_Early morning in the front room of the Bergmann home, Frau Bergmann enters, beaming and excited. She wears her cape, a mantilla on her head and basket on her arm. _

FRAU BERGMANN: Wendla! Wendla!

Wendla appears in petticoats and corset in the doorway.

WENDLA: What's the matter, Mother?

FRAU BERGMANN: You are up already, child? Now, that is nice of you!

WENDLA: You have been out already?

FRAU BERGMANN: Get dressed quickly!——You must go down to Ina's at once. You must take her this basket!

Wendla dresses herself as they speak.

WENDLA: You have been to Ina's?—How is Ina?—Is she ever going to get better?

FRAU BERGMANN: Only think, Wendla, last night the stork paid her a visit and brought her a little baby boy!

WENDLA: A little boy?——A little boy!——Oh, that's lovely!——That's the cause of that