"Fräulein von Bernburg, one moment." This is the Headmistress' voice, which becomes sharp as soon as her murmuring amen has faded after the prayers.
"Enter! - Yes, Frau Headmistress, excuse me?"
And Fräulein von Bernburg disappears behind Frau Headmistress into the door of the room that not only the children but also the teachers only enter with unease; except perhaps "Bunny"-who is no longer anybody-and therefore, has nothing more to fear in this World.
"I want to ask you again, Fräulein von Bernburg, not to encourage the strong exaltation among the children, which is directed at you personally,and which seems to be at their age."
"Frau Headmistress, you can be assured that I do my best."
"I hope so, Fräulein von Bernburg. But how do you explain the children's pronounced favouritism for you?"
Groaning lughtly, the Headmistress lowered herself into her chair. Bernburg is standing, she has deliberately overlooked the hint to sit down. Her voice trembles imperceptibly as she replies,
"I love the children, Frau Headmistress, I try to do them justice."
The old woman looks darkly at the person who stands in front of her in an impeccable posture.
"Little Meinhardis in particular seems to me to be an extremely extravagant child. I want to see this child disciplined with particular rigour. You are young, Fräulein von Bernburg. If you had my experience in an institution, you would know that such elements can have a poisonous effect if they are not kept in their place."
Fräulein von Bernburg doesn't bat an eyelid. "I'll do my best, Frau Headmistress."
"All right, Fräulein von Bernburg. I rely on you."