(Maria arrives at Von Trapp's house.She enters and is asked to be waiting at the lobby.Amazed at the grandness of the house,she wanders about and curiously opens the door of the ball-room,Just as she is imitating the gestures of a gentleman at a dance,the door opens .It is Captain Von Trapp.)
Von Trapp: In the future you will kindly remember that there're certain rooms in this house which are not to be disturbed.
Maria:Yes ,Captain ,Sir.
(They come out of the ball-room.)
V.T.:And why do you stare at me that way?
Maria:Well,you don't look tall like a sea captain ,Sir.
V.T.:I'm afraid you don't look very much like a governess.(Suddenly notices her dress)Turn round ,please.
Maria:What?
V.T.:Turn.Hat off .The dresss,you have to put on another one before you meet the children.
Maria:But I haven't got another one.When we enter the Abbey,our worldly clothes are given to the poor.
V.T.:What about this one?
Maria:The poor didn't want this one.
V.T.:Hm.
Maria:Well ,I would have made myself a new dress but there wasnt' time.I can make my own clothes.
V.T.:Well , I'll see you get some material--today if possible .Now ,Fraulein...
Maria:Maria.
...........
(The Captain uses a whistle and the seven children all come out at once.)
V.T.:(Introducing Maria )Now ,this is your new governess,Fraulein Maria.As I sound your signal ,you step forward and give your name.You Fraulein,listen carefully.Learn the signal so that you can call them when you want them.(He whistles the signal of every child who steps forward immediately.)Now let's see how well you listened.
Maria:Oh, I....I won't need to whistle for them ,Reverend Captain.I mean I'll use their names and they've such lovely names.
Captain:This is a large house.The grounds are very extensive and I will not have anyone shouting.(Gives a whistle to Maria.)Will you take this please,and learn how to use it .The children will help you.Now when I want you ,this is what you'll hear.
Maria:No,I'm sorry Sir,I could never answer to a whistle.Whistles are for dogs and cats and other animals ,not for children and definitely not for me.It would be too humiliating.
V.T.:Fraulein ,were you this much trouble at the Abbey?
Maria:Oh, much more.
V.T.:Hm(About to leave)
Maria:(Whistles to stop him.)Excuse me ,Sir.I don't know your signal.
V.T.:You may call me Captain.(Then leaves.)
.............
(Von Trapp finds Maria wandering about in the garden.)
V.T.:Hello,I thought I just might find you here.
Maria:Was there.....was there something you wanted?
V.T.:Hm, no,no .Sit down,please.Please.(After Maria sits down) May I?(Laughing)You know I was thinking ,I was wondering about two things :why you did run away to the Abbey and what was it that make you come back?
Maria:Well, I...I had an obligation to fulfil. I came back to fulfil it .
V.T.:Is that all?
Maria:And I miss the children.
V.T.:Yes ,only the children?
Maria:No. yes .Isn't it right that I should miss them?
V.T.:Oh, yes ,yes ,of course.I was only hoping perhaps you ....perhaps you might....
Maria:Yes?
V.T.:Well,nothing was the same when you were away. And it will be all wrong again after you leave.And I just hope you might change your mind?
Maria:I'm sure the Baroness will be able to make things fine for you.
V.T.:Maria,there isn't going to be any Baroness.
Maria:There isn't?
V.T.:No.
Maria:I don't understand.
V.T.:Well,we've called off the engagement, you see and ...
Maria: Oh, I'm sorry.
V.T.:Yes ...You are?
Maria: Hm...You did?
V.T.:Yes ,well,you can't marry someone when you're in love with someone else,can you ?(Looks into her eyes and kisses her.)
Maria:Reverend Mother always says when the Lord closes the door ,somewhere he opens the window.
V.T.:What else does the Reverend Mother say?
Maria:That you have to look for you life.
V.T.:Is that why you came back?And have you found it ,Maria?
Maria:I think I have,I know I have.
V.T.:I love you.
Maria:Oh, can this be happening to me ?
V.T.:Do you know when I first started loving you ? That night at dinner table you sat on that ridiculous pine cone.
Maria:What ? I knew it was the first time when you blew that silly whistle.
V.T.Oh , my love .Maria,is there anyone that I should go to ask permission to marry you ?
Maria:Well ,why don't we ask...
V.T.:The children?
...