Kurt: Bargitta, you shouldn't say that.
Bargitta: Why not? Don't you think it's ugly?
Kurt: Of course, but Fraulein Helder's was ugliest. I'm Kurt. I'm eleven. I'm incorrigible.
M: Congratulations!
Kurt: What's incorrigible?
M: I think it means you won't be treated like a boy.
Marta: I'm Marta and I'm going to be seven on Tuesday. And I'd like a pink parasol.
M: Well, pink is my favorite color, too. Yes, you're Gretl, and you're five years old? My, you're practically a lady! Now I have to tell you a secret. I've never been a governess before.
Louisa: You mean you don't know anything about being a governess?
M: Nothing. I'll need lots of advice.
Louisa: Well, the best way to start is to be sure to tell father to mind his own business.
Frederick: You must never come to dinner on time.
Bargitta: Never eat your soup quietly.
Kurt: And during dessert always blow your nose.
Gretl: Don't believe a word they say, Fraulein Maria.
M: Why not?
Gretl: Because I like you.
Frau Schmidt: All right now, children! Outside for your walk. Father's orders. Now, hurry up! Hurry up! Quick, Quick... Fraulein Maria, I'm Frau Schmidt, the housekeeper.
M: How do you do!
Frau Schmidt: How do you do! I'll show you to your room. Follow me.
(On the way to her room, Maria feels something strange in her pocket. It is a toad. She cries out and throws it away. The children watch this and leave in laughter. Later the dinner is served, Maria is late.)
M: Good evening. Good evening, children.
Children: Good evening, Frauen Maria.
(Without noticing a pinecone on her chair, Maria sits on it, jumps up with pain and immediately.)
M: Ha Ha.