C: Now, this is your new governess, Fraulein Maria. As I sound your signals, you will step forward and give your name. You, Fraulein, will listen carefully. Learn their signal so you can call them when you want them.
Liesl: Liesl.
Frederick: Frederick.
Louisa: Louisa.
Kurt: Kurt.
Bargitta: Bargitta.
Marta: Marta.
(The youngest girl steps forward.)
C: And Gretl. Now, let's see how well you listened.
M: Oh, I won't need to whistle for them, Reverend Captain. I mean, I'll use their names. And such lovely names.
C: Fraulein, this is a large house. The grounds are very extensive. I will not have anyone shouting. You will take this, please. Learn to use it. The children will help you. Now, when I want you, this is what you will hear.
M: No, sir. I'm sorry, sir. I could never answer to a whistle. Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals but not for children and definitely not for me. It would be too humiliating.
C: Fraulein, were you this much trouble at the abbey?
M: Oh, much more, sir.
C: Hmm.
M: Excuse me, sir, I don't know your signal.
C: You may call me Captain.
(Captain leaves.)
M: At ease. Well now that there's just us. Would you please tell me what are your names again and how old you are?
Liesl: I'm Liesl. I'm sixteen years old and I don't need a governess.
M: Well, I'm glad you told me, Liesl. We'll just be good friends.
Frederick: I'm Frederick. I'm fourteen. I'm impossible.
M: Really? Who told you that, Frederick?
Frederick: Fraulein Josephine. Four governesses ago.
Louisa: I'm Bargitta.
M: You didn't tell me how old you are, Louisa.
Bargitta: I'm Bargitta, she's Louisa. She's thirteen years old and you're smart. I'm ten and I think your dress is the ugliest one I ever saw.