matchmaker, wagers with the protesting _Fritz_ that he will soon be married.