Mother Earth, Vol. 1 No. 2, April 1906

Friedrich (returns, confused): Pardon me, I–

Rita: Poor Fred, did you stray into my bedroom? There is the door. (Long pause. Several times he tries to speak. She laughs gently. Then she sings and plays the song from "Mamselle Nitouche"):

A minuit, après la fête,Rev'naient Babet et Cadet;Cristi! la nuit est complète,Faut nous dépêcher, Babet.Tâche d'en profiter, grosse bête!Farilon, farila, farilette.J'ai trop peur, disait Cadet—J'ai pas peur, disait Babet—Larirette, larire,Larirette, larire.– — —

(Friedrich at first listens against his will, even makes a step toward the door. By and by he becomes fascinated and finally is charmed. When she finishes, he puts his stiff hat on the table and walks toward her with a blissful smile.)

RITA: Now? You even smile? Did I impress you?

Friedrich (drops down on his knees in front of her): Oh, Erna, you are the most charming woman on earth. (He kisses her hands wildly.)

Rita (stoops down to him, softly and merrily): Why run away? Why? If you still love me, can you run off—you mule?

Friedrich: Oh, I'll remain—I remain with you.

Rita: It was well that you missed the door.

Friedrich: Oh, Erna–

Rita: But now you'll call me Rita—do you understand? Well? Are you going to—are you going to be good?

Friedrich: Rita! Rita! Everything you wish.

Rita: Everything I wish. (She kisses him.) And now tell me about your moral demand. Yes? You are delightful when you talk about it. So delightful.

1

This sketch the writer had addressed to Jewish Social Democrats.