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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Honor: A Play in Four Acts + +Author: Hermann Sudermann + +Translator: Hilmar R. Baukhage + +Release Date: November 18, 2010 [EBook #34357] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HONOR: A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + + + + + +</pre> + + +<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Note:<br> + 1. Page scan source: +http://www.archive.org/details/honoraplayinfou01baukgoog</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>HONOR</h1> +<br> +<br> +<h3>A Play in Four Acts</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h4>BY</h4> +<h2>HERMANN SUDERMANN</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h4><span class="sc2">Translated By</span></h4> +<h2>HILMAR R. BAUKHAGE</h2> +<br> +<h4><span class="sc2">With a Preface By</span></h4> +<h3>BARRETT H. CLARK</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr class="W10" style="margin-bottom:-9pt"> + +<h3><span class="sc2">Copyright, 1915, BY</span> SAMUEL FRENCH</h3> + +<hr class="W10" style="margin-top:-9pt"> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<table cellpadding="10" style="width:80%; margin-left:10%"> +<colgroup><col style="width:50%; text-align:center"><col style="width:50%; text-align:center"></colgroup> +<tr> +<td style="border-right:solid black 2px">New York</td> +<td>London</td> +</tr><tr> +<td style="border-right:solid black 2px">SAMUEL FRENCH</td> +<td>SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd.</td> +</tr><tr> +<td style="border-right:solid black 2px">PUBLISHER</td> +<td>26 Southampton Street</td> +</tr><tr> +<td style="border-right:solid black 2px">28-30 WEST 38th STREET</td> +<td>STRAND</td> +</tr></table> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>HONOR</h1> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">The French expression, a "man of the theater," is best exemplified in +the person of the German dramatist Hermann Sudermann. The term is +intended to convey the idea of a playwright who is interesting and +effective, one who is, in short, master of his trade. The author of +"Die Ehre," which is here presented for the first time to English +readers, was for many years a man of the theater in the strictest +acceptance of the term.</p> + +<p class="normal">Hermann Sudermann was born at Matziken, Prussia, in 1857. After +receiving his preliminary scholastic training in his native province, +he attended the Universities of Konigsberg and Berlin and immediately +after his graduation from the latter institution entered the field of +journalism. His first works were short stories and novels, of which +"Dame Care," "Regina," and "The Song of Songs" are the best known. +German critics and the German reading public are inclined, of late +years, in view of Sudermann's repeated failures in the field of drama, +to place his fiction on a distinctly higher plane than his plays, and +it is true that much of the finer intelligence of the man has gone to +the making of his better novels. However, the earlier plays exerted an +influence so widespread and are of such unquestioned intrinsic value, +that there is some question as to the ultimate disposition of the +laurels.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Honor" was published in book form in 1888, the year before the +founding of the famous "Freie Buhne," or "Free Theater," which was to +usher in and nourish modern German Realism. It was first produced in +1890.</p> + +<p class="normal">While Sudermann was not properly speaking a member of the new movement, +his early works, "Honor" in particular, were shaped by and served +partially to create the ideas which the founders of the "Freie Buhne," +Arno Holz and Johannes Schlaf, had formulated. But a closer inspection +of "Honor," of "The Destruction of Sodom," "Magda," and "The Joy of +Living," leads us to the conclusion that Sudermann was playing with the +Naturalistic formula, using it as a means rather than an end. One +example will suffice: Arno Holz invented the phrase "Sequential +Realism," by which he meant the chronological setting down of life in +as minute and truthful a manner as possible. He aimed at the +photographic reproduction of life; that process he called "art +re-making nature." In his own plays, above all in "Die Familie +Selicke," written in collaboration with Schlaf, his skill in noting +details, his quest for truth at all costs, lent a decided air of +actuality to the work, and the <i>appearance</i> was what Sudermann, who was +more of an artist than the pair of young revolutionists, strove to +imitate. After all, Sudermann is little more than a surface Realist, +for he incorporated only what seemed to him valuable in the new +formulas. Sudermann is the lineal descendant of Augier, Dumas fils and +Sardou; he introduced into Germany a new manner of combining much that +was good of the conventional and some that would prove beneficial of +the Realistic ideas. The long speeches of Trast, the numerous asides, +the more or less conventional exposition, the rather rhetorical style +of the dialog, are reminiscent of the mid-century French dramatists, +while the carefully observed types, the attention paid to detail, the +occasionally realistic language, are indicative of the new spirit which +was about to manifest itself in so concrete a form as the "Freie +Buhne."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Honor" is clearly a thesis play: it aims at the presentation and +consideration of an idea, a problem, and the problem is that which +arises when one's individual principles are at variance with those laid +down in a conventional society. In Germany "honor" is not so much a +personal matter as a fixed code applicable to situations, and an +individual who finds himself in a certain situation must have recourse +to the code, not his own convictions. Sudermann in this play sets +himself the task of opposing the current conception of honor, and in +Trast's mouth he places what arguments he wishes to have advanced. +Trast is what the French call the "raisonneur": he who reasons. This +method is a very direct but rather bald one, as the audience is likely, +nowadays at least, to resent a preacher who is only too obviously doing +his duty. It prefers the method followed by another very skilful writer +of thesis plays, Brieux, who in his "Red Robe" allows the thesis to +unfold itself before the eyes of the spectators rather than permit a +"raisonneur" to expound his personal ideas. But in Sudermann's day the +technic of the drama was not so far advanced as it was twelve years +later, when the French dramatist was able to employ means to his end +which were artistic in the highest degree.</p> + +<p class="normal">Yet Sudermann always lacked the sincerity and earnestness of Brieux, +for he considered the play primarily as a means to tell a story in as +effective a manner as possible. Brieux's purpose has always been to +expose a state of affairs and argue about it. As a consequence, +Sudermann never fell into the error of allowing the thesis to +overshadow the play. As a matter of fact, he became with years less and +less didactic, and took good care that his later plays should be free +of encumbering theses, so that now his desire to please the unthinking +public has brought him near to artistic bankruptcy.</p> + +<p class="normal">Sudermann is clearly a man whose best work is over. "Honor" led +dramatists to treat the theater more seriously, it taught them to +construct plays with a story, and showed that a thesis play is not +necessarily a "conversation"; his attention to detail instilled a +desire for greater truthfulness in the delineation of character. +"Honor" and its immediate successors present a series of pictures of +lower, middle, and upper class German society of the day which are and +will in the future prove of great value for the student of the times +and of the drama.</p> + +<p class="right">BARRETT H. CLARK.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<table cellpadding="10" style="width:90%; margin-left:5%"> +<colgroup><col style="width:48%"><col style="width:4%"><col style="width:48%"></colgroup> +<tr> +<th colspan="3">PERSONS REPRESENTED.</th> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Councillor of Commerce Muhlingk</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="2"><span class="sc2">Amalie</span></td> +<td><i>His wife</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Kurt</span></td> +<td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle; font-size:36pt">}</td> +<td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle;"><i>Their children</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Leonore</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Lothar Brandt</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Hugo Stengel</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Count Von Trast-Saarberg</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Robert Heinecke</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Old Heinecke</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">His Wife</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Auguste</span></td> +<td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle; font-size:36pt">}</td> +<td rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle"><i>Their daughters</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Alma</span></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Michalski</span></td> +<td></td> +<td><i>A joiner, Auguste's husband</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Frau Hebenstreit </span><i>The</i> +<i>Gardener's wife</i></td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle; font-size:60pt">}</td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle;"><i>In Muhlingk's service</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>A servant</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc2">Johann </span><i>Coachman</i></td> +</tr><tr> +<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Indian Servant of Count Trast</span></td> +</tr></table> +<br> +<p class="normal"><i>The action takes place in the vicinity of Charlottenburg, +now a part +of Berlin</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>HONOR</h1> + + +<hr class="W10"> + + +<h2>ACT I.</h2> +<br> + +<p class="hang1"><span class="sc2">Scene</span>:--<i>A room in </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke's </span><i> +house--The cheap, lower middle-class +decorations and tawdry furnishings are in sharp contrast with two +silk-upholstered arm-chairs, which are covered during the first part of +the act--and a large gilded mirror. A chest of drawers and several +shelves are covered with various worn articles of household use. To the +right of the spectator, below the traditional German sofa, is a table +with a coffee service. To the left is a long, rough-hewn work-table; +upon it are pieces of cardboard, a pile of cardboard boxes and a large +paste-pot. Beside the table is a workstool.</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="hang1">(<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>is busily engaged in cleaning the room</i>. +<span class="sc2">Frau Hebenstreit </span><i>stands on the threshold of the door to the left</i>.)</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. So it's really true?--Your son is home?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Sh! sh!--for the Lord's sake--he's asleep!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. There is Alma's bedroom?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Yes!--I don't know what I'm about!--I'm actually dizzy +from joy! (<i>Drops into</i> the work-stool)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. Do the folks on the avenue know about it yet?<a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01">[1]</a></p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. He had to report to 'em to-day because they're his boss. +To-morrow he'll make the visit.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. How long has he been gone, anyway?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Seven--eight--nine and a half years. It's as long as +that since I've seen my boy! (<i>She sobs</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. And did you recognize him right off?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, how should I? Last night about eight--Heinecke was +half asleep over the Lokal Anzeiger.<a name="div2Ref_02" href="#div2_02">[2]</a> and I'm sitting there sewing a +lace hem on Alma's underwaist,--that girl's always got to have +something new for her underwear!--Well, all of a sudden there was a +knock, and a man come in, and Lord save us if there didn't stand a +gentleman, a fine gentleman in a beaver coat--there it hangs!--just +feel that beaverskin once!--I thought to myself: it's one of Alma's +swell acquaintances, one of young Herr Kurt's friends----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. (<i>Listening attentively</i>) Ah----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. For they ain't too stuck up to come around and see us +poor folks on the alley--Well, as I was saying, he throws his hat and +coat on the floor--a real top hat--right down on the floor, mind +you!--and he gets right down on his knees in front of me--well, I +thought I was losing my mind, but when he calls out; "Mother, Father, +don't you know me?--It's me, Robert, your son Robert"--Well, Frau +Hebenstreit, it was just too good to be true! I'll never get over it! +(<i>She cries</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. Don't get excited, neighbor; the pleasure won't last! +Every rat has a head and tail--and a rat's tail is poison, they do say.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. How can you say a thing like that! My son is a good son, +a fine son.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. Too fine, Frau Heinecke! When a person's been +traveling around in all them foreign lands and living in silks and +satins----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. He can have all that here--(<i>Indicating the silk +upholstered chairs</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. (<i>With a grimace</i>) Yes, yes,--but whether he will or +not----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Whether he will or not, Frau Hebenstreit! A mother's +heart don't reckon with rank and society!--And--Good Lord! Here +I am a-standing--Where on earth can Heinecke be? Have you seen +Heinecke?--The way he has to hobble along with his lame leg!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. I saw him standing outside with a sign as big as all +outdoors, drying his sign he said--and the thermometer at thirty above +zero!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Let the old man enjoy himself. He was working on that +sign half the night. Couldn't sleep a wink--neither of us--we was so +happy----</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc">Heinecke </span><i>enters, limping, with a huge placard. One of his arms is +stiff.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Hurrah! Now we've----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Will you be still!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Reading the placard</i>) "Welcome, beloved son, to your +father's house." Fine, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. Looks for all the world like a target!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. With a heart in the middle! You old--!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Hold your tongue!--(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Frau Hebenstreit</span>) You know how +he is!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i>takes a hammer and tacks and climbs on chair to tack up the +placard.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. I wonder where your son got all his fine manners +anyway? Not from <i>his</i> family, did he?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. No, nor mine either. It was seventeen years ago, when +our boss on the avenue got his title of Councillor of Commerce--there +was a great time: carriages and fireworkings and free beer for all the +workmen in the factory. Well, my husband was a little bit full--and why +not?--Pa, quit pounding! when it didn't cost nothing? Well, one of the +carriages run over him,--broke his leg and his arm!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Standing on the stool</i>) Talking about me? Yes, that wasn't +no joke, neither! (<i>Whistles</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Don't whistle! The folks in front can hear that from the +balcony, and they'll send round to find out what's the matter with our +family affairs!--And the boss was so tickled over his new title, that +he was feelin' free with his pocket-book and he promised to take care +of us and give our oldest an education.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. And did he stick to it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Working</i>) Ah, there!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Couldn't 've done better! They gave us a place here on +the alley, where, thank God, we still are, and they sent Robert off to +the school where he got his learning. And when he came back home on his +vacations, he was always invited over on the avenue to drink chocolate +with whip-cream,--on purpose to play with the little Miss. Young Herr +Kurt was still sucking a rubber nipple then.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. That was all before Alma--?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>More quietly</i>) What do you mean by that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. Aw, nothing, I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And then afterwards they sent him to Hamburg to learn +about the foreign business, you know--and when he was seventeen off he +goes to India, where they say it's so outlandish hot! The Councillor's +nephew is out there. He's got a big coffee and tea plantation!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. It grows out there just like daisies do around here! (<i>Gets +down from the stool</i>) Fine, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And he got along pretty well out there, and, Lord, here +he is home again and I stand around and----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Hebenstreit</span>. I'm a-going. Good-bye, and don't forget the poison in +the rat's tail! (<i>Aside</i>) It's a pretty kettle of fish! (<i>She goes +out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. She's an old poison-toad herself!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Jealousy--jealousy--jealousy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Well! Where did you get the pound-cake!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. The cook brought it, with the compliments of the Miss.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Turning away</i>) What comes from the avenue don't interest +me! The boy must have had enough sleep by this time. The factory +whistle will blow for the second lunch<a name="div2Ref_03" href="#div2_03">[3]</a> in a minute! (<i>Looking +lovingly at the placard</i>) "Welcome, beloved son----"</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Suddenly</i>) Father, he's here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Who?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Our boy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Pointing to placard</i>) We're ready for him!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Shh! I heard something! (<i>Listening</i>) Yes, I told you! +He's putting on his shoes. When I think of it! There he is a-sitting +putting on his shoes, and in a minute he'll come through this door----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. All I'll say is: "Welcome, beloved"--did you put some of that +swell soap of Alma's on his washstand?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And how many times have I set here and thought to +myself: has he even got a decent bed under him?--and--and--have the +savages eaten him up already? And now all of a sudden here he is, +Father--Father we've got him again! May the luck keep up!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Look here a minute--does this look all right?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Quiet!--He's coming. Your tie's slipped up again! I'm +ashamed of you! (<i>Smoothes the cover of the arm-chair</i>) Lord, how +nervous I am!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>bursts into the room and runs to his parents, who stand +stiffly before him, embarrassed.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good morning. Father!--Good morning, Mother I (<i>He +embraces his mother and repeatedly kisses her hand</i>) I +am--absolutely--inhumanly--happy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. "Welcome, beloved son"--(<i>As </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>bows over his hand he +rubs it on his trousers</i>) You're going to kiss my hand?!!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Certainly, if you'll let me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Extending his hand</i>) Now you can see what a good son he is!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Looking about</i>) And here is where I once--I hardly know--is +it really possible?--Or am I actually dreaming still? That would +be too bad--Oh,--and the homesickness!--Lord in heaven, that +homesickness!--Just think! You sit out there at night in some corner, +and everything you have left appears about you, living;--mother, +father,--the court, the garden, the factory--and then all of a sudden +you see the long palm branches waving over you, or a parrot screams in +the distance and you come to yourself and realise that you are all +alone at the other end of the world! Brrr!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Parrots? That must be nice! Here only the rich folks can have +'em!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes, and if you only knew how I worried these last years, and +even on the journey home, for fear I shouldn't find everything the way +my longing had painted it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Why?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. There was a man--otherwise a dear friend, my best friend, +too--who tried to prepare me for disappointment. You have become +foreign, he said, and you shouldn't try to put together what Fate has +separated so long ago--Heaven knows what else he said--and I was almost +afraid of him, and you, and myself too! Thank God that doesn't bother +me any more; every single thing has come out as I hoped! Everything +I had imagined for ten years is exactly as I expected--there is +Father--there's Mother, sweet and simple and (<i>Tenderly</i>) a bit of a +chatterbox! (<i>Stretching himself</i>) But what are these two young arms +for? Just watch! They've learned to make money!---And the sisters +will soon be ready too! Just see!--And here is father's old +paste-pot--(<i>Strokes the paste-pot</i>) And my confirmation +certificate--framed! And the machinery makes the same, dear old noise!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. You never slept a wink on account of that old +machine--eh? It bumps and bangs the whole night!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I was never sung to sleep by a sweeter lullaby, Mother. When I +was almost asleep I kept saying: snort if you want, puff if you like, +you old horse! Keep at it, but work as you will while I am lying here +in bed, <i>you</i> can't do anything for the glory of the house of Muhlingk. +<i>Here</i> is a lever that must be reckoned with! Wasn't that a proud +thought?--And then my heart warmed for our benefactor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Huh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What, Father?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Aw, nuthin'!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And I have sworn that I won't slacken in his service until I've +drawn my last breath!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. I should think by this time you'd have done about enough for +them!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. You've scraped and slaved for them for ten years!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh, it wasn't as bad as that, Mother. But now let's not talk +about them this way any more. Every day we have one reason or other for +thanking the Muhlingks. The letters I had from the Councillor, and from +Kurt especially,--he's a partner now,--were like letters from a close +friend.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Kurt--Oh, he's a fine young gentleman! But as for the +rest--"The Moor has paid his debt"<a name="div2Ref_04" href="#div2_04">[4]</a> as the Berliner says--show me the +rabble! (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>swallows his answer and turns away, frowning</i>) But, +Bobby, look around! Don't you notice anything? He don't see anything, +Mother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, stop your chatter!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Chatter! Ho! When I try to welcome my dear son back to his +father's house, then it's chatter! (<i>Leads </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>to the placard</i>) + +W--what do you say to that, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Did you make that, Father, you with your lame arm?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Ah! I make lots of things. If the poor old cripple didn't +take a hand this fine family would have starved long ago!--(<i>Rather +roughly</i>) What are you standing there staring at. Mother? Where's the +coffee?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, well! (<i>Starts to go</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Hurrying after her</i>) Oh, Mother, he didn't mean anything!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Mean anything? Ha! Ha! he's only talking that way to +make you think he's the man of the house! (<i>She goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>After a pause, he tries to soothe over the unpleasantness</i>) + +You still paste boxes. Father?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Still at it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And the arm doesn't bother you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. My arm, ha! ha! ha! my arm! Do you want to see how I do it! +First the pasteboard--so--then the fold--so! (<i>With great speed he +sweeps the pastebrush across two sheets of cardboard, pressing them +into place with his left elbow</i>) Who could beat your old cripple at +that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You are a regular juggler.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. That's what! But who admits it? Who appreciates me? Who +appreciates me? Nobody! How could the daughters--one of 'em already a +Missus--respect me when their own mother gives 'em such a bad example!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Indignantly</i>) Father!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes, you're a long way from her lap--far away cows have long +horns--There, it's "dear little Mother! sweet little sister!"--But +if you knew what I've had to stand! Not once does she give me +horse-car-fare when I want to go to town for a glass of beer!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Are you quite fair to her? Doesn't she cherish you as the apple +of her eye?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Lord, I didn't mean to say anything against her--shh!--here +she comes! (<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>with a steaming coffee-pot</i>) Sit +down, Bobby,--No, here in the arm-chair! Wait a minute! (<i>Pulls off the +covering from the chair</i>) Such a fine gentleman ought to sit on pure +silk!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Yes, and the other's just the same! Two pieces we've +got! And have you seen the pier-glass? All gold creepers, and the glass +in one piece! Augusta's husband says it cost at least two hundred +marks!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Where did all these wonderful things come from.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. From the Councillor!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. He gives you things like this?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Naw, only----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Ssh! don't you know that Herr Kurt doesn't +want it known? (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) Yes, last Christmas he gave us the mirror, +and this Christmas the two chairs. Father, quit boring holes in the +pound cake!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Really, I don't like this sort of generosity!</p> + +<p class="normal">Frau Heinecke (<i>Pouring out coffee</i>) This furniture 'd be too good +for some people! But when we have such fine visitors and such a +distinguished gentleman for a son, and such an awful talented +daughter----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Alma?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yessir! We did everything for our girl we were able to do.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And you always sent money----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So that she should have a proper schooling, and learn millinery +and bookkeeping. That's what we agreed on.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Yes--that was before--!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Before? Hasn't she the same position now?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Not for the last six months.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What is she doing now?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Proudly</i>) She is cultivating her voice!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Why, I never heard she was musical!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Awful musical!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>They drink the coffee.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. She was examined by some Italian singer--Seenyora or +something--she said she had never heard anything like it before and she +would take it as an honor to develop Alma's voice herself at her own +cost.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But why did you keep that from me?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, it was such a long way, clear out to India, you +forget such things--and then, we wanted to give you a surprise!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Gets up and walks excitedly up and down</i>) Auguste really +takes good care of her?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Certainly. She never lets her eye off her. Alma eats at +her house and practises at her house and when she stays too late to +catch the horsecar she sleeps there--same as she did last night.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And when she stays away all night, doesn't that worry you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Huh! Big girl like that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. No, not when we've brought her up so well--and she's +with Auguste, too! She ought to be here soon. The milk-man took the +letter over early. How surprised she'll be!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And Auguste is happy?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, so--so. Her husband boozes a little, and when it +comes to working, he ain't much, but----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. But when it comes to sulking and raising Cain, he's right at +home!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. But, all in all, they get along all right. Auguste has +furnished up two swell rooms, and rented 'em to a gentleman from +Potsdam that ain't there half the time, but pays for the whole month! +That brings in many a pretty penny. He pays a whole mark just for his +coffee in the morning, (<i>Goes to the window</i>) There she comes! And +she's brought her husband along, too!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What? Isn't Alma with her?</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>come in.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Well, well, here you are! (<i>They kiss each other</i>) Everything +has been going fine with you, hasn't it? What's the use of asking? When +a man goes around in clothes like those!--Of course everything ain't +gold that glitters--here's my husband!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Well, brother-in-law, give me your hand,--one of the family!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Honored! Don't often happen that a horny hand like this is +so honored!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That doesn't sound very brotherly. (<i>To Auguste</i>) Where's Alma?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Our Princess was afraid she wasn't beautiful enough for the +foreign brother! She had to stay and burn her bangs first. (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>is +deeply concerned</i>) She'll probably come by the next car. Where did you +get the pound-cake? (<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>passes the cake around and </i> +<span class="sc2">Michalski</span> and <span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>eat</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Eat another piece, Bobby!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>refuses, but the others eat.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>After a pause</i>) What do you say to that, Michalski, +"Welcome, beloved son."</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Eating</i>) Nonsense!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Surprised</i>) Brother-in-law!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What? What I did with this noble heart and this lame arm!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>pacifies him.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. I'm a simple man and I ain't afraid to say what I think! +I've got no use for that kind of rot and nonsense! When a man has got +to work the way we do with his stomach empty and a whip at his back----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. 'Specially when a man goes walking at eleven o'clock and eats +pound-cake to boot!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Are you two at it again? (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Michalski</span>) Will you never shut +up? Can't you see he's in his second childhood?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. I'm in--Good!--Now you see! That's the way I'm treated by my +own children!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>) Really, sister, I never thought you would +say a thing like that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. What are you talking about?</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">All</span>. (<i>Except </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) It's Wilhelm! Good morning, Wilhelm! (<span class="sc2">Heinecke </span> +<i>and </i><span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>shake hands with him</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Who is the pretty bouquet for? That must be for somebody +in the city.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. No, it's for you ... You are the young gentleman? (Robert +<i>nods--cordially</i>) Awful glad to know you! (<i>About to offer his hand</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Smiling</i>) Very kind of you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. The honorable family sends you a hearty welcome and these +flowers. They are the rarest in the conservatory. But, between you and +me, the flowers came from the Gnadiges Fraulein. And the Gnadiges +Fraulein was pretty anxious to----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Were you commissioned to say that, too? (<i>Controlling his +feelings</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. No, not----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Then keep it to yourself!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>The servant starts to go.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Wouldn't you like to have a piece of pound-cake with us, +Wilhelm? There's plenty left!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Please, Mother! (<i>Gives </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>a gold-piece</i>) The man has +his pay--Tell the Councillor that the Count von Trast-Saarburg and I +beg the honor of a meeting with him at three o'clock! You may go! +(<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>goes</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. A count! What sort of a count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. A friend of mine, Mother, to whom I am under great obligation.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Softly to </i><span class="sc2">Michalski</span>) He pretends to have a count for a +friend!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Wait, I'll put the flowers in water. But you oughtn't to +have been so harsh with Wilhelm, Bobby! He's a good friend of ours.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Us common folks don't have counts for friends!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. We have to be contented with servants!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Yes, you must be nice to Wilhelm, Robert, for our sakes; +he can do a lot for us! How many pieces of roasts and how many bottles +of wine has he slipped us!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And you accepted them, Mother?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Why not, my boy! We're poor folks--we ought to be glad +to get things like that for nothing!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Mother, I'll double my efforts; I'll give you what I can spare +for my bare living expenses. But promise me you won't take anything +more from that servant, will you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, that would be foolish pride and waste! You should +not look a gift-horse in the mouth! And he only wanted to do you a +favor, when he told you that about the Gnadiges Fraulein! That's +something special! Whenever I met her in the court, there wasn't a +single time when she didn't stop me and ask if there was any news from +you, and how you got on with the hot weather and all! And at the same +time she smiled so friendly--if you were a smart boy, Robert----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. For heaven's sake. Mother, stop!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. That wouldn't be so bad--two millions!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Would you lend me a little then, eh, Brother-in-law?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) How much longer must I be tortured?</p> +<br> +<p class="hang1">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>appears at the half-open door. She wears a yellow jacket and a +coquettish little hat. She wears suede gloves and many bracelets. She +carries a fancy parasol.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Good morning, everybody.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Runs to her and embraces her</i>) Alma! Thank God!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>) The two swells of the family!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Lovingly</i>) Listen: little sister, if you were as ugly as you +are pretty, you wouldn't take long to find out that your brother hated +you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Auguste, that's mean.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh, she didn't mean anything. Now be good again!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Affected</i>) My own dear brother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Lord, ain't it touching!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>helps </i><span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>off with her jacket.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Now what do you say? (<i>Stroking her cheek</i>) Are you my little +treasure or not, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Trilling</i>) "Oui, cher papa! c'est Girofla!"</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Do you hear how she sings? Real Italian!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Now what's this I hear: you want to be a great singer?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Well, I'd not object to that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Won't you cat a little piece of pound-cake, Alma?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Merci beaucoup! (<i>Goes about in front of the mirror, eating</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And you are studying hard?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Her mouth full of cake</i>) I have lessons every afternoon--Do, +re, mi, fa, sol, la, si--si, la, sol,--fa--Oh, those scales! Terrible +bore! And practice--Eternal practice!--My nerves are ruined already!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Poor child!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. "Oh, yes. Ma!"<a name="div2Ref_05" href="#div2_05">[5]</a> I've been studying English, too! I'm awfully +cultured.--Oh, what I've learned!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes sir! D'ye see!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. And above all--we only live once--have a good time, that's the +main thing! Are you happy, too, brother?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Certainly, when I have reason to be.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. The great art is to be happy without any reason. Why are we +young? Oh, it's good to live! Every day something new!--And Berlin is +so lovely! You know--the Linden!--and the electric light! Have you seen +it yet? That's what I like the best of all. Everybody is so pretty and +pale, so interesting!--And the restaurants have all got electric lights +now, too. Grand!--I saw a chandelier in a cafe in the Donhoffplatz--it +was a great big wreath of flowers and every flower had a light in it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Were you in the cafe?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. I? How could I be? Through the window it was! You don't have +things like that in India? Do you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, we certainty don't.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. We're pretty far advanced in culture here. Somebody told me that +Berlin was almost as beautiful as Paris. Is that so?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I don't know Paris, dear.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Ugh! That's a shame! Every young man ought to know Paris.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Charmed, yet shocked by her vulgarity</i>) You little silly!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Ha I ha! ha! I'm a funny one! don't you think? Ha! ha! Yes, +that's the way! (<i>She goes about laughing, and rocks back and forth. +She takes a little handkerchief, which she carries folded in triangular +form in her belt; and holds it under </i><span class="sc2">Auguste's </span><i>nose</i>) Smell it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Fine! What's that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Ixora, the very latest from Paris--got it to-day!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Coming out to-night?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Don't know! He'll send me word--But to-morrow evening we're going +to the masked ball! Ha! ha!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Now let's be sensible again, little one. Come here--Sit +down--Here! Here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Heavens! How you act! This is going to be a regular +cross-examination!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I'm going to ask you a lot of questions.</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<span class="sc2">Frau </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Herr Heinecke </span><i>group themselves about </i><span class="sc2">Alma's </span><i>chair</i>. +<span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>sits on the work table</i>, <span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>beside him on the stool.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Go ahead! S'il vous plait. Monsieur!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>) This will be a nice mess!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. How did you happen to discover this talent?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. It comes like love--can't tell how!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Unpleasantly affected</i>) Hum--But someone must have told you +about it!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>shrugs her shoulders.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Don't you remember, child? It was Herr Kurt that----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. The young manager?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Certainly.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But how did he know----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. He heard her singing--through the window on the court. +And the next thing, he said it was a sin and a shame that a voice like +hers----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But why do you let Mother tell everything, Alma?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Michalski</span>) She's so modest.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. That a voice like mine should be wasted here in the alley--and +that <i>I</i> should not be wasted here in the alley, for that matter! It's +really an imposition on you, Gnadiges Fraulein, he said!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. I heard that myself: "Gnadiges Fraulein!"</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. My daughter, yes sir!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Go ahead. Alma!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. My parents took care of your brother, he said,--I'll take care of +you!--Well, and then he found a teacher for me who held a <i>cercle +musical</i>--that means a musical circle--made up of young ladies of the +best families.--One is engaged to a lieutenant of the Hussars.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And what is the teacher's name?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Suspiciously</i>) What do you want to know for?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Because it can't be any secret!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Her name is Signora Paulucci.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Enthusiastically</i>) Real Italian!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Taking out his note-book</i>) And her address?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Quickly</i>) You don't need to go there. It's true!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Of course it's true. But I'd like to hear the teacher's own +opinion about your voice. (<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>looks quickly toward </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. You can go to her lesson with her tomorrow.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Yes, to-morrow!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good! (<i>Gets up and walks back and forth excitedly</i>) I don't +want to make you feel badly, dear, but I must admit I don't share your +great hopes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. How many a young girl is enticed into these things purely +through ambition and vanity! And it's dangerous! More dangerous than +you realize--Of course I am sure that the young manager has the highest +and the noblest of motives, but--Well, however that may be, to-morrow +I'll hear myself what the teacher says, and if my doubts are +groundless, I promise to take care of you myself, and we shan't rest a +moment until you have reached the climax of your art! (<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>takes the +vase from the table and buries her face in the flowers</i>) Wouldn't +it be strange if we were to owe everything--even this piece of good +fortune--to the house of Muhlingk!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>laughs mockingly.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Mama, who sent me this bouquet?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. That's a welcome to--(<i>Indicates </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) from the +Gnadiges Fraulein!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh, from her! (<i>She puts down the vase</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Wait a minute! One question! It seems that every time I mention +the "Avenue" or any of the family, someone bursts out laughing, or +makes some disapproving remark. Herr Muhlingk junior is the only one +who seems to meet with your approval. Now, frankly, what have you +against our benefactor? What has he done to offend you? (<i>A pause</i>) + +You, for instance. Brother-in-law, what made you laugh so scornfully? +(<i>Silence</i>) Or you. Alma, that you won't have anything to do with the +flowers that came from Miss Muhlingk! Mother just told me how kind she +has always been!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Kind, is she? She's a stuck-up thing, that can't poke her nose +high enough in the air when she meets me!--Never says a word to me; +why, it's all she can do to return my bow! Oh, she----!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. She's the same way to me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Sorrowfully, to himself</i>) That isn't like her!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Tenderly</i>) Just wait till she marries my boy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Shocked,--interrupting her</i>) Mother! But I'd forgotten: I've +brought some presents for my sisters, and you, too, Brother-in-law.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Jumping up greedily</i>) What have you got? Where is it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. In the bed-room. There's a card with each one's name on it.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>The three</i>, <span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>ahead, hurry into the bedroom.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And you've got nothing for us?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. There wasn't anything out there good enough for you, dear +parents. Tell me what you want?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. If I should see the day when I had a sofa to match them +arm-chairs--(<i>She sees that </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>is staring ahead without listening +to her</i>) But you ain't listening!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Sadly reproving</i>) No, mother, I wasn't listening!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Defiantly</i>) And I want a new paste-pot--you ought to be +able to afford that! (<i>The three come back from the bedroom</i>. <span class="sc2">Auguste </span> +<i>carries a colored shawl</i>, <span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>a jewel-case</i>, <span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>a Turkish +pipe. They surround </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>and thank him</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. What a pity they don't wear Indian shawls any more!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Puffing at the stem of his pipe</i>) Course it don't draw!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Alma</span>, <i>who is playing with her jewels</i>) Are you +satisfied, Alma? Look at the three blue stones, they are Indian +sapphire.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Very pretty! But to tell the truth, I like the dark-blue +sapphires more! They have such beautiful brilliancy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. How do you know so much about such things?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh--from the shop windows! People of our sort like to look in +windows!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And what's that shining in your ear?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Paste, that's all! Two Marks a pair!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Dear, you mustn't wear things like that!--Promise me you'll +take them off this minute--and I'll show you another special surprise +that I've brought you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Sullenly, taking off the ear-rings</i>) As you please!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. It's the dress of a hindoo Princess--looted on a military +invasion undertaken by a friend of mine. Think of it! Pink and gold!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Joyfully</i>) Oh, how heavenly!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Laughing</i>) And I s'pose you hung her up stark naked on a +tree!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>stares at him.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Lovingly</i>) You're a dear, sweet, old brother!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>A coachman in livery knocks at the window.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Go, see what Johann wants, Father.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>) Oh, but they'll all turn green with envy when I +wear this to the masked ball to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Shh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>From the window</i>) Johann says Herr Kurt is going to drive +to the city at three, and he wants to know if you'd like to go along.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>exchange glances.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What does that mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Simple enough! Herr Kurt has his carriage, and since he's an +obliging young man he gave Alma a standing invitation to ride to the +city with him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What? She allowed that? You, sister, you accepted that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. A poor girl ought to be glad enough to ride in a carriage once in +a while!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And you save car-fare!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good heavens! And what do the ladies on the Avenue say to that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh, they don't know anything about it! When I ride with him he +stops the carriage at the back doorway where only the tradespeople go +in.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So much the worse! What a disgusting implication in all this +secrecy! Alma, haven't you felt that yourself?--Alma, come here!--Look +me in the eyes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Staring at him</i>) Well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Takes her head in both his</i>) You are pure!--you are--(<i>He +kisses her cheeks and forehead</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Decide, now! Johann is waiting!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Tell Johann, Father, that I'll speak to his master about it +first.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. What for? It's all been arranged already.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You won't use Herr Muhlingk's carriage any more! For a girl of +your--our position, there is always the street-car!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>begins to cry defiantly.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. The poor child!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. You seem to want to turn everything in this house upside down!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Children's voices are heard in the court.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Come here!--Quick!--A Moor!--in a turban!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">All</span>. (<i>Except </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>, <i>who remains, troubled, rush to the window</i>) + +That's not a Moor!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Still sobbing</i>) Robert--is that--a Moor?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Darkly</i>) No, that's my friend's Indian servant.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Your friend?--is that the count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>The servant comes in, and they crowd about him.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Ragharita, your master is welcome in the house of my father!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Servant goes out. Great excitement</i>. <span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>draws out the +arm-chairs and polishes the mirror</i>.)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>From the mirror</i>) Is your count young or old? (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>makes no +answer</i>) My eyes are red!--Red as fire, aren't they, Auguste? And he +may be young! (<i>She goes out, left</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Come, Auguste, we won't disturb the great gentlemen!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Herr Count, I'll say, take a seat in this arm-chair, I'll +say! Oh, we know how to act with the nobility!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. There was a baron here once--a gentleman friend of Herr +Kurt. Don't you remember, Father? He came to ask after Alma--But a +count! we never had a count!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Who did you say had been here, Mother?</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Count Trast</span>, <i>a man between forty and fifty, with gray hair +and a long, blond beard. He is dressed with careless foreign elegance</i>. +<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>rushes to him and takes his hand.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) How is this? Hasn't the home fever abated +yet! (<i>Aloud</i>) So here we have the long-expected son! (<i>Shakes his +hand</i>) Do you know, my fine people, that a sort of foster-son of yours +is standing here? The friendship with this dear old comrade of mine +gives me almost a right to that title!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc">Heinecke </span><i>tiptoes out of the door.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Wouldn't the Count like a piece of pound-cake? There is +still some there.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Thanks, I shall be glad--I certainly shall!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>curtseys out of the room.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You're pale, my boy, and your hands are shaking--what's wrong?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh, nothing! The happiness--the excitement! It's only natural!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Naturally! (<i>Aside</i>) He's lying! (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) Tell me, how long +do you intend to stay here? I want to regulate my stay in this great +Europe by that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That's impossible, my friend! Our ways will have to part!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Nonsense!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I shall ask my employer to give me a position here. The climate +in India--you understand----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. That's pleasant! He doesn't want to leave his mother's +apron-strings again, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Don't make fun of me. Since we're going to part--I have to +say it some time--I thank you, you kind old wicked fellow, for all +you've done for me. It was the most fortunate moment of my life when +you saw me standing feverishly behind my young employer in the Club at +Buitenzorg, when he was throwing one hundred-gulden note after the +other onto the green cloth.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Why was I such a fool? If you're going to--Ugh! It isn't decent!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Trast! don't hurt me. See, I owe everything to you. When I +heard your name then--the name of Trast and Company that is known from +Yokohama to Aden, I felt as though I were standing before the Kaiser +himself!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Kaiser, by the grace of coffee!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Muhlingk's undertaking in Batavia was on the road to ruin that +minute.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. No wonder, when it had the worst good-for-nothing in the +Archipelago for its head.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. There was nothing ahead of me but failure and discharge. And +then you took the poor home-sick clerk under your pinion, your name +opened a hundred doors for me and I grew up into manhood under your +care! And Herr Benno Muhlingk led his merry life as he pleased, and I +ran the entire business.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. And the end of the story is that the firm of Muhlingk, along +with its clever representative, is a few thousands richer because of +us. It's a shame! you ought to have profited by it yourself. Well, I'll +open your employer's eyes to the kind of a man you've been! If he +doesn't at least make you a partner, I shall declare such a corner in +coffee, in my righteous wrath, that the noble German oak-leaf<a name="div2Ref_06" href="#div2_06">[6]</a> shall +be valued as never before. But, seriously, why do you insist on this +caprice of remaining with the Muhlingks? I offer you a tremendous +salary and a pair of trousers every Christmas. (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>shakes his +head</i>) It isn't only gratitude that makes a man cling to such an insane +idea! Of course if the inventory of the firm included a fair German +maiden--(<i>Aside</i>) Aha! (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) Speaking of maidens, just listen +to what happened to me last night. After we had left each other I +wandered aimlessly along the street. A friendly poster invited into a +masked ball. A hundred Indian dancers were to present their exciting +dance according to the advertisement--well, that is my specialty--I +went in. Everything seemed arranged to lead a young monk to forget his +oath. And then suddenly there came before me a young girl, tender and +fresh as a half-ripe peach. She seemed to be without a partner. I +presented myself. Not at all bashful, she begged for a little plaything +that hung on my watch-chain, in a little baby voice. It was my patron +saint Ganesa, god of success, who rides on a little rat. And I smelled +a rat myself. What do you suppose I found beneath her childish +innocence? Naif depravity!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Nervously</i>) Are such things possible?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Listen. My heart always beats according to the tempo required by +the custom of the land whose hospitality I am enjoying. I always keep a +harem in the Orient; in Italy I climb the garden wall by moonlight, in +France I pay the dressmaker's bills, and--Lord!--in Germany--well, I +know the return journey from virtue, too! All according to rule! In the +Orient one loves with his senses, in Italy with his imagination, in +France with his pocketbook, in Germany with his conscience! So I tried +to change this sinning child to a repentant Magdalen. Before I could +get started, however, the champagne had to be uncorked--then came a +gentleman, half demon and half fool, and claimed the lady as his own. I +respected the ancient law of precedence, and went to bed the poorer by +one good act. But I would give a good deal to know how it happened that +a sweet little thing like--(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>covers his face with his hands</i>) + +Good Lord!--what is it?--Shh!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke</span>.)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Bobby!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Mother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Have you got a corkscrew by you? (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>) My +daughter would like to offer you a bottle of wine. It's no ordinary +wine, either, it's the best there is!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Comes from the Avenue, I suppose?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Proudly</i>) It does indeed.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. There! (<i>Throws down his knife on the table</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. How you <i>do</i> act!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes, I forgot!--Forgive me!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>goes out.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Now confess, my boy! Trust in me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh, if I had only never seen my home again!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Ha! so that's where the wind blows from.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I am ashamed of the position I was born in. My own people have +become nothing to me. My whole being shudders from contact with them. I +can't trust my mind, one mad suspicion follows the other! Trast! I +almost believe I don't even respect the breast that nursed me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. That's simply rot!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. If I could only explain what I have suffered! Every serious +word strikes me like a blow! And every pleasantry like a slap in the +face! It seems as though they could talk of nothing but what hurts +me--I thought I was coming back to a home,--instead of that it's a +strange world where I dare hardly breathe!--Advise me what to do!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Pack your trunk!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That would be a cowardly and heartless retreat! Do they deserve +that--My own parents!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Listen--drop the pathetic note--The matter is simple enough for +us. We've studied caste in its native wilds. The same castes exist +here. They aren't established by food-laws, or marriage-rules and +religious etiquette; those were simple. The chasm that can't be bridged +is the difference of feeling--each caste has its own sense of honor, +its own nice distinctions, its own ideas, yes, even its own speech. +Unhappy is the man who has fallen out of his own caste and hasn't the +courage to cut himself off from it entirely. Just such a declasse are +you!--and you know, I was the same thing myself! Just what you are +feeling now, I went through years ago. How do you suppose I felt, +<i>chic</i> young cavalry officer, when I woke one morning to the +realization that I had gambled away ninety thousand talers that had to +be paid in twenty-four hours. What good did it do me to ride home and +throw myself at my father's feet? He would have put his head in pawn to +save the honor of our name--but he had already done so! And, since he +had nothing else to give me, he gave me at least his curse!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Brooding</i>) How you had the courage to live after that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Do you know what happened then?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Absently, tortured by his own thoughts</i>) I know +nothing--nothing--nothing!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Then listen to me! Perhaps it may be of use to you. When my +comrades said farewell to me they did me the last favor of placing a +cocked revolver on my table. I looked at the matter from all sides. I +took for granted that, without my honor I could not live. Then, as I +pointed the thing to my forehead the thought came to me--this is +brutal, this is silly! How different are you to-day from what you were +three days ago? Perhaps you deserved punishment for having promised +money that you didn't have; but not death! For thousands of years men +have enjoyed the light of the sun without letting the phantom of honor +darken it. To-day nine hundred and ninety thousands of people belong to +that same class, live as they did, and work as they did, and enjoy the +sun as they did! Twelve years later--of course my debt was long since +cancelled--when I came back to Europe a sort of reconciliation took +place between my father and me. But it was only an outward +reconciliation. If he had found me, like a prodigal son, lying on his +doorstep, he would have lifted me up from the dirt with trembling hands +and pressed me to his bosom. Since I carried my head a little defiantly +and was in a position to help him out with half a million or so he +couldn't forgive me. A few weeks later I left. The rich coffee seller +and the poor cavalier had nothing in common.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And now he's dead!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. May he find peace in the heaven he believed in! Now the moral: +leave your parents their point of view. You can't change that. Give +where there is need--give all you have, and then--come with me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I can't! Listen, I'll tell you why. I didn't tell you before +because I was ashamed. I have a little sister, she was a baby when I +left. Oh, how I longed to see her and looked forward to the meeting! +And I wasn't disappointed, for she was prettier and sweeter than I had +hoped! But my love for her before a thousand fears I am afraid to +mention! For what she does and lets others do with her--in perfect +innocence, of course--goes against every feeling of honor I possess! +Just now when you were telling about that girl in the dance-hall; a +cold shiver went through me! Because--no, no, a thousand times no! Here +is my place! I must stay here, to stand or fall!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I admit you have reasons that are at least worth considering. +But you are excited. I'll wager you are looking at the dark side!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Would to God! (<i>He sits down</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Alma</span>, <i>with a tea-tray, upon which is a bottle of wine and +three glasses. The Count makes a start</i>, <span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>cries out. The tea-tray +almost falls</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="center">Trast. (<i>Quickly seizing the situation, steps to her aid</i>) Came near +being a catastrophe, Fraulein! (<i>Aside</i>) It is a catastrophe!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. See, Trast, this is she! Isn't she an angel? There, give him +your hand, and tell him he's welcome!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Don't tell on me--eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Poor devil! How can I get him out of it?</p> +<br> +<br> +<h3>CURTAIN.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>ACT II.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<p class="hang1"><span class="sc2">Scene</span>:--<i>The drawing-room in the </i> +<span class="sc2">Muhlingk's </span><i>house</i> (<i>The +"Vorderhaus"</i>). <i>The furnishings are rich but rather stiff. At the +back, a wide door hung with portieres opens into the dining-room. On +the left, beside a fire-place is a sofa and an oval table. Beside it a +rocking-chair. In the dining-room the richly set table can be seen. +Dinner is over and a servant is clearing away the things</i>. <span class="sc2">Herr +Muhlingk</span>, <span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk</span>, <span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>are drinking coffee in the +drawing-room. The servant who has passed the cups goes out</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. As I remarked before, the black horse is fine!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Expensive it certainly is!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. I shall make up the rest of the money, just to stop the +argument.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Kisses her hand</i>) My best thanks, Mama;--Now I can show myself +to Berlin mounted and spurred!--You can admire me, too, Lori!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Without looking up from her book</i>) Yes, my dear.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Lothar Brandt and Hugo Stengel wanted to come out to see the +beast. Perhaps that doesn't interest you either, Lori?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. They will probably come often. They haven't anything else to +do. (<i>Looking at the clock--aside</i>) Oh, how the time drags! (<i>The +servant goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. You must not speak so harshly about these gentlemen, my +child. You know Lothar wants to pay court to you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Really?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Haven't you noticed it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I haven't paid any particular attention.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>To her husband</i>) It's unbearable, Theodore!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. We've had enough of this tone, my child. Even the pride in +your paternal bank account has its limits.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Looking at him</i>) Pride in the paternal bank account?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Well, how can we explain this manner you have assumed for the +last ten years, sending home every rich and respected man who has +proposed to you?--I am a simple, middle-class man. I made my own way +with my own help----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. That is to say, he married a rich wife.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What's that, Kurt?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. An exclamation of admiration, Father; nothing else.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. No, I didn't have it as easy as you, my boy. You might well +follow my example. I don't like to play the spender and I don't care to +see it in my children, either. That is the only way one can live +tastefully!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. --and cheap, too!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Your accusation doesn't apply to me, papa.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Will you condescend to give us an explanation then?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Mama!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Nervously</i>) Well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Rising</i>) Oh, why can't you let me work out my own salvation? +I am modest enough--I only ask to be allowed to live my own life.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You call that modest? If that is modest, what is to become of +the sanctity of family ties?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>To her husband</i>) Do you hear that? I haven't slept for +nights and nights!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Because of me, mama?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Every day these mad ideas, these unconventional acts! +Now what does it mean this time, when you plunder the hothouse to send +flowers to a clerk!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You mean Robert?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. The young Herr Heinecke, I mean.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. He isn't a clerk. He is almost a member of the family!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Oh, thank you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Mildly</i>) That is, we brought him up out of the gutter.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>As the servant enters</i>) Eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. The young Herr Heinecke from the alley sends word that he will +take the liberty of----</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>looks at the clock involuntarily.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Well, well--just like a noble gentleman! That is good!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. --calling, with your permission. He named another gentleman. +Count Trast, or someone----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Jumping up</i>) What! Count Trast! Trast and Company, Kurt! +The coffee King. (<i>Motions the servant off</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. What luck that clerk has!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Oh, we must invite him to the house, Amalie.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Very good,--to-morrow morning.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. What! and not invite Robert Heinecke too?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Better and better!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Well, perhaps you are right. When one descends to the level +of these people one really unites their interests with the interests of +the firm. A thing like that often brings in thousands, Kurt. The young +fellow did very well under Benno's direction and inasmuch as I'm +thinking of sending him for ten years into the Antilles, I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Indignantly</i>) Oh, I did not mean it that way, papa!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Oh, that's all right.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. And, Kurt, you must take care that the young fellow +doesn't make any <i>faux pas</i>. He comes from the alley, you know. A thing +like that might spoil the whole affair.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Standing up</i>) Pardon me, did you expect I would invite my +friends?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Certainly, your friends, too! Bachelors always have plenty of +time.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Standing up</i>) Pardon me, I should like to ask to be excused +from doing that. I can't be expected to introduce gentlemen of good +family to the son of (<i>Indicating the alley</i>) Herr Heinecke.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Would you rather have the brother of Miss Heinecke +here?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Shocked, then gathering himself together</i>) What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Be thankful I don't insist on an answer.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Really!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Shall I?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. So you're threatening me, are you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. My dear children, in this house we won't have any scenes, +please.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Don't let's pay any attention to it, Theodore. I'll lie +down now and rest for a minute or two--Won't you?</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>kisses her ceremoniously on the forehead.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) The good old days! Goodbye! (<span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk </span><i>goes +towards door</i>. <span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>rings</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Hurrying after </i><span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk</span>) Mother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Turns around, speaks nervously, but in a friendly +tone</i>) Never mind! It's all right! (<i>She goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ask any visitors to come into my office.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>and the </i><span class="sc2">Servant </span><i>go out</i>. <span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>also starts to go.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. It seems to me we have something to say to each other.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. We? Oh, no!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You don't want to draw me into an argument, perhaps?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. It doesn't seem to suit you when I take a notion to see a little +of the world. Because you are four years older than I, and because +you taught me to walk, you'd still like to have me tied to your +apron-strings. You--but I can go--alone now. There are ladies who have +said I go too far. Let me find heaven in my own way.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I have never interfered with you. Go on, play the +man-of-the world as much as you like, but have the courage to admit it.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. What good would that do?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You play the dutiful son and then make fun of your parents +behind their backs. Believe me, Kurt; you are ruining your character.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Laughing</i>) No!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. There is just one thing I ask of you--at least keep this house +and its surroundings sacred.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. We'll do that with the help of the Lord!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Do you know what they are whispering around the factory? +That you are paying far too much attention to Robert Heinecke's +sister--that you----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Shrugging his shoulders</i>) Yes, and you allow yourself to carry +the gossip of the backstairs about----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Kurt, not that tone! I defended you from Mama and Papa to-day. +The next time I shan't do it. And remember one thing: Robert has come +back.--If he finds his sister guilty--don't worry, I wouldn't dare +think it!--But the girl is frivolous and vain! If it <i>were</i> so--and you +were to blame, Kurt, take care! He would break you in pieces!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Who? My clerk?--with his sample-case?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. And you stoop to steal this from your clerk.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. What's that? Steal--steal what?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. His position in the world! His good name!</p> + +<p class="normal">Kurt, The good name of Heinecke--bah!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter a servant with two visiting cards which he hands to </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Visitors for you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Who?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Read!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Lothar Brandt.--Hugo Stengel.--Show them in. (<i>Throws the cards +on the table</i>, <span class="sc2">Servant </span><i>goes out</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc">Leonore </span><i>drops into the rocking-chair.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Signs and miracles! You didn't run away.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Hugo Stengel </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Lothar Brandt</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. 'Morning, old fellow.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Going to him</i>) You've come to see my horse. This is very good +of you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Bowing to </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) We took the liberty!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Bowing to </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) If we aren't disturbing the Gnadiges +Fraulein.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Politely</i>) Certainly not. I seldom go into the stables.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Brandt </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Stengel </span><i>clear their throats.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Won't you sit down?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. We await the permission of Fraulein Leonore.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Coolly</i>) Oh, please! (<i>She takes a book and begins turning +the leaves</i>. <span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>throws her a look. They sit down</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Well, where were you yesterday?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Affectedly</i>) Ah, by Jove, you make an awful demand on a man's +memory. What was I doing yesterday? First I went riding, then I had a +conference with Father.--Coffee is sinking again.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Alarmingly--53 and a half.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Alarmingly, is not the right word. It <i>is</i> sinking. We'll make +a fight. Then I made some visits, then I dined at the Officers' +Association----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Looking up</i>) Ah, you are an officer?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Insulted</i>) I thought you knew, Gnadiges Fraulein?--I am a +Reserve Lieutenant in the "Crown Prince" Cuirassier regiment.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Smiling, looking toward the table</i>) Ah, yes! Note visiting +card!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Slapping him on the back</i>) And besides that, boots and saddles +astride Papa's desk chair.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Sharply</i>) Oh I say, old fellow!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. The desk chair isn't the slowest horse in the race for fortune +you know, Herr Lieutenant.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Oh, that was good!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. But I looked for you last evening.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. The evening.--We were invited somewhere? Where? It isn't quite +clear in my memory now. We won't discuss the matter. You seem to be +amused, Gnadiges Fraulein?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Is that forbidden?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. But really, you know, you in your pride and seclusion, have +hardly an idea what the word <i>saison</i> means in our good German tongue.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. It is quite two months, Gnadiges Fraulein, that I have done what +you might really call sleeping.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. And that was on a billiard table.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Oh, our respected Kurt meant that as a joke! But if you knew +what it meant to be a martyr to amusement, you would understand what we +mean.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I have made such an effort to understand you that I already +begin to feel sorry for you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Lothar</span>) I believe the girl is making fun of us.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Aside, arrogantly</i>) Every woman tries to be a coquette.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Who has gone over to </i><span class="sc2">Lenore</span>, <i>aside</i>) You don't need to be so +disagreeable.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Rocking</i>) Hm? (<i>Goes on reading</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Might I ask what it is that takes so much of the Gnadiges +Fraulein's attention.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) If he would only let her be!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Something that would hardly be of interest to the martyrs of +amusement--for it concerns the martyrs of labor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Ah, I see.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Getting up</i>) But weren't we going to see the horse?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Ah yes! you two go ahead--The martyrs of labor interest me more +than the Gnadiges Fraulein believes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) Oh, the poor devil!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Good heavens!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Come, Stengel, come! (<i>They go out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Looking impatiently at the clock</i>) In what way can I be of +service to you, Herr Brandt?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Gnadiges Fraulein, I very much regret that you quite +misunderstand me, for although I admit that I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. And in order to prove that, you are willing to waste----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. A moment, please!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) A proposal!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. My faults may be without number, but, Gnadiges Fraulein, I am a +man of honor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I should think that that was to be taken for granted from the +son of a respectable family, Herr Brandt, and as little worthy of +praise as the fact that he wears a well-cut coat.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Then you respect honor no more?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Pardon me. I meant no disrespect to the ill-clad. But one +doesn't bring them into the parlor. But I interrupted you, Herr Brandt. +Perhaps I do misunderstand you. Please continue.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. I must admit, Gnadiges Fraulein, you have intimidated me. And +that is something! For what is a man without courage?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Ah, that is another thing. Courage, I can respect! But what +have you done so far that has shown your courage?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Ask my friends. That at least is above reproach.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. In other words, you have fought a duel.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. One doesn't discuss such things before ladies.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. But we hear about them just the same. We are here to offer the +victor his laurels. Did you ever break a lance in defence of a +conviction which you know in your heart you yourself have violated?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Indignantly</i>) How can you ask that? Such a thing could never +occur to me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Or have you never silently borne an unworthy suspicion?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. I? Silently? On the contrary.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Never?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Never, Fraulein.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Then one can't be absolutely certain about your courage, +Herr--may I say Lieutenant?--(<i>She rises</i>) First the test, and then +perhaps we can discuss the matter further.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Trying to hold her back</i>) Fraulein--</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. Will the gentlemen step in here a moment?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. At last!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>and the </i><span class="sc2">Count </span><i>enter</i>; <span class="sc2">Lenore </span><i>runs to meet </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) So that's the story! (<i>To the servant who is +about to go out</i>) Here, come here! (<i>He takes one of the cards from the +tray and puts it in his pocket</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Looking at </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) What does that mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. My card is enough.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>The servant goes out.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Leonore, I've brought Count Trast, my benefactor and my best +friend.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Remembering </i><span class="sc2">Lothar</span>) The gentlemen will permit me to +introduce Herr Lothar Brandt? Herr Count von Trast--Herr Robert +Heinecke, a playmate of my childhood.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) She introduces me to Alma's brother--That is +fine!--The gentlemen will pardon me, but my friends--(<i>Stutters and +clears his throat</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Are waiting for you, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Staring at him</i>) Exactly! (<i>As he goes</i>) What sort of a count +is he? (<i>Turns at the door and bows stiffly, clicking his heels and +goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You have been away from home a long time, Herr Count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I have inhabited the tropics for a quarter century.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. For pleasure?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. As much as possible. Meanwhile I have been speculator in coffee, +cloves and ivory, and elephant-hunter.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Laughing</i>) In which of your many capacities am I to welcome +you then, you many-gifted man?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You may take your choice, Gnadiges Fraulein.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. (<i>At the door</i>) The Herr Councillor is at your disposal.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I must----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) Stay where you are. I have something to say to the +manager first. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) For ten years, he has been singing your +praises; shouldn't you take the trouble to listen to ten minutes' +praise of me?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Shaking her finger at </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>) You are an old rogue!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. A rogue in your own service! (<i>He goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Taking </i><span class="sc2">Robert's </span><i>hand</i>) At last I have you here again!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those words.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Oh, how polite we are!--My words aren't alms! Come here, +(<i>Leads him to the fireplace</i>) Sit down--here by the fire--beside me. +You mustn't freeze in cold Germany!--Wait, I'll start up the fire! +(<i>She blows with the bellows</i>) These fireplaces are--impractical +things--most impractical, but anyway we can chat in front of it. In +India you don't need fireplaces, do you? (<i>To herself</i>) I'm so +happy!--Oh, I'm glad to see you again. And now, out with the "but" that +you have up your sleeve. I'll parry it.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Don't make my heart too heavy.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. That's the last thing I want to do.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But that's what you're doing when you conjure up this ghost of +a happiness that is now forever buried.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Oh, if you were only as you used to be.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So I am. Heaven knows!--but there is a gulf between us!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Then there was--yes!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. God!--you must understand me! I cana't say what's in my +heart--do you remember what you said to me when we parted?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You said: "Be true to me, Robert."</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Is that what I said? Exactly that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Such a thing one doesn't forget.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. They had forbidden us to call each other by our first names.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But you did it just the same.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. And why don't we do it any more?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You are playing with me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You are right, my friend. And I must not do it. It would look +like coquetry, although it is nothing but the joy of seeing you again. +You have shown me plainly enough that the dream of our childhood is +over.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. It must be. Your father lifted me out of the gutter in a moment +of overflowing generosity. Everything that I think and know and feel I +must thank him for. And for that very reason I have lost the right of +independent action. I am a dependent of this house, and have not the +right to approach its young mistress--in any way whatever.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Your own pride punishes your lying words!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Perhaps it is my pride that forces me to accept this position!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. And you are not willing to sacrifice a little of it for my +sake?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Don't torture me! It isn't that alone! Only think what I am +suffering. For the first time, this moment, when I sit opposite you, do +I realize anything like a home-coming! But I would be terribly selfish +if I allowed myself to admit this feeling. Back there in the alley is +my family!--Father, mother, sister--and this family--is my family! Oh, +I tell you things have happened back there that you in your goodness +can't even imagine.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. My dear friend, one doesn't have to go to India to become +estranged from one's family.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You, too?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. It is better not to speak of it. I am ashamed of myself. I am +even more of an outcast than you. I have lost all sense of duty. +A sort of gloomy ill-will has come over me and now it is almost +arrogance--towards my own people and all the others about them--and I'm +not arrogant or proud by nature! Tell me, what is it that----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Shh!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>enter at the right.</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>) Well, until to-morrow then. Count.--Ah, there is +the young man. (<i>Extending his hand</i>) Welcome, welcome, do you want to +go over the report at once?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I only came to present my respects, Herr Councillor, my papers +aren't unpacked yet.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Well, well, there's no hurry. But what are you doing here, +Leonore?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I simply wanted to say how d'ye do to Robert.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Mm--But you know that Mama has been asking for you. Come, +young man, I have plans for you; plans. You know, Count, we have no +secrets from you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You can get to know him better if you are alone with him. (<i>To </i> +<span class="sc2">Robert</span>) I'll wait for you here.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Shaking </i><span class="sc2">Robert's </span><i>hand</i>) Au revoir, Robert.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Hm! (<i>Reprovingly. He goes out with </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Count, you heard--? I must go.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Gnadiges Fraulein! (<span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>goes to door, he watches her, she +turns and he shakes his finger at her</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Surprised</i>) What do you mean, Count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Hm--I mean! (<i>He claps his hands</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. And what does that mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. That means--(<i>Through his hands</i>) Bravo!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Dignified</i>) I don't understand you. Count--ah! (<i>She bursts +out laughing and goes up frankly and puts out her hand</i>) Yes, I do +understand.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Taking her hand in both his</i>) That's better.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Count!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Fraulein! (<span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>goes out</i>) She's a splendid specimen--that +girl! I'll let her have him. He must have her.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Stengel </span><i>who is coming in</i>) Courage, courage, my boy! Come +in.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Recognising </i><span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>as he comes in with </i><span class="sc2">Brandt</span>) He--here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Sees </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>; <i>startled, goes up to him, in a low voice</i>) You +wished to see me, sir?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. No, but I'm glad to see you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. With whom have I the honor----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Count Trast.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Astonished and very polite</i>) Ah, we may thank--thank--our +employe--er--our--a traveling acquaintanceship, I suppose--for this +visit?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You are the son of the house?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. I beg your pardon, yes! At your service! Naturally--ah, Count, we +are both men-of-the world enough to forget the affair of last night.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You think so?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. The girl is nice, I ought to know if anyone does. All honor to +your good taste. But you must admit that I was in the right. I hope +there will be no rivalry?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Especially, as the girl's brother is the best friend I have?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Frightened, controls himself, then, after a pause</i>) What do you +intend to do?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I have not decided as yet. If I can dissuade him from his +imaginary duties to your house, and if I find you prepared to break off +all further relationship, then perhaps I can remain silent.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. And otherwise?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. That would be a matter for Herr Heinecke to settle.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Do you think I would accept a challenge from my clerk?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Your what?--Oh, I see.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Count, do what you please.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. That is a habit of mine. Herr Heinecke is at this moment in your +father's office. Permit me to remain here a few minutes in order that I +may shorten your meeting. I should like to prevent you two from shaking +hands.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. The room is yours, Count.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I thank you. (<i>They separate, and </i><span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>looks at the +pictures</i>. <span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>walks excitedly away from the others</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc">Hugo</span>) What happened between those two? If I remember +rightly there was a Count Trast in our regiment who came to a bad end. +Wait a moment.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Nervously</i>) You aren't going to start a quarrel?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Why not? The other fellow has some scheme. (<i>He approaches </i> +<span class="sc2">Trast</span>) The Count seems to like solitude.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Turning</i>) Decidedly!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. That is rather impolite.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Looking at him squarely</i>) Ah! you seem to be carrying your +sense of honor on your shoulder, Herr--er--pardon!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. My name is Lothar Brandt and I feel that it is necessary to add +that I am Lieutenant of the Reserves in the Cuirassier Regiment "Crown +Prince."</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Politely</i>) Is that all?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Threateningly</i>) Is that all, Count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Pardon me! One serves in the Reserves during war time only. When +I came back I hoped that I could live in peace.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. You are mistaken, Count, one serves in the Reserves during the +rifle practice, as well.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Do you need me for rifle practice?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Permit me, Count, to ask you a question.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. With pleasure.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. In the regiment to which it is my great honor to belong there +was formerly a young fellow who bore the same name as yours.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Ah? Then it was probably I.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Sharply</i>) The man left the army under a cloud.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Exactly! Exactly! (<i>Very polite</i>) And if you wish to say in +other words, that when we meet on the street you don't care to +recognize me--I release you from the necessity of greeting--I can do +without it. (<i>Bows and picks up a portfolio which he examines</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Enthusiastically</i>) Well, <i>I</i> was never despatched as elegantly +as that, (<i>He approaches </i><span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>and bows deeply</i>) --Permit me--my +name +is Stengel!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Turning</i>) Charmed!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Stengel! (<span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>bows--they talk</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Comes forward and joins </i><span class="sc2">Lothar</span>) Man, what are you trying to +do. That's the almighty firm of Trast and Company.--Do you want to ruin +your father's business?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Dismayed</i>) Why didn't you tell me before?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Whatever happens we must straighten the matter out</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. If you can do it in perfectly good form.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Pardon me. Count--my friend regrets----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Regrets is hardly the word, Kurt.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Stuttering</i>) Well--er--er----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Perhaps our friend would like to consider our little +conversation as not having taken place?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. We can go as far as that at least, Kurt.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I must keep pace with his generosity, and--express the same +desire.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Then the matter is settled.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. And I take the liberty to express my pleasure at meeting +personally, the man whose work I have respected for so many years.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Very politely</i>) You see, Lieutenant, that it was not entirely +superfluous when I asked "Is that all?" As business men, we can +understand each other perfectly. Gentlemen, Herr Brandt Junior, heir to +the worthy firm of importers, Brandt and Stengel, with which I am +pleased to have business relations, has just given me a little +statement in private on the theme of "Honor." Permit me to make the +answer public. (<i>They sit down</i>) In confidence, there is no such thing +as honor, (<i>All are astonished</i>) Don't be frightened. It won't hurt +you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. And what we call honor?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. What we commonly call honor is nothing more than the shadow we +throw in the sunlight of publicity. But the worst part of it is that we +have as many kinds of honor as we have business circles and strata. How +can one find his way among them?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Sharply</i>) You are mistaken. Count. There is only one honor, +just as there is only one sun and one God. One must feel that--or he is +no gentleman.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Hm!--Permit me to tell you a little tale. In a journey through +Central Asia I stopped at the house of a Thibetan Chief. I was dusty +and footsore. He received me, sitting on his throne. Beside him was his +charming little wife. "Rest yourself, traveler," he said to me, "my +wife will prepare you a bath and then we men shall dine together." And +he gave me over to his young wife.--Gentlemen, if ever in my life my +self-control was put to test it was in that hour--And when I returned +to the hall, what did I find? The attendants under arms, threatening +voices and half-drawn swords. "You must die!" cried my host, "you have +given a deadly insult to the honor of my house. You have scorned to +accept the most sacred thing I could offer you."--You see, gentlemen, I +am still living, for eventually the deficient sense of honor of the +barbaric European was forgiven. (<i>They laugh</i>) If you happen to know +any of our modern writers on the theme of adultery you might tell them +this story.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>All laugh, and move gradually towards the left.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Continuing</i>) Gentlemen, I don't want to be considered immoral. +The study of the puzzles of civilization is a thing apart.--You see it +lies in the nature of your so-called honor, that it may only be +possessed by the certain few, the demi-gods; for it is an emotional +luxury that loses value in direct proportion as it is appropriated by +the rabble.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. But that is a paradox. Count. Is it not permitted to everyone to +be a man of honor?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. On the contrary. Then the poorest devil in the alley might +dispute the honor of a gentleman. (<span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>is perplexed</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. If he acts according to honor, then he must be a gentleman.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Hm! Really? May I tell you another, a shorter story?--But I am +afraid I'm boring you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar </span><i>and </i><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. (<i>Laughing</i>) No!--No!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. It took place somewhere in South America--the Spaniards are the +aristocrats there,--the population is a mixture of negroes, Indians, +and a sort of white trash. A product of this mixed race,--his name +was--hm--Pepe--had the opportunity of being transported to the Spanish +mother country where he (<i>Breathes on his left elbow</i>) absorbed a +little of the pure Castillan sense of honor. (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>enters without +being heard and listens</i>) When he came back, after several years, he +found his little sister on all too intimate terms with a young +aristocrat--Gentleman, we mustn't get angry, Considering her origin it +was the girl's destiny. But the young fellow dared to attempt to avenge +his sister's honor, not as a mestizo but as a Hidalgo!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>In a hurt voice</i>) Listen, that means me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You see, gentlemen, that was madness and he was treated as a +madman. Then the fellow showed his real nature. Like a thug he waited +for the young nobleman and he shot him down. He was sentenced, and even +under the very gallows the fool declared,--his name was Pepe--that he +was dying for his honor. Gentlemen, isn't that absurd?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Who has made his appearance unobserved</i>) You are mistaken, my +friend! This fool was right. I should have acted exactly the same way.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Oh, oh, it's you! (<i>Going quickly to him</i>) You don't know these +people! Don't look around. Come with me. (<i>Draws him toward the door</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Isn't that Kurt?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. They are strangers.--Come. You will excuse me, gentlemen? We are +in a hurry. Goodbye.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>) Now, I'll settle him. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>) Permit me just +one more question, Count. (<i>Affectedly</i>) If you intend to do away with +honor entirely; what do you expect gentlemen of honor to put in its +place?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Straightening up</i>) Duty, young man--(<i>To himself</i>) This is +certainly unpleasant, Gentlemen----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>As </i><span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>are about to leave</i>) It was a +great +honor to our house, Count.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Pardon me, but you are Herr Kurt Muhlingk?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. That is my name?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Confused</i>) But--aren't--? Of course, you don't recognize me! +I am--(<i>He is about to offer his hand to </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Stepping between</i>) You don't shake hands with this man.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Looks about confused, stares at </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>, <i>then at </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>, <i> +then +at </i><span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>again, gives a little cry, then controls himself</i>) I should +like to have a word with you--Herr Muhlingk--in private.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. As you see, I have some guests here now, but in an hour I shall +be at your service.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. In an hour, Herr Muhlingk!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) He found out quickly enough!</p> + +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>go to the door as</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h3>THE CURTAIN FALLS.)</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>ACT III.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<p class="hang1">Scene:--<i>The same as in Act I. A lamp is burning on the +table. Daylight +is coming through the window. Up-stage to the left is a bed, turned +down. It has not been slept in</i>. <span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>sits at the table his face in +his hands</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>in night-cap and wearing a +woollen +under-skirt.</i>)</p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Good-morning, my son! (<i>He does not answer</i>) Poor +thing! +he ain't even been to bed! (<i>Goes to him, wiping her eyes</i>) Bobby!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Starts up</i>) What is it? What do you want?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Lord, how you yell at me! And your teeth are chattering +with cold! Won't you drink some coffee? (<i>He shakes his head +decisively</i>) Take a little piece of advice from your old mother, Bobby; +even if a person is in trouble, he's got to sleep. Sleep puts marrow in +the bones. (<i>Puts out the lamp</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Mother, Mother, what have you done?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Crying</i>) We aren't to blame, my boy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Not to blame!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. I brought her up honorably. There has never been a bad +example in this house. I kept her at her schooling and I had her +confirmed, though that ain't even necessary any more. She went up to +the altar in a new black pleated dress. I bought it myself at a +bargain, and I put my own wedding handkerchief into her hand, and the +preacher spoke so movin', so movin'.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But how could you allow her to have anything to do with +that--fellow!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Perhaps it wasn't really so bad----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What further proof do you want? Didn't he admit everything to +me with the most brutal frankness? Or did Alma try to lie about it? And +to cap the climax, last evening I was in Michalski's house. Everything +was beautifully arranged. Your dear daughter Auguste had prepared a +secret nest, with curtains and carpets and red hanging lamps. She kept +watch at the door herself and was--paid, paid for it! The cur was in my +hands yesterday. If I had only finished him then!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Why, Robert----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Be still! He promised satisfaction. I accomplished that much at +least. He saw I was ready for anything. He said he would find means of +giving me satisfaction by to-day. I thought of the poor little girl's +future and let him go.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, I never suspected anything wrong.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You must have seen it coming. What did you think when he +brought her home so late at night?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. When a person is asleep, he's glad enough he don't have +to think. Besides, she had a latchkey.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But you couldn't neglect the fact that if he brought her home +he must have met her somewhere in the city.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, yes. I thought she was going with him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I don't know what you mean.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. She was <i>going</i> with him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So you said, but I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Just like any young girl goes with a young gentleman.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Goes? Where?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. To concerts, to restaurants--If he's got money, to the +theater, and in summer to Grunewald<a name="div2Ref_07" href="#div2_07">[7]</a> or Treptow.<a name="div2Ref_08" href="#div2_08">[8]</a></p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Alone?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Alone? (<i>Clacks her tongue</i>) No! With the young man!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I meant: without her parents?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Certainly. Or do you expect the old mother is going to +toddle after the young ones on her weak legs.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Mm! So you knew she "went" with him?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. No, I just thought so.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And when you asked her?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Why should I ask? That would only be wasting breath. A +girl ought to know herself what's good for her.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. But that she--oh, who'd have thought it! Lord, how you +tremble. I must get this room warm for you. (<i>Goes to stove</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) No way out! No way to save things! Shame!--a +life of shame!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Into the kitchen</i>) Father, bring in some coke! +(<i>Kneels and shakes down the fire</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) What sort of satisfaction can he have meant? +Marriage? (<i>He laughs</i>) And if it came to that, I'm not sure whether I +should want marriage for her. At least there is the chance of a duel. +If he shoots me down, then I'm saved. But--what will become of these? +(<i>Gesture</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i>in a torn dressing-gown, and large felt slippers, he +carries a basket of coke.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Gruffly</i>) Good-morning.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good-morning, Father.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Muttering</i>) Yes, yes----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Quit grumbling, Father. Help me make a fire.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes--Yes, we'll make a fire, (<i>They both kneel before the +stove</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) And if I kill him? I'll admit that would be a +relief! But the question remains: what will become of them? (<i>Looking +toward his parents</i>) I'm afraid that I can't afford the luxury of a +sense of honor. (<i>Crying out</i>) Oh, how vile I am!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Something wrong, my boy?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. It's because of Alma. He hasn't even been to bed.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes, Alma! That's what a man grows gray in honor for. But I +always said it: the Avenue'll bring us trouble some day.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke</span>) Father, don't cry! (<i>They embrace</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) But someone's heart must break!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Oh, I'm not crying! I'm master of this house! I know what +I've got to do! Poor cripple has his honor, too. Think I'll stand for +it! My daughter! She'll see! (<i>Swinging the poker</i>) I'll give her my +curse! My paternal curse!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Arranging the bed</i>) Now, now, now----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes, you! You don't understand anything about honor. +(<i>Strikes his breast</i>) There lies honor! Out into the streets she'll +go! Out into the night and the storm!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Do you want her to be absolutely ruined?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Let him talk, he don't mean anything.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Won't you see where she is? I suppose she's ashamed to show +herself.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. She wanted to sleep.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>She goes to the bed-room door</i>) Alma! (<i>No answer</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh, she never should have been left alone.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Opens the door</i>) Just as I said, she's asleep.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. She can sleep!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Will you get up, you worthless girl?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Come, get up, or there'll be trouble.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Father, Mother, quick, before she comes! Don't be too hard with +her. It will only make her more stubborn.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. You are a good deal more clever than your old mother, +but just the same I know how to take care of my children. I'll keep her +like in a reform-school if it breaks my heart:--cleaning boots, peeling +potatoes, cleaning floors, scrubbing steps, she's got to do it all.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And suppose she runs away some night?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Pah, she'll be locked up. I'll have the key in my pocket. +How'll she run away then?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. But think, she is only a child! And the rest are more to blame +than she. Her own sister--Ah, if you want to be severe you ought to be +severe with that damned procuress!--I hope I can demand once for all +that Alma be taken absolutely away from under the influence of her +sister and that you'll show Auguste and her husband the door!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Certainly, we'll make a clean sweep of that outfit. I've had +enough of Michalski. Now you see. Mother, Robert has to come all the +way from India to say it! You haven't any respect for me, poor old man!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I beg your pardon. Father--this doesn't concern you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Just the same----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Her apron over her face</i>) But she is my child, too! +And I love all my children the same!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Even if they aren't worthy of your love?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Then all the more.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Shh!</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>appears in the bed-room door dressed in a nightgown and a while +underskirt, her hair is down and she looks fearfully from one to the +other.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Hoho!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Wringing her hands</i>) Child! child, is this our reward? +Haven't I done everything in the world for you? Haven't I kept you like +a princess? But now it's over. What are you standing there for? Get a +broom! Sweep the room!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>slips past her with her elbows up, as if fearing a blow, into +the kitchen.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Walking excitedly up and down</i>) I'm your poor old father +and I tell you I brought you into the world!--Yes, an honest old man! +That I am!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>appears in the kitchen door with broom and dustpan.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) How sweet she looks in her penitence! and +she----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, are you going to begin?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Ceremoniously</i>) Alma, my daughter, come here--close!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Please, please, don't strike me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. That is the least I'll do! I'm an honest old man! Yes, here +lies honor! Do you know what I'm going to do with you now? I'm going to +curse you! What do you say to that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Go away--let me alone.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. You defy me, do you?--you don't know me yet! you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Father, be still! she's got to work.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What! I can't be allowed to curse my own disobedient child.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, that only happens in books!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Hey?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. My dear parents! You mustn't go on like this! Please leave me +alone with her a moment. Meanwhile, dress. I daresay there will be +visitors.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And I'm not allowed to curse my--Hmm, wait!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>pulls him out of the room.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) Now I'll see what she really thinks, and what I +have to do! (<i>Softly</i>) Come here, sister.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Mother said I had to clean the room.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That can wait! (<i>Takes her hand</i>) You don't need to be afraid I +won't strike you! And I won't curse you, either. You may be sure you +have one good friend who is willing to keep watch over you--a true and +considerate friend.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. You are too good--Much too good! (<i>She sinks down before him +weeping</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. There, there--get up! Sit on the footstool!--There--(<i>She sits +on the stool</i>) and straighten up, so I can see your eyes. (<i>Tries to +lift her head, but she hides it in her lap</i>) You won't! Well, cry then! +I won't send you away from here--and you will cry for many a day and +many a night when you really understand what you have done! Tell me, +you realize, don't you, that all the rest of your life must be +repentance?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Yes, I know.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Takes her head in his hands</i>) Yes, yes, sister, and this is +what a man works ten years in a foreign country to build up a fortune +for--Ten long years! and twenty will hardly be enough to make us forget +this disgrace----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. In twenty years I'll be old.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Old?--What difference does that make? For us two there is no +more youth.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh, God!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Springing up in excitement</i>) Don't be afraid, we'll stay +together! We'll find some hiding place; like hunted animals! Yes, +that's what we are! We've been hunted and mangled! (<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>sinks down, +her face in the empty chair</i>) Only we two can heal each other's wounds! +You mine, and I yours. (<i>To himself</i>) Oh, how she lies there! God in +Heaven, there is only one thing to do!--the pure little child-soul he +has trampled into the dirt, he can never give back--other satisfaction +I don't need!--Alma!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Sitting up</i>) What?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You really love him?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Whom?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Whom? Him!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh, yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And if you lost him entirely, would you feel that you could not +bear it at all?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh no!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good!--You are a brave little girl!--One can learn to +forget!--One can learn--(<i>He sits down</i>) Above all, you must work! The +singing nonsense is over, of course! You have learned dressmaking, you +can begin that again! But you mustn't go back into a shop. There are +too many temptations and bad examples there!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Yes, yes, the girls are bad.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Let him among you who is without sin--you know! And least of +all, you! Where we shall go I can't say as yet. I couldn't think of +uprooting our old parents; otherwise I should take them along. It +doesn't matter where--only a long, long way, where you will belong only +to me and your work--For you can take my word for it all--tired is +half-happy!--Mother and Father would live with us, and you shall help +me to take care of them. Besides your dressmaking, you'll have to wash +and cook. Will you do that and be patient with Father and Mother?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. If you want me to.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, you must want to with a good will, otherwise it is useless. +I ask you again, will you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Yes, from to-morrow on, I'll do everything.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That's right--but why from to-morrow and not from to-day?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Because to-day I was----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Well, well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Oh, please----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Kindly</i>) Out with it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. I wanted--to--go--so bad--to the masked ball! (<i>There is a long +pause</i>, Robert <i>gets up and paces the room</i>) May I?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. May I?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Call father and mother.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Why not? (<i>Whining</i>) Just once! Can't a person have just one good +time, if it's to be the last of everything.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Do you know what you're saying?--You----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Arrogantly</i>) Yes, I do know what I'm saying! I'm not such a +little fool! I know a few things about life myself--What are you so +excited about, anyway? Isn't it a pretty hard lot when a person has to +sit here for nothing? The sun never shines in an old hole like this, +nor the moon either, and all you hear on every side is jabbering and +scolding!--and nobody with any decent manners. Father scolds, and +mother scolds--and you sew your fingers bloody!--and you get fifty +pfennigs a day and that don't even pay for the kerosene!--and when you +are young and pretty--and you want to have a good time and go in decent +society a little--I was always in favor of something higher--I always +liked to read about it in the stories. And as for getting married? Who +should I marry, then? Such plebeians as those that work down there in +the factory don't interest me! No siree! All they can do is drink up +their pay and come home and beat you!--I want a gentleman and if I +can't have one I don't want anybody! And Kurt has always treated me +decently--I never learned any dirty words from him, I'll tell you--I've +picked them up right here at home! And I'm not going to stay here, +either! And I don't need you to take care of me, either! Girls like me +don't starve to death!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Starts to speak then stops</i>) Call Father and mother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. And now I'm going to ask father if I--(<i>As he threatens her</i>) + +Yes, yes, I'm going! (<i>She goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So that is the way it stands?--That's my sister! Ah, what a +weak fool I was!--Began to sugar this indecency with poetry and +sorrow!--That wasn't seduction--it was in the blood!--Well, I must act, +now! Rough if need be, otherwise everything is lost.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke</span>, <i>pushing </i><span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>before her</i>, <span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i> +follows, +his mouth full.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. This impudence!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Masked balls cost money. Now, you'll stay at home.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Do you deserve my curse or not? I curse you again, you toad!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Alma, go into the other room! I have something to say to father +and mother.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And don't slop around so! Dress yourself! The gray dress +with the patches!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. That old thing!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Get out!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And you won't drink any coffee, either! Now, now, don't +cry! (<i>Aside</i>) It's on the back of the stove.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>goes out.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Father, Mother,--don't be angry with me--I--you--there must be +a great change in your life.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What's the matter?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I am certain that Alma will be absolutely ruined if she is not +brought into surroundings that make it impossible for her to return to +her previous life.--But what will become of you? You can't stay here, +if you did, you would soon be a prey to the Michalskis. So the long and +short of it is--you must come with me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Frightened</i>) To India?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. It makes no difference where. Perhaps even as far as India. +Trast's influence reaches a long way. We are in a position to choose.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Defiantly</i>) Oh yes, choose India!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. I don't know which end I'm on!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. It will be hard for you! I realize that. But don't worry; it's +not as bad as it seems. You can live a thousand times more comfortably +in the tropics than here. You can have as many servants as you like!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Thousands!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And your own house!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And palms?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. More than you can use.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And you can pick the fruit right off the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. It picks itself.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And it costs nothing.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Almost nothing.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And the parrots fly around--and the apes? Like out at the +zoo?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. So you will come?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. What do you think. Father?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Well--'s far's I'm concerned, we'll come.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Thank you, thank you! (<i>Aside</i>) Thank God, I didn't have to +force them! And now we mustn't lost a moment. Where is paper and pen?</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i>meditatively scratches his head.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Alma has some. (<i>She goes into bedroom</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Of course, she's always writing letters. (<i>He shuts the stove +door</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To himself with a sigh of relief</i>) Oh, now I'm doubly curious +to know what satisfaction he'll offer--and I shall have to refuse! +Refuse a duel!--They'll call me a coward and I'll be dishonored! Oh, +well, I don't need their honor, I have to earn my bread.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Entering</i>) Everything is laid out on the table--or do +you want to write here?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, no, I shan't be disturbed in there.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. You look tired. You must rest a little!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Shakes his head</i>) If Herr Muhlingk, Junior, sends word, or +comes himself, call me. (<i>He goes off</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Sinking to the chair</i>) India!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Drag us old folks half round the world!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Lord Almighty!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What is it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Michalskis!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What? Them! (<i>Buttons his coat</i>) They'd better come!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>A knock is heard.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Both</span>. (<i>Quietly</i>) Come in!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>.)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Morning!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Shh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Threatening with his fist</i>) You--you two--get out of here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Sitting down</i>) It's right cold this morning!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Sits down and uncorks a bottle</i>) Here's a bottle of +liqueur I've brought you. Extra fine--Get me a corkscrew.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Some other time! We have orders to throw you out the +door!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Who said so?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Shh! Robert!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. What? You let him order you around in your own house.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>In an undertone</i>) Shh! he's In the bedroom there.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Pityingly</i>) Poor father! He's trembling with fear!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. The idea of frightening two honest people like that! The +scoundrel!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. He ain't a scoundrel! He's a good boy and he's going to +take care of us!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Even if he does want us to go to India!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Both</span>. What! Where?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. To India.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. What for?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Just because Alma wanted to go to a masked ball.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Crazy!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. The few pieces of furniture that made the home so +friendly we've got to leave 'em all behind.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Sentimentally</i>) And poor me, are you going to leave me, +too?--Are you going to sell 'em?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. The furniture? (<span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>nods</i>) We'll have to.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. The mirror and chairs, too? (<span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke </span><i>nods--With +feeling</i>) If I was in your place, instead of selling them for a song, +I'd give them to your daughter you're leaving behind. Then you'd be +sure they'd be in good hands!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Looking at her suspiciously, then confidentially, to +her husband</i>) Father! she wants the arm-chairs already.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Returning to the subject</i>) Or if you will sell 'em, we would +always be the ones to pay the highest, just to keep them in the family.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. But we ain't gone yet.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. If I was in your place----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. What'll we do? Now, we're absolutely dependent on him! +When he orders, we've got to obey, or else we're put on your hands.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. We haven't enough to eat for ourselves.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>A knock is heard. Enter </i><span class="sc2">Councillor Muhlingk</span>. +<i>All start up frightened.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Good-morning, my people. Is your son at home?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Humbly</i>) Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="normal">Frau Heinecke, (<i>Opening the door</i>) Robert! (<i>Tenderly</i>) Oh, the dear +boy, he's fallen asleep in his chair! He didn't sleep a wink all +night--Bobby! The Herr Councillor--He's sound asleep!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Kindly</i>) Ah? so much the better! Don't wake him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Shut the door!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. But didn't he say----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>.--If the young Herr Muhlingk came, he said--(<i>He shuts the +door quietly</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Michalski </span>, <i>with gesture of counting money</i>) Watch!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Who has been looking around the room</i>) You seem to be +living in a very comfortable place, my good people.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Deferentially</i>) Would the Herr Councillor be so kind as to +sit down?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ha! ha! real silk.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Yes, it is silk.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. A present, perhaps?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Hesitatingly</i>) Well, yes, you might say----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Innocently</i>) From my son?</p> +<table style="margin-left:.25in; width:50%;"> +<tr> +<td><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes, sir.</td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle; font-size:36pt">}</td> +<td rowspan="3" style="vertical-align:middle;">(<i>Together</i>)</td> +</tr><tr> +<td> </td> +</tr><tr> +<td><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Sh!</td> +</tr></table> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Rascal! (<i>Aloud</i>) By the way, your good son has not +acted in a very dutiful manner toward mine. Frankly, I expected a +little more gratitude. You can tell him that he is discharged and that +I shall give him until four this afternoon to settle his accounts.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, that will make him feel bad.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. He loved the Herr Councillor like his own father!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Really! I'm glad to hear it! But that is not what brought me +here, good people; you have a daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Advancing</i>) At your service!</p> + +<p class="normal">Muhlingk, What can I do for you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Deferentially</i>) I am the daughter.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ah! very good, very good. But I was not referring to you. The +girl's name is Alma.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. That's it. And a mighty pretty girl, if I do say it +myself.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ah! it is always pleasing to see children who make their +parents happy. But there is one thing that I don't like--your daughter +has taken advantage of the fact that I have allowed you to occupy my +house, and has established illicit relations with my son. Frankly, I +expected a little more gratitude.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, Herr Councillor!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. In order to sever all connection whatsoever between your +house and mine, I offer you a cash compensation--which you, my dear +Heinecke, and your daughter Alma, may divide, with the understanding +that half will go to her as a dowry, as soon as she finds someone +who--(<i>Laughs discreetly</i>) Well, you understand! Until then, the entire +sum will be at your disposal. Do you agree?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Behind </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke</span>) Say yes!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. I--I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. I have offered an unusually large amount in order to free +myself of a promise extracted yesterday by your son from my son.--It +amounts to--a--fifty thousand marks.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>With an exclamation</i>) God! Herr Councillor, are you in +earnest?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. I'm getting dizzy! (<i>Sinks into a chair</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) I made it too high!--I put the question again, will +you be satisfied with forty thousand marks?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Nudging her father</i>) Say yes, quick--or he'll come down +again.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. I can't believe it, Herr Councillor! Even the forty--There +isn't that much money--It's nonsense--show me the money.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. It is at the office, waiting for you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And the cashier won't say: Put the fellow out--he's +drunk!--Oh, he can be right sharp with the poor people when he wants +to--that cashier! (<span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>draws out a check and fills it; hands it +to </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke</span>: <i>they all study the writing</i>) Forty thousand marks! +Always the generous gentleman, Herr Councillor. Give me your hand!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Putting his hand in his pocket</i>) One thing more: to-morrow +evening a moving van will be in front of your door; within two hours +you will be good enough to leave my property,--and I hope that will be +the last I hear of you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Don't say that, Herr Councillor! If the visit of an honest +old man isn't disagreeable to you, I'll take the liberty of calling now +and then. Yes, I'm an honest old man!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Certainly! Good-day, my good people! (<i>Aside</i>) Pah! (<i>He goes +out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Mother! Forty thousand! (<span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>tries to embrace him</i>) + +Three paces to the rear, my son! (<i>Takes out an old handkerchief and +carefully does up the check in it, then puts it in breast pocket</i>) Now +you can be as tender as you like.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. I'm half sick with joy! (<i>The two embrace and weep</i>) + +When I think! I don't need to go to market without money any more. And +when I'm cold in the afternoons, I can make a fire without having a bad +conscience--a good fire--and in the evening cold meat!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And in the evening I can take the horse-car whenever I want!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Exactly four hundred thousand times, at ten pfennigs per!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. And you'll buy me a sofa.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Now you won't be going to India.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. For the Lord's sake.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Are you crazy?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. And what will Herr Robert have to say to that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Happily</i>) Yes--Robert! (<i>Goes to bedroom door</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Holding her back</i>) I advise you to let him sleep. He'll hear +about it soon enough.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Startled</i>) What d'you mean by that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Pulling at </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke's </span><i>dress and pointing to kitchen +door</i>) He! he! Her! In there!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, the poor, dear child!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Mysteriously</i>) Well give her a little surprise!--Shh! (<i>All +tiptoe to the kitchen door</i>--<span class="sc2">Heinecke</span>, <i>who is leading the way, opens +the door suddenly, then with a cry, starts back</i>) Wha--wh--Mother! +What's that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Clasping her hands above her head</i>) Good Lord!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Looking over their shoulders</i>) The devil!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>With pretended severity</i>) You come here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Outside</i>) Oh, please--no!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Are you coming?</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>dressed in the robe of the Indian Princess, her hands +covering her face for shame. All laugh and exclaim in surprise at the +costume</i>. <span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>feels the material.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. The Indian dress.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. From the stark-naked princess!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. I--just--wanted--to try it on! I'll take it right off!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Ach! what a little angel!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. Aren't you angry with me any more?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Angry! (<i>Then recalling his severity</i>) That is--yes--very. +But for once we'll allow mercy to take the place of justice. (<i>Turning +around</i>) That was pretty good, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Strokes </i><span class="sc2">Alma's </span><i>hair and leads her toward the left</i>) + +Come, sit down. No, here on the arm-chair!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. What is it--what's happened?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Ha! ha!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(All <i>take their places about him.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. And I can go to the masked ball?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Ha--ha! Yes, you can go to the masked ball.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. (<i>Ironically</i>) The poor child!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Jumping up</i>) I must go this minute to the bank!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Opening bottle of liqueur</i>) Wait! We'll wet up our luck so +it'll stick! Alma, some glasses.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Getting up</i>) Let the poor child sit still! I'll 'tend +to that myself! (<i>She goes to the washstand and brings a set of liqueur +glasses. To </i><span class="sc2">Auguste</span>) What did you mean before about Robert?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. You'll see quick enough.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. He won't grudge us old folks a little good luck, will +he?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Sings</i>) "<i>So leben wir, so leben wir!</i>"</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>The moving of a chair is heard in bedroom.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Ladies and Gentlemen, I drink to Fraulein Alma Heinecke, our +lucky-child, and above all, the House that has always shown itself, +generous----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. The house of Muhlingk! Long live the House of Muhlingk! +Hurrah!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>appears at the bedroom door.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">All</span>. Hurrah! Hurrah!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Startled</i>) There he is!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Embarrassed silence.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Morning, brother-in-law.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Will you kindly explain, Mother, how these two happen to be +sitting at the table of respectable people?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Oh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Don't be so inhospitable!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Going toward him</i>) Bobby, you mustn't be proud, +specially to your own flesh and blood.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Hm--Alma, what is that? Who gave you permission----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. And you may as well know now as any time, there's no use +having any hopes about India. I prefer to spend my money in Germany.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Confused</i>) What has happened?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. You tell him, Father, you're the one that got the check!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What check?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Assuming a pose</i>) My son!--one doesn't often seem what one +really is--Such things are deeper--For that reason one must always be +respectful--you can never tell what is hidden under tattered clothes. +Anyone can wear a fur-lined coat.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Will you please explain what--- +Heinecke. Explain?--What is there to explain--Don't look at me like +that! What are you looking at me that way for. Mother, I won't stand +it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Go on! Go on!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Well, as I said, it's simple enough. The Herr Councillor was +here.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. He? Why didn't you call me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Ah--In the first place because it was not the young +Muhlingk--When <i>your</i> friend comes, then you can receive him. The old +gentleman is my friend--We've promised to call on each other. And +second: because I don't have to ask my son what is right for me to +do--Now you know--See?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Oh, Father!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Don't interrupt me when I'm giving my son a little +admonition. From now on I'm not going to be fooled with.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Behind him</i>) That's the way to talk.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Was the discussion about Alma?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. In the first place the discussion was about you. You have +been discharged from his service, because of insubordination. Frankly, +I expected more gratitude.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Sternly</i>) Yes, me! Your honest old father!--It isn't +pleasant for me to have my son wander around as a clerk out of a job. +Now you've got till four to settle your accounts or it will go hard +with you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>About to break out--controls himself</i>) Let's talk about Alma! +Did he offer satisfaction?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Certainly, absolute.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Hesitating, as if saying something foolish</i>) Ah--marriage?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. What marriage?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. With his son----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. You must be crazy.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Anxiously</i>) Well, what else?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Slyly in his ear</i>) Forty thousand marks! (<i>Aloud</i>) Fine, +eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>With a cry</i>) Money!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Frightened</i>) Lord! I thought so!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Yes, sir! Here it is, good as gold!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What! you took it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Wonderingly</i>) Well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. He offered you money and you took it! (<i>Against his will he +springs toward his father</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Stepping between them</i>) I advise you to leave the old man +alone!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Reeling back without noticing him</i>) Mother, you took it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Folding her hands</i>) We're poor folks, my boy! (<span class="sc2">Robert </span> +<i>sinks down with a strange laugh on the work-stool</i>. <span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>and</i> +<span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>gather about </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Frau Heinecke</span>; <span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>sits +smiling, with folded hands</i>) God have mercy on us! There's something +wrong with him! (<i>Puts her hand on his shoulder</i>) My Boy, take a little +advice from your poor old mother. Don't step on your good fortune's +toes, for pride dies on the straw.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Straw wouldn't be the worst. Mother--I shall die on the grave's +edge, or in the gutter like a street cur! Only do give the money +back--(<i>Desperately</i>) See, I am talking perfectly calmly, perfectly +sensibly, I'll show you as plain as day what you must do. That fellow +has brought us into disgrace--But we are innocent--We needn't be +ashamed before anyone. A man can steal honor just the same as he can +steal a purse. No one can prevent that!--But if we let someone buy our +honor with cold money, then we have no honor at all--and it serves us +right--(<span class="sc2">Heinecke </span><i>turns to </i><span class="sc2">Michalski</span>, <i>touching his forehead</i>) Heaven +knows I understand it all! I'm not critcizing--Really I'm not.--You are +poor and you've always been poor. Such a miserable existence! Nothing +but worry for daily bread destroys all judgment and all dignity. And +now you let yourselves be blinded by a little money!--but believe me, +it will never give you pleasure. Nothing will be left but disgust! +(<i>Choking</i>) Ah, the disgust! It chokes----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. That kind of talk is enough to turn you cold----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. So <i>that</i> is my son!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And don't imagine that you will lose by taking my advice. Look +at me! I have learned a few things, haven't I? I'm healthy, I can be +trusted, can't I--The few remaining years you can trust to me, can't +you?--Can't you see. I want nothing better than to work for you--I'll +make you rich! Rich! you can do what you like with me! I'll be your +slave! Your pack-horse--Only give back that money!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. That's all very well! But a bird in the hand--Let me tell +you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. You're right there, Father!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. I certainly am right!--You run along and chase your sparrows, +my boy. I'll keep the bird I've got.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. Bravo!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And you, Mother?--(<i>She turns away</i>) You too?--God, what have I +left?--Alma, what about you? I offer you everything. Only help me! (<i>He +takes her hand. She struggles a little. He draws her toward the +center</i>) You've given yourself away. Well, perhaps that's your right. +But you won't <i>sell</i> yourself--you can't sell your love in the public +market. Alma, tell them that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. (<i>Angrily</i>) Let me go!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. He's breaking the kid's arm.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. You've got nothing to say to me any more. (<i>She breaks away</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Little sister!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Alma</span>. And I'm going to the masked ball, too! Ask mother if I ain't.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Mother!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Why shouldn't the poor child have a little fun once in a +while?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Overcome</i>) So we've gone that far?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Sitting in chair, mockingly</i>) Yes, we've gone that far!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You--<i>Procuror</i>! Get out of that chair! (<span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>remains +seated</i>, <span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>takes hold of the back of the chair</i>) Get up, I say, +and get out of here, both of you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Threateningly</i>) Now that's a little too fresh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Who has seized the chair</i>) Dare to lay a hand on me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Throwing herself between them</i>) You'll break my +arm-chair.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I suppose that comes from our friends on the Avenue whom you +hold in such high esteem!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Of course it does!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. From our dear Herr Kurt, I suppose?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Well, yes!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>With a wild laugh</i>) There it is, then! (<i>He throws the chair +to the floor, breaking it and kicking the pieces away from him</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Weeping</i>) My beautiful arm-chair! (<i>She picks up the +pieces carrying them to the left--then she sinks down on stool</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. This is getting uncomfortable! (<i>He starts to go out, right</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Standing in his way</i>) Will you give that blood-money back? +Yes or no?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. Give it back? (<i>Contemptuously</i>) Huh!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Then I'm through with you! and you, too, Mother. Is a man +brought into the world for that! To wear dishonor like a birthmark? +Very good! If I had to be born, why didn't you leave me in the dirt +when I first saw the day? Where I've got to wallow for the rest of my +life because my worthy family desires it!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Auguste</span>. Do you hear that, Mother, and he was always your favorite.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, no, Mother, don't listen to me! (<i>Kneeling beside her</i>) I +said nothing! If I said anything, it was only madness. To-day I feel as +though I were cut loose from everything that is human--or natural! +Mother, have pity on me! You can save me! Come with me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Sobbing</i>) How do I know you won't break the mirror, +too! in your blind fits.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Looks wildly at mirror, then rises</i>) We speak different +languages--We can't understand each other.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Who has been quietly talking to </i><span class="sc2">Heinecke</span>. <i>He slaps </i> +<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>on the shoulder</i>) Now you've raised enough hell! Get out of +here!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Pushing him out of the way</i>) Back! (<i>As his parents and +sisters surround him with angry cries. Breaks out in hollow laughter</i>) + +Ah, so that's it! You throw me out?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Michalski</span>. (<i>Opens door</i>) Get out!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Count Trast </span><i>appears on threshold.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Slapping </i><span class="sc2">Michalski </span><i>on shoulder</i>) Thank you humbly for the +friendly welcome!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Recognizing </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>, <i>cries out, then extends his arms as if +to urge him away</i>) What do you want here?--In this dive?--Do you know +who we are?--We sell ourselves!--(<i>He laughs</i>) Look at me! No, I can't +bear it! (<i>He covers his face with hands</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<i>At the sight of </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>, <span class="sc2">Alma </span><i>shamefacedly slinks away</i>. <span class="sc2">Michalski </span> +<i>and </i><span class="sc2">Auguste </span><i>follow her into kitchen.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Pull yourself together! What has happened?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Heinecke</span>. (<i>Hat in hand</i>) He acted very undutifully, Count! First he +wanted to take us off to India, now he wants to take our money away. +I'm just going to the bank--Whole forty thousand marks, Count, I have +the honor--(<i>Bowing</i>) Count! (<i>He goes out</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Yes, I understand. (<i>Lays his hand on </i><span class="sc2">Robert's </span><i>shoulder</i>) Was +Herr Muhlingk here?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. My friend! Thank you--I had forgotten!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. What is it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. He wants my accounts. He shall have them. (<i>Hurries to trunk +which he opens and feverishly looks for something</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Weeping</i>) You can thank the Lord, Count, you're not +married! There are right ungrateful sons in this world!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>To himself</i>) You talk like a mother--(<i>Realising what he has +said</i>) Pah! Trast, that wasn't nice!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. Ain't I right?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Takes her hands in his</i>) A mother is always right. She has +suffered and loved too much to be anything else. (<i>Shakes her hand</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. But, Count! You shake hands with a poor old woman!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I have sinned against the mothers, and I must beg forgiveness. +And my own not the least. There are worse sons, than yours, my dear +woman.</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>takes out a leather portfolio, looks through it, and lays it +aside. Then he takes out a revolver which he tests.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Ah, a revolver! This is how he's going to settle +accounts!</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<span class="sc2">Robert</span>, <i>seeing he is observed, quickly hides the revolver in his +breast pocket. He takes his hat and portfolio and comes forward.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Now I'm ready!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I'll go with you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Have I the right?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Hesitatingly</i>) Good, come!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>Tenderly, in tears</i>) Robert!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Tries to conceal his excitement</i>) I--shall come--again--to +say--good-bye! Now I have something important to do. (<i>He goes towards +the door</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Heinecke</span>. (<i>At the door, wringing her hands</i>) Herr Kurt and him! +Oh, there'll be trouble!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Shh! ssh!--Well, are we off?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To his mother, in great excitement, tenderly</i>) And if +we--don't see each other--(<i>Controlling himself</i>) Good! We'll go!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Both go out as</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h3>THE CURTAIN FALLS.)</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>ACT IV.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Scene</span>:--<i>Same as in Act II</i>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Trast</span>, <span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>discovered</i>. <span class="sc2">Robert </span><i> +carries a portfolio +under his arm.</i>)</p> +<br> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>) I have strict orders not to let Herr +Heinecke in.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Nor me?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. Oh, with the Count it is a different matter.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Thank you for the trust you put in me. Herr Heinecke is +accompanied by me. I shall be responsible for his presence here. We +shall wait for the Herr Councillor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. But----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Which do you prefer--specie or paper? (<i>Looking for money in his +pocket-book</i>) Is the whole house empty?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. The Herr Councillor has gone to the factory, the Gnadige Frau +has a headache, the Gnadiges Fraulein has gone to the city--Herr Kurt +likewise.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Together?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. Oh, they never go together--Herr Kurt wanted to countermand +the invitation--because--(<i>Indicates </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Gives him money</i>) Good! That's all!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. Nothing further, sir?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Go.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>bows and goes out</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Come here, my boy.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What do you want?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. What do I want? You know I never want anything. These things +don't affect me. But the question is: What do you want here--in this +house?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I want to settle my account.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Of course--we know that--But, inasmuch as you are willing to +forego the generous handshake that the workman usually gets at this +proud moment, I should think you would send the accounts to the +office--and--(<i>With gesture of finality</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That would be simple enough.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. My dear man, let me talk to you as a friend!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Go ahead, talk!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You are pursuing a phantom!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Really?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. No one has touched your honor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Really!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Because nobody in the world could do it.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Really, really!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. This thing that you call honor--this mixture of shame, and +"tempo," and--honesty and pride, things you have acquired through a +civilized existence and as a result of your own loyalty, why this can +no more be taken away from you by a piece of treachery than your +generosity or your judgment! Either it is a part of yourself or else it +doesn't exist at all. The sort of honor that can be destroyed by a blow +from a fop's glove has nothing to do with you! That is nothing but a +mirror for the dandies, a plaything for the indolent and a perfume to +the boulevardier.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You talk like someone trying to make a virtue out of necessity.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Perhaps--because every virtue is a direct result of necessity.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And my family?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I didn't think you had a family now! (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>buries his face in +his hands</i>) I understand--it's a contraction of the nerves after the +limb is amputated.--Don't deceive yourself! Even though the foot still +pains you, the leg is gone!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. You never had a sister!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>.--Tell me, must I, the aristocrat, learn what abasement means +from you, a plebeian? My boy, don't forswear your parents. Don't say +that they are worse than you or I.--They are different, that's all. +Their sensations are sensations that are strange to you, the point of +view they hold is simply beyond your comprehension. Therefore to +criticize them is not only narrow-minded, but presumptuous--And you may +as well know soon as late: in your struggle with your people you have +been wrong from beginning to end!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Trast, you say that!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I take the liberty--You come back from a foreign country where +you have been associating with triple-plated gentlemen, and then you +expect your people, in order to please you, to change the very skins +they live in; although they've fitted perfectly all these years! That +is immodest, my boy! And your sister has really received back her honor +from the family Muhlingk; the honor which she can make use of. For +everything on this earth has its price and value. The honor of the +Avenue may be paid for with blood--may be, I said. The honor of the +Alley is restituted with a little capital, <i>in integrum</i>. (<i>As </i><span class="sc">Robert </span> +<i>steps towards him angrily</i>) Don't eat me up! I haven't finished! +Yes--what other significance has a girl's honor--and that's what we're +concerned with now--than to bring a sort of dowry of pure-heartedness +and honesty to her husband. She is there for one purpose and that is +marriage! Just be so good as to make a few inquiries in the society +from which you come and see if your sister, with the money that has +dropped into her lap, can't make a much better match than she otherwise +could!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Trast, you are cruel, you are crude!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Crude like Nature, cruel like Truth! Only the indolent and the +cowardly surround themselves a <i>tout prix</i> with idyllics--But you have +nothing to do with them now. Come, give me your hand, shake the dust of +home off your feet and don't look back!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. First I must have personal satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. So you insist on fighting a duel with him?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Don't be so old-fashioned.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Old-fashioned--I may be. Perhaps because I came into the world +as a plebeian and because my conception of honor was acquired. I +haven't the strength to rise to the heights of your standpoint. Let me +go down in my own narrowness if I must.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. But suppose he won't give satisfaction?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I shall find some way to force him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Aha! (<i>Aside</i>) the revolver!--One thing more, my boy; if you +have made up your mind to let Herr Kurt put a bullet through you, you +must take away every pretext for his refusing.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Heavens, yes! you are right!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Drawing out his pocket-book</i>) Does that embarrass you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, you have done too much for me, for me to ask----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Filling out a check</i>) There!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. And if I can never pay that back?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Then I'll write it in the largest ledger, where the accounts of +friendships are kept (<i>Stroking his head</i>) It won't be as bad as that! +Hm--my boy--one thing you've forgotten.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Leonore.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Shuddering</i>) Don't speak of her!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You love her.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Oh!--I shan't answer!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Would you like to have her think of you as the murderer of her +brother.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Better than if she had to think of me as a man without honor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Straightening up</i>) Am I not a so-called "man without honor?" +And haven't you found me a good fellow? And don't I carry my head as +high as anyone in the world? Shame on you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>After a pause</i>) Trast--forgive me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Forgive--Nonsense, I like you!--That's enough!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Trast--I--won't fight--the duel!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Your word?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. My word!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Come, then.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Where?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. How do I know? Into the world.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Forgive me--shall I?</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. The Herr Councillor has just come into his office.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Kurt not home!--That's good.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I'll go in. (<i>He takes his portfolio</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Good! Wait for me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. What do you want here?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Never mind about that. Come here. (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) Before you +go, give me your revolver.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Startled</i>) You know?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Anyone could see it inside your coat</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Please--let me keep it--or can't you trust me?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I'm afraid that story of Pepe will go to your head.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Hasn't a word of honor between two dishonored men any value?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Good! Keep it, (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>goes out followed by </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>. <span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>is +about to follow him, but stops</i>) --Perhaps it was imprudent after +all?--But if the youngster comes home, I'll keep them apart. Now there +is something else to attend to. If this girl here is what I think she +is--(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Leonore L. </span><i>wearing a winter costume</i>) Ah, this is very +fortunate.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Giving him her hand. Excitedly</i>) Count, do you know where +I've been? To your apartment! (<i>Takes her coat and hat off</i>) Are you +shocked at my boldness? But you were the only one to whom I could go to +find out what has happened. I was afraid my brother was on the way to +ruin that young girl. I suspected it. Has your friend found out?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. If that were all!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. What else could there be----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I admit, I really can't find words to----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Please tell me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Very well! Your parents have considered it necessary to make +those poor people forget their trouble--so they appealed to them on +their weakest side--namely, by their poverty.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Do you mean to say that?--that--they--bought my +brother's--(<i>As </i><span class="sc2">Trast </span><i>nods</i>) Oh, God!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. It goes without saying that personally I offer no criticism of +them whatever. That is the customary means of ending such +relationships. But I am afraid for my friend.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Her face in her hands</i>) How can I ever make it up to him?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Do you feel that it is your duty?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. My duty? My whole being revolts against this disgusting +practice of my home!--Pay!--always pay! pay for honor, pay for love, +pay for justice! We can afford it, we have the money. (<i>Throws herself +into a chair. Then springing up</i>) Forgive me! I don't know what I'm +doing! I spoke of my family as though they were strangers.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Perhaps they are more strangers to you than you think!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Confused</i>) If you were only right! (<i>As he appears to listen +to something outside</i>) What is it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Isn't that your brother's voice?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>At the door</i>) Yes, with some of his friends.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) I shouldn't have let him keep the revolver. (<i>Taking +his hat</i>) Is he going to the office?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. No, I think they are coming here.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Putting his hat down again</i>) Good, I will wait for him--One +thing, Fraulein--My friend leaves this house to-day; he leaves the city +to-morrow and perhaps Europe in a short time.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>To herself</i>) Oh, God!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. But to-day I should like to prevent a meeting between him and +your brother. If that meeting does occur, without my being able to +prevent it, I should like you to remain in the vicinity.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>She nods; voices are heard at the door. She hurries to the +left, then turns</i>) What shall I do. Count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Be true to him!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I will! (<i>She goes</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Now--the brother!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>, <span class="sc2">Lothar </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Hugo</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Surprised</i>) Count!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Good thing we came with you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I should like a few words with you, Herr Muhlingk.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Sorry, but I am very pressed for time; my father is waiting for +me!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Oho!--(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>) It's a personal favor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. I have no secrets from my friends, Count. (<i>They sit down</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Someone, a great friend of mine, has suffered deeply because of +his honor. On my advice and as a favor to me he has foregone sending +you a challenge.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. You are mistaken, Count; Herr Heinecke received satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. We could allow no other satisfaction.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Looks at him from head to foot</i>) We won't go into that any +further, Herr Muhlingk. My friend at this moment is with your father, +settling his accounts in person.</p> + +<p class="normal">Kurt, Well, that is his privilege.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. He is to have an interview with him at the same time.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. That is also his privilege. Count.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. In an hour my friend will have left this establishment. In +consideration of the strain of excitement under which he is probably +suffering at present, it would be to the advantage of both sides if a +meeting between you could be avoided.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. That----</p> + +<p class="normal">Trast, (<i>Quietly</i>) Herr Lieutenant, I have not as yet taken the liberty +of addressing you! Herr Muhlingk, let us consider this seriously. You +are speaking with some one who has your material welfare at heart--not +out of sympathy, I am free to admit--Therefore, I may speak to you +almost as a friend, don't let these gentlemen intimidate you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. No, don't let us intimidate you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. And consider this! I don't dare think of the wrong I have done +that man--you will--you'll do me this favor?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Behind </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>) Now show him!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. I have nothing to say, Count, because I find it impossible to +choose words to express my astonishment at your extraordinary request.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>All rise.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>, <i>aside</i>) Fine! fine!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare +make such a request to me in my own house?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. You refuse?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Do you still doubt it, Count?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Aside to him</i>) More cutting, more cutting.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Force--Yes, I doubted it, for I still cherished the +slight hope that I was dealing with a man of honor--I beg your +pardon--I made a mistake.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Sir--that is----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. An insult--yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Which will be properly dealt with.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. I ask for nothing better.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. You will hear from me to-morrow.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. To-morrow--So you sleep on a thing like that? I am accustomed to +settling such matters at once.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Chokingly</i>) Immediately.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Thank God! (<i>Aloud</i>) Then we'll go!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Stepping between</i>) Always correct, Kurt. You, as principal, +have nothing further to do with the gentleman. (<i>Sharply</i>) In the first +place, Count, the Code of Honor permits the challenged as well as the +challenger twenty-four hours in which to arrange his affairs. We, +my principal and I--shall make use of this rule, unless--and now I come +to the second point--we shall be prevented from enjoying that +privilege--for you. Sir, have not insulted us----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. Ah!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. You belong to those who <i>cannot</i> insult us.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Merrily</i>) Ah, yes!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Will you be kind enough to recall, that the Count von +Trast-Saarberg, as we can still see in the register,--on the +twenty-fifth of June, 1864, was released, under a cloud, from his +regiment, because of unpaid gambling debts. That is all. (<i>Bows +negligently</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Breaking out into laughter</i>) Gentlemen, I thank you heartily +for the little lesson--I certainly deserved it--for the worst crime +under heaven is to be illogical! And one thing I see above everything +else. No matter how much a man is elevated above the modern Honor he +must still remain her slave, even if it is only when he wants to help a +poor devil of a friend out of a hole--Gentlemen, I have the honor-- +Pardon! I <i>haven't</i> the honor! You have denied me that; so nothing +remains but the pleasure--the pleasure of saying "Good-day," but that +is better still! (<i>He goes out laughing</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Here we are with our honor and still we've made ourselves +ridiculous.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. We acted quite correctly.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. But, Lothar, the coffee, the coffee.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. One must be willing to sacrifice for the sake of his Honor, my +friend. I am glad I could do you this service, Kurt--What would you +have done without me? Well, until to-night.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Are you going back to town already?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. I'll go with you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Oh, that will look as though you wanted to get away from the +noble brother.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Do you want the Count to laugh in his sleeve? Now it has become +almost a duty to stay.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Hardly that.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Muhlingk </span><i>in a fur coat and hat</i>, <span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>follows him.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Throwing his coat to </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>) What is that fellow +thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let +him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span> +<i>leaves</i>) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to +pick, eh?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Aside to his friends</i>) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before +the storm!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Hugo</span>. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Lothar</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) You tell us how the thing comes out.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Lothar </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Hugo </span><i>go out.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the +sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral +side of the question.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Here comes the old lady, this will be great.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Oh, Kurt! Kurt!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Yes, Mother?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. (<i>Sitting</i>) You have brought a great deal of trouble to +your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. +(<span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>enters left</i>) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! +(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) What do you want?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I have something to say to you.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. We haven't time now, go to your room.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. No, Father. I can't play the part of the silent daughter any +longer. If I am a member of the family I want to take part in this +conversation.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What is the meaning of all this ceremony?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. I don't know anything----!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. You needn't try to hide it from me. According to the rules of +modern hypocrisy which are applied to the so-called young ladies, I +ought to go about with downcast eyes and play the part of innocent +ignorance. Under the circumstances that doesn't work. I have heard +about the whole affair.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. And you aren't ashamed of yourself?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Bitterly</i>) I am ashamed of myself.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. If my tone was impertinent, please forgive me. I want to +soften you, not to quarrel with you. Perhaps I have been a bad +daughter--Perhaps I really haven't the right to have my own thoughts as +long as I do not eat my own bread--If that is true, try to pardon me--I +will make up for it a thousand times. But understand--give him back his +honor----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you +mean by "giving him back his honor?"</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up +for what has happened. Then we can find the means later.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You think so? Sit down, my child--I shall let my customary +mildness still govern me and try to bring you to reason, although +perhaps a stricter method would be more in place--Look at this old gray +head. A great deal of honor has been piled up there and still in my +whole life I have never meddled with this so-called sense of honor--ah, +what a person has to endure without even saying "Hum" when he expects +to succeed in life. Here is a young man from whom you say, I have taken +his honor. Taking for granted that you are right--where does a young +fellow like that get his honor? From his family? Or from my business? +My clerks are no knights. You say he had honor, and I'm supposed to +give it back to him. How? By taking his sister as a daughter-in-law?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. Really, Theodore, you mustn't say these things even as a +joke.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. If I did that, I should disgrace myself and my family. On the +other hand, this young man has the chance of getting out of the +trouble. If he refuses, and it comes back to me, who shall be made +unhappy, we or he? My answer is; he shall, I have no desire to be, +myself--That's the way I've always done, and everyone knows me as a man +of honor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Rising</i>) Father, is that your last word?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. My last! Now, come, give me a kiss and beg your mother's +pardon.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Shrinks back with a shudder</i>) Let me go! I can't deceive +you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What do you mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Father, I feel I am in the wrong, that I am asking the +impossible from you. I shall have to know the world differently +from--(<i>Stops suddenly and listens. There are voices in the hall</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. And----?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) It's he!--Oh, I can't stand it any longer!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Wilhelm</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. The young Herr Heinecke from the Alley is there again.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>starts.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Did you tell him what I told you to say?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Wilhelm</span>. Yes, Herr Councillor, but he followed me here from the office.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What impertinence!--If he doesn't leave this----!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Pardon me. Father. Perhaps he only wants to thank you! I believe +he has reasons.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Such people never give you thanks.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Has he money to give you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Certainly.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. There must be something back of it--get it over and we'll be done +with him.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. As far as I'm concerned--let him come.</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Wilhelm </span><i>goes out.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. We'll go, Leonore,</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Aside</i>) Kurt!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Well?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Be on your guard!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Bah! (<i>Trying to hide his fear</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="hang3">(<span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Leonore </span><i>go out. Enter </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>, <i>apparently +calm, +respectful in manner--he carries a portfolio.</i>)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You were a little insistant, young man--Well, I never +criticize a man in the discharge of duty; least of all when he is about +to leave his employer, at the eleventh hour. Take a seat!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. If you don't mind, I'll remain standing.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Just as you like--I had word from my nephew yesterday. He is +getting on well--having a good time--a little too much according to +Count Trast--Well, a little pleasure is always in the blood of +gentlemen of good family--You have brought the annual report with you, +I hope?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. And----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Muhlingk</span>) There, sir, (<i>Takes a sheet and hands it to +the </i><span class="sc2">Councillor</span>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. (<i>Playing the part of indifference</i>) May I see, Father?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Yes, yes--or perhaps you have a copy?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes, I have.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Please give it to my son. (<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>hands it to </i><span class="sc2">Kurt</span>. <i>The +two stand, measuring each other with their eyes</i>) As far as I can see +at the first glance that is exceedingly good. The net gain is----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. 116,227 Gulden.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. The dutch gulden is one mark seventy--Kurt figure it with me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. 197,585 Marks.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. 8--1--3--5--8. Right--197,285 Marks and 90 Pfennigs. Kurt, +are you figuring it up?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. And ninety pfennig. Yes, Father.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ha--And in the coffee "a small profit?" What does that mean?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Handing him a sheet</i>) Here is the special account. I was in a +position to foresee the crisis caused by the competition in Brazil and +I had five-sixths of the area planted with tea.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes, Herr Councillor, I----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Strange!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. And how is the "Quinquina?"</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Here is the report. (<i>Hands him the paper</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Not much, either! Where does the profit come in that brings +up the average?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. The chief source of gain was Sumatra tobacco and the +tea--especially the tea. (<i>Handing another sheet</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You made this trial on the strength of your own judgment, +too?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Not entirely, I followed a suggestion that my friend, Count +Trast, gave me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. And my nephew approved of it?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Afterwards--yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You are right, Kurt--it is strange!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Have the gentlemen any further questions?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Judging from the manner in which you behave here, one might +think that you had been running my business in Java yourself. What do +you imply by that?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That I had the authority, Herr Councillor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. And where was my nephew, meanwhile?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. That is a question too general to answer, Herr Councillor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Didn't he come to the office every day?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, Herr Councillor.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>With increasing anger</i>) When did he come?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. When the post from Hamburg came, and when he had need of money.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Do you imply by that that my nephew neglected his duty?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I don't wish to imply anything that I have not said.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Then kindly explain to me.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I don't feel myself called upon to discuss the private life of +my former manager.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. But to paint him as black as you can--that suits you better!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Starts forward toward him, but controls himself</i>) Have the +gentlemen any further questions?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What monies have you brought with you?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. I have notes from different banks amounting to about 95,000 +gulden--here they are.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Kurt, check that up. (<span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>rises and takes each paper from </i> +<span class="sc2">Robert </span><i>in turn and looks it through</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Have you finished, Herr Councillor?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Just a minute. (<i>Pause</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Correct.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Well, my dear Herr--Heinecke, I wish you success in your +future enterprises. Be an industrious fellow and don't forget what you +owe to this house.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, Herr Councillor, I shan't forget! Here is the forty +thousand marks that you had the kindness to give to my father.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Has your father given his authority for the return of the +money?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. No, he has not.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Then the money is your own?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Yes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Hmm!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Kurt</span>. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has +saved so much money?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of </i><span class="sc2">Kurt's </span> +<i>insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He +seizes </i><span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>by the throat</i>) Cur! take that back!--back!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Help! help!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<span class="sc">Leonore </span><i>enters</i>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Have pity! Robert!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his +hands</i>. <span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>struggling for breath sinks to sofa</i>) Oh!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Muhlingk</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. What is it? Kurt? (<i>Rushing to him</i>) Help! Murder! +Murder! Ring, Theodore!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get +out!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Leave as a thief, eh? (<i>At a movement from </i><span class="sc2">Leonore</span>) Yes, +Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Father, what is it?--what have you done!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all +accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for +you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and +pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what +you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your +business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks +up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did +you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable +even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even +if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the +very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you! +You stole my home and my trust in God and man! You stole my sense of +shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out +of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. (<i>After a pause</i>) Shall I have the servants put you out?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Stepping between</i>) That you won't do, Father.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What! You?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you +can put me out, too.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Leonore, what are you doing?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. You are mad!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Stop, Leonore! I will think of you with--gratitude--as long +as I live. When I leave you I leave the only thing that I can call +home--God bless you! and farewell! (<i>He goes to door</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. (<i>Embracing him</i>) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Leonore!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. What!!!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Don't leave me alone! My soul is frozen between these walls! +You are my home, too! You have always been! See, I've thrown myself +into your arms!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Oh! what a disgraceful scene!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Father dear, we needn't get angry with each other. I love this +man. For that which you have taken from him I offer that which I have. +(<i>Half to </i><span class="sc2">Robert</span>) I only have myself--If he wants that----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. Leonore!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Trast</span>.)</p> +<br> +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. What has happened?</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way. +Robert, let us make a new home, new duties.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Robert</span>. (<i>Bitterly, with a look at </i><span class="sc2">Kurt </span><i>who is sitting as though +dumb</i>) And a new honor! (<i>He takes her in his arms</i>)</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Frau Muhlingk</span>. So that is our thanks, Father!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Leonore</span>. Father, Mother, I ask your forgiveness, but what I am doing +now I must do! I am sure that it can't be wrong. But I beg of you, +think kindly of me--sometimes.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse! +(<i>He lifts his arm as though to curse her</i>) You----</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Stepping up to him</i>) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of +wearing yourself out with curses? (<i>Quietly</i>) and furthermore, in +confidence, your daughter isn't making a bad match. The young fellow +will have my station and, since I have no heirs, my fortune.</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Muhlingk</span>. But, Count--why didn't you explain!</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Trast</span>. (<i>Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless +him</i>) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing!</p> +<br> +<p class="center">(<i>Follows the two to the door as</i></p> +<br> +<br> +<h3>THE CURTAIN FALLS.)</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: Certain +German houses are divided Into two parts the +so-called "Hinterhaus" and "Vorderhaus." The "Vorderhaus" (<i>translated +roughly "on the avenue"</i>) is the larger part and usually belongs to the +owner. The "Hinterhaus" (<i>rendered "on the alley"</i>) is a few rooms +opening on an alleyway or court whose occupants sometimes act in the +capacity of caretakers, but who often have nothing to do with the +people in the Vorderhaus and hardly consider themselves on a plane with +the richer family's servants.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_02" href="#div2Ref_02">Footnote 2</a>: A +newspaper.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_03" href="#div2Ref_03">Footnote 3</a>: The German +workman is allowed time in the middle of the +morning for a light lunch which tides him over from his coffee and +rolls to the more substantial dinner at noon.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_04" href="#div2Ref_04">Footnote 4</a>: A well +known quotation from Schiller's "Die Rauber."</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_05" href="#div2Ref_05">Footnote 5</a>: Thus in +the original.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_06" href="#div2Ref_06">Footnote 6</a>: The poor +people in Germany drink an infusion of oak-leaves +in place of coffee.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_07" href="#div2Ref_07">Footnote 7</a>: Suburbs of +Berlin.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> + +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_08" href="#div2Ref_08">Footnote 8</a>: Suburbs of +Berlin.--<span class="sc2">Tr</span>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Honor: A Play in Four Acts, by Hermann Sudermann + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HONOR: A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS *** + +***** This file should be named 34357-h.htm or 34357-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/5/34357/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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