Chapter 53

SCENE--_A Chamber in the House of the DUCHESS OF FRIEDLAND._

_COUNTESS TERTSKY, THEKLA, LADY NEUBRUNN (the two latter sit at the same table at work)._

_Countess (watching them from the opposite side)._ So you have nothing, niece, to ask me? Nothing? I have been waiting for a word from you. And could you then endure in all this time Not once to speak his name?

[_The COUNTESS rises and advances to her._

Why, how comes this? Perhaps I am already grown superfluous, 5 And other ways exist, besides through me? Confess it to me, Thekla! have you seen him?

_Thekla._ To-day and yesterday I have not seen him.

_Countess._ And not heard from him either? Come, be open!

_Thekla._ No syllable.

_Countess._ And still you are so calm? 10

_Thekla._ I am.

_Countess._ May't please you, leave us, Lady Neubrunn!

[_Exit LADY NEUBRUNN._

LINENOTES:

[4] [_THEKLA remaining silent, the, &c._, 1800, 1828, 1829.