(To Stephenson--aside.) I'll skin her alive when I get my
hands on her!
M. Komm, alle Verliebte! [They jump up, join hands, and sing in chorus--]
Du, Du, wie ich Dich liebe, Du, Du, liebest auch mich! Die, die
zartlichsten Triebe--
S. (Stepping forward.) Well! [The girls throw themselves upon his neck
with enthusiasm.]
THE GIRLS. Why, father!
S. My darlings! [The young men hesitate a moment, they they add their
embrace, flinging themselves on Stephenson's neck, along with the girls.]
THE YOUNG MEN. Why, father!
S. (Struggling.) Oh, come, this is too thin!--too quick, I mean. Let
go, you rascals!
GEO. We'll never let go till you put us on the family list.
M. Right! hold to him!
A. Cling to him, Will! [GRETCHEN rushes in and joins the general
embrace, but is snatched away by the WIRTHIN, crushed up against the
wall, and threatened with destruction.]
S. (Suffocating.) All right, all right--have it your own way, you
quartette of swindlers!
W. He's a darling! Three cheers for papa!
EVERYBODY.
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