FRAU LUND. No, no, don't disturb her.

BEERMANN. Permit me. [Introducing.] ... Herr Hans Jacob Dobler,
our famous poet ...

FRAU LUND [taking his hand]. A famous poet? Delighted.

BOLLAND. Author of "Life Story of Hans." ...

FRAU LUND [pleasantly to Dobler]. If I were younger, Herr Dobler,
I would certainly make believe that I read your book. But at my
age I find that sort of thing too tiresome. What is the "Life
Story of Hans"?

DOBLER. It is a novel, gnadige Frau.

BOLLAND. A masterpiece.

FRAU LUND. Then my ignorance is unpardonable. I'll soon make
reparation.

[Frau Bolland followed by Effie, Dr. Wasner and Fraulein Koch
hurry out of the music room.]

FRAU BOLLAND. I am off for the Arts Club. I'll be late, I fear.
[To Frau Lund.] Oh, how do you do, Frau Lund?

EFFIE [hurries over to Frau Lund and kisses her hand]. Mama Lund!