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diff --git a/34357.txt b/34357.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bc5ab2e --- /dev/null +++ b/34357.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4815 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Honor: A Play in Four Acts, by Hermann Sudermann + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. 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: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HONOR: A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive + + + + + + +Transcriber's Note: + 1. Page scan source: + http://www.archive.org/details/honoraplayinfou01baukgoog + + + + + + + HONOR + + + A Play in Four Acts + + + + BY + HERMANN SUDERMANN + + + + Translated By + HILMAR R. BAUKHAGE + + With a Preface By + BARRETT H. CLARK + + + + * * * + + Copyright, 1915, BY SAMUEL FRENCH + + * * * + + + + + New York | London + SAMUEL FRENCH | SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. + PUBLISHER | 26 Southampton Street + 28-30 WEST 38th STREET | STRAND + + + + + + HONOR + + +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. + +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. + +"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. + +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 _appearance_ 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." + +"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. + +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. + +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. + + BARRETT H. CLARK. + + + + + PERSONS REPRESENTED. + + +Councillor of Commerce Muhlingk +Amalie _His wife_ +Kurt \ + > _Their children_ +Leonore / +Lothar Brandt +Hugo Stengel +Count Von Trast-Saarberg +Robert Heinecke +Old Heinecke +His Wife +Auguste \ + > _Their daughters_ +Alma / +Michalski _A joiner, Auguste's husband_ +Frau Hebenstreit _The_ \ + _Gardener's wife_ \ + > _In Muhlingk's service_ +Wilhelm _A servant_ / +Johann _Coachman_ / +Indian Servant of Count Trast + +_The action takes place in the vicinity of Charlottenburg, now a part +of Berlin_. + + + + + + HONOR + + + + + ACT I. + + +Scene:--_A room in_ Heinecke's _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._ + + +(Frau Heinecke _is busily engaged in cleaning the room_. Frau +Hebenstreit _stands on the threshold of the door to the left_.) + + +Frau Hebenstreit. So it's really true?--Your son is home? + +Frau Heinecke. Sh! sh!--for the Lord's sake--he's asleep! + +Frau Hebenstreit. There is Alma's bedroom? + +Frau Heinecke. Yes!--I don't know what I'm about!--I'm actually dizzy +from joy! (_Drops into_ the work-stool) + +Frau Hebenstreit. Do the folks on the avenue know about it yet?[1] + +Frau Heinecke. He had to report to 'em to-day because they're his boss. +To-morrow he'll make the visit. + +Frau Hebenstreit. How long has he been gone, anyway? + +Frau Heinecke. Seven--eight--nine and a half years. It's as long as +that since I've seen my boy! (_She sobs_) + +Frau Hebenstreit. And did you recognize him right off? + +Frau Heinecke. Well, how should I? Last night about eight--Heinecke was +half asleep over the Lokal Anzeiger.[2] 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---- + +Frau Hebenstreit. (_Listening attentively_) Ah---- + +Frau Heinecke. 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! +(_She cries_) + +Frau Hebenstreit. 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. + +Frau Heinecke. How can you say a thing like that! My son is a good son, +a fine son. + +Frau Hebenstreit. Too fine, Frau Heinecke! When a person's been +traveling around in all them foreign lands and living in silks and +satins---- + +Frau Heinecke. He can have all that here--(_Indicating the silk +upholstered chairs_) + +Frau Hebenstreit. (_With a grimace_) Yes, yes,--but whether he will or +not---- + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Frau Hebenstreit. 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! + +Frau Heinecke. 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---- + + +(Heinecke _enters, limping, with a huge placard. One of his arms is +stiff. _) + + +Heinecke. Hurrah! Now we've---- + +Frau Heinecke. Will you be still! + +Heinecke. (_Reading the placard_) "Welcome, beloved son, to your +father's house." Fine, eh? + +Frau Hebenstreit. Looks for all the world like a target! + +Heinecke. With a heart in the middle! You old--! + +Frau Heinecke. Hold your tongue!--(_To_ Frau Hebenstreit) You know how +he is! + + +(Heinecke _takes a hammer and tacks and climbs on chair to tack up the +placard. _) + +Frau Hebenstreit. I wonder where your son got all his fine manners +anyway? Not from _his_ family, did he? + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Heinecke. (_Standing on the stool_) Talking about me? Yes, that wasn't +no joke, neither! (_Whistles_) + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Frau Hebenstreit. And did he stick to it? + +Heinecke. (_Working_) Ah, there! + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Frau Hebenstreit. That was all before Alma--? + +Frau Heinecke. (_More quietly_) What do you mean by that? + +Frau Hebenstreit. Aw, nothing, I---- + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Heinecke. It grows out there just like daisies do around here! (_Gets +down from the stool_) Fine, eh? + +Frau Heinecke. And he got along pretty well out there, and, Lord, here +he is home again and I stand around and---- + +Frau Hebenstreit. I'm a-going. Good-bye, and don't forget the poison in +the rat's tail! (_Aside_) It's a pretty kettle of fish! (_She goes +out_) + +Heinecke. She's an old poison-toad herself! + +Frau Heinecke. Jealousy--jealousy--jealousy! + +Heinecke. Well! Where did you get the pound-cake! + +Frau Heinecke. The cook brought it, with the compliments of the Miss. + +Heinecke. (_Turning away_) 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[3] in a minute! (_Looking +lovingly at the placard_) "Welcome, beloved son----" + +Frau Heinecke. (_Suddenly_) Father, he's here! + +Heinecke. Who? + +Frau Heinecke. Our boy! + +Heinecke. (_Pointing to placard_) We're ready for him! + +Frau Heinecke. Shh! I heard something! (_Listening_) 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---- + +Heinecke. All I'll say is: "Welcome, beloved"--did you put some of that +swell soap of Alma's on his washstand? + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Heinecke. Look here a minute--does this look all right? + +Frau Heinecke. Quiet!--He's coming. Your tie's slipped up again! I'm +ashamed of you! (_Smoothes the cover of the arm-chair_) Lord, how +nervous I am! + +(Robert _bursts into the room and runs to his parents, who stand +stiffly before him, embarrassed._) + +Robert. Good morning. Father!--Good morning, Mother I (_He +embraces his mother and repeatedly kisses her hand_) I +am--absolutely--inhumanly--happy! + +Heinecke. "Welcome, beloved son"--(_As_ Robert _bows over his hand he +rubs it on his trousers_) You're going to kiss my hand?!! + +Robert. Certainly, if you'll let me! + +Heinecke. (_Extending his hand_) Now you can see what a good son he is! + +Robert. (_Looking about_) 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! + +Heinecke. Parrots? That must be nice! Here only the rich folks can have +'em! + +Robert. 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! + +Heinecke. Why? + +Robert. 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 (_Tenderly_) a bit of a +chatterbox! (_Stretching himself_) 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--(_Strokes the paste-pot_) And my confirmation +certificate--framed! And the machinery makes the same, dear old noise! + +Frau Heinecke. You never slept a wink on account of that old +machine--eh? It bumps and bangs the whole night! + +Robert. 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, _you_ can't do anything for the glory of the house of Muhlingk. +_Here_ is a lever that must be reckoned with! Wasn't that a proud +thought?--And then my heart warmed for our benefactor. + +Heinecke. Huh! + +Robert. What, Father? + +Heinecke. Aw, nuthin'! + +Robert. And I have sworn that I won't slacken in his service until I've +drawn my last breath! + +Heinecke. I should think by this time you'd have done about enough for +them! + +Frau Heinecke. You've scraped and slaved for them for ten years! + +Robert. 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. + +Heinecke. Kurt--Oh, he's a fine young gentleman! But as for the +rest--"The Moor has paid his debt"[4] as the Berliner says--show me the +rabble! (Robert _swallows his answer and turns away, frowning_) But, +Bobby, look around! Don't you notice anything? He don't see anything, +Mother! + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, stop your chatter! + +Heinecke. Chatter! Ho! When I try to welcome my dear son back to his +father's house, then it's chatter! (_Leads_ Robert _to the placard_) +W--what do you say to that, eh? + +Robert. Did you make that, Father, you with your lame arm? + +Heinecke. Ah! I make lots of things. If the poor old cripple didn't +take a hand this fine family would have starved long ago!--(_Rather +roughly_) What are you standing there staring at. Mother? Where's the +coffee? + +Frau Heinecke. Well, well! (_Starts to go_) + +Robert. (_Hurrying after her_) Oh, Mother, he didn't mean anything! + +Frau Heinecke. Mean anything? Ha! Ha! he's only talking that way to +make you think he's the man of the house! (_She goes out_) + +Robert. (_After a pause, he tries to soothe over the unpleasantness_) +You still paste boxes. Father? + +Heinecke. Still at it! + +Robert. And the arm doesn't bother you? + +Heinecke. My arm, ha! ha! ha! my arm! Do you want to see how I do it! +First the pasteboard--so--then the fold--so! (_With great speed he +sweeps the pastebrush across two sheets of cardboard, pressing them +into place with his left elbow_) Who could beat your old cripple at +that? + +Robert. You are a regular juggler. + +Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. (_Indignantly_) Father! + +Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. Are you quite fair to her? Doesn't she cherish you as the apple +of her eye? + +Heinecke. Lord, I didn't mean to say anything against her--shh!--here +she comes! (_Enter_ Frau Heinecke _with a steaming coffee-pot_) Sit +down, Bobby,--No, here in the arm-chair! Wait a minute! (_Pulls off the +covering from the chair_) Such a fine gentleman ought to sit on pure +silk! + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. Where did all these wonderful things come from. + +Frau Heinecke. From the Councillor! + +Robert. He gives you things like this? + +Heinecke. Naw, only---- + +Frau Heinecke. (_Aside_) Ssh! don't you know that Herr Kurt doesn't +want it known? (_To_ Robert) Yes, last Christmas he gave us the mirror, +and this Christmas the two chairs. Father, quit boring holes in the +pound cake! + +Robert. Really, I don't like this sort of generosity! + +Frau Heinecke (_Pouring out coffee_) 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---- + +Robert. Alma? + +Heinecke. Yessir! We did everything for our girl we were able to do. + +Frau Heinecke. And you always sent money---- + +Robert. So that she should have a proper schooling, and learn millinery +and bookkeeping. That's what we agreed on. + +Frau Heinecke. Yes--that was before--! + +Robert. Before? Hasn't she the same position now? + +Frau Heinecke. Not for the last six months. + +Robert. What is she doing now? + +Heinecke. (_Proudly_) She is cultivating her voice! + +Robert. Why, I never heard she was musical! + +Heinecke. Awful musical! + + (_They drink the coffee._) + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Robert. But why did you keep that from me? + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, it was such a long way, clear out to India, you +forget such things--and then, we wanted to give you a surprise! + +Robert. (_Gets up and walks excitedly up and down_) Auguste really +takes good care of her? + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Robert. And when she stays away all night, doesn't that worry you? + +Heinecke. Huh! Big girl like that! + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. And Auguste is happy? + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, so--so. Her husband boozes a little, and when it +comes to working, he ain't much, but---- + +Heinecke. But when it comes to sulking and raising Cain, he's right at +home! + +Frau Heinecke. 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, (_Goes to the window_) There she comes! And +she's brought her husband along, too! + +Robert. What? Isn't Alma with her? + + + (Auguste _and_ Michalski _come in._) + + +Auguste. Well, well, here you are! (_They kiss each other_) 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! + +Robert. Well, brother-in-law, give me your hand,--one of the family! + +Michalski. Honored! Don't often happen that a horny hand like this is +so honored! + +Robert. That doesn't sound very brotherly. (_To Auguste_) Where's Alma? + +Auguste. Our Princess was afraid she wasn't beautiful enough for the +foreign brother! She had to stay and burn her bangs first. (Robert _is +deeply concerned_) She'll probably come by the next car. Where did you +get the pound-cake? (Frau Heinecke _passes the cake around and_ +Michalski _and_ Auguste _eat_) + +Frau Heinecke. Eat another piece, Bobby! + + +(Robert _refuses, but the others eat._) + + +Heinecke. (_After a pause_) What do you say to that, Michalski, +"Welcome, beloved son." + +Michalski. (_Eating_) Nonsense! + +Robert. (_Surprised_) Brother-in-law! + +Heinecke. What? What I did with this noble heart and this lame arm! + + + (Robert _pacifies him._) + + +Michalski. 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---- + +Heinecke. 'Specially when a man goes walking at eleven o'clock and eats +pound-cake to boot! + +Auguste. Are you two at it again? (_To_ Michalski) Will you never shut +up? Can't you see he's in his second childhood? + +Heinecke. I'm in--Good!--Now you see! That's the way I'm treated by my +own children! + +Robert. (_Aside to_ Auguste) Really, sister, I never thought you would +say a thing like that! + +Auguste. What are you talking about? + + + (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) + +All. (_Except_ Robert) It's Wilhelm! Good morning, Wilhelm! (Heinecke +_and_ Michalski _shake hands with him_) + +Frau Heinecke. Who is the pretty bouquet for? That must be for somebody +in the city. + +Wilhelm. No, it's for you ... You are the young gentleman? (Robert +_nods--cordially_) Awful glad to know you! (_About to offer his hand_) + +Robert. (_Smiling_) Very kind of you. + +Wilhelm. 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---- + +Robert. Were you commissioned to say that, too? (_Controlling his +feelings_) + +Wilhelm. No, not---- + +Robert. Then keep it to yourself! + + (_The servant starts to go._) + + +Frau Heinecke. Wouldn't you like to have a piece of pound-cake with us, +Wilhelm? There's plenty left! + +Robert. Please, Mother! (_Gives_ Wilhelm _a gold-piece_) 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! +(Wilhelm _goes_) + +Frau Heinecke. A count! What sort of a count? + +Robert. A friend of mine, Mother, to whom I am under great obligation. + +Auguste. (_Softly to_ Michalski) He pretends to have a count for a +friend! + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Auguste. Us common folks don't have counts for friends! + +Michalski. We have to be contented with servants! + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. And you accepted them, Mother? + +Frau Heinecke. Why not, my boy! We're poor folks--we ought to be glad +to get things like that for nothing! + +Robert. 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? + +Frau Heinecke. 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---- + +Robert. For heaven's sake. Mother, stop! + +Heinecke. That wouldn't be so bad--two millions! + +Michalski. Would you lend me a little then, eh, Brother-in-law? + +Robert. (_To himself_) How much longer must I be tortured? + + +(Alma _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._) + + +Alma. Good morning, everybody. + +Robert. (_Runs to her and embraces her_) Alma! Thank God! + +Michalski. (_To_ Auguste) The two swells of the family! + +Auguste. (_Lovingly_) 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. + +Alma. Auguste, that's mean. + +Robert. Oh, she didn't mean anything. Now be good again! + +Alma. (_Affected_) My own dear brother! + +Auguste. (_Aside_) Lord, ain't it touching! + + + (Frau Heinecke _helps_ Alma _off with her jacket._) + + +Heinecke. Now what do you say? (_Stroking her cheek_) Are you my little +treasure or not, eh? + +Alma. (_Trilling_) "Oui, cher papa! c'est Girofla!" + +Heinecke. Do you hear how she sings? Real Italian! + +Robert. Now what's this I hear: you want to be a great singer? + +Alma. Well, I'd not object to that! + +Frau Heinecke. Won't you cat a little piece of pound-cake, Alma? + +Alma. Merci beaucoup! (_Goes about in front of the mirror, eating_) + +Robert. And you are studying hard? + +Alma. (_Her mouth full of cake_) 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! + +Frau Heinecke. Poor child! + +Alma. "Oh, yes. Ma!"[5] I've been studying English, too! I'm awfully +cultured.--Oh, what I've learned! + +Heinecke. Yes sir! D'ye see! + +Alma. And above all--we only live once--have a good time, that's the +main thing! Are you happy, too, brother? + +Robert. Certainly, when I have reason to be. + +Alma. 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! + +Robert. Were you in the cafe? + +Alma. I? How could I be? Through the window it was! You don't have +things like that in India? Do you? + +Robert. No, we certainty don't. + +Alma. We're pretty far advanced in culture here. Somebody told me that +Berlin was almost as beautiful as Paris. Is that so? + +Robert. I don't know Paris, dear. + +Alma. Ugh! That's a shame! Every young man ought to know Paris. + +Robert. (_Charmed, yet shocked by her vulgarity_) You little silly! + +Alma. Ha I ha! ha! I'm a funny one! don't you think? Ha! ha! Yes, +that's the way! (_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_ Auguste's _nose_) Smell it? + +Auguste. (_Aside_) Fine! What's that? + +Alma. (_Aside_) Ixora, the very latest from Paris--got it to-day! + +Auguste. Coming out to-night? + +Alma. Don't know! He'll send me word--But to-morrow evening we're going +to the masked ball! Ha! ha! + +Robert. Now let's be sensible again, little one. Come here--Sit +down--Here! Here! + +Alma. Heavens! How you act! This is going to be a regular +cross-examination! + +Robert. I'm going to ask you a lot of questions. + + +(Frau _and_ Herr Heinecke _group themselves about_ Alma's _chair_. +Michalski _sits on the work table_, Auguste _beside him on the stool._) + + +Alma. Go ahead! S'il vous plait. Monsieur! + +Michalski. (_Aside to_ Auguste) This will be a nice mess! + +Robert. How did you happen to discover this talent? + +Alma. It comes like love--can't tell how! + +Robert. (_Unpleasantly affected_) Hum--But someone must have told you +about it! + + + (Alma _shrugs her shoulders._) + +Frau Heinecke. Don't you remember, child? It was Herr Kurt that---- + +Robert. The young manager? + +Heinecke. Certainly. + +Robert. But how did he know----? + +Frau Heinecke. 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---- + +Robert. But why do you let Mother tell everything, Alma? + +Auguste. (_To_ Michalski) She's so modest. + +Alma. That a voice like mine should be wasted here in the alley--and +that _I_ should not be wasted here in the alley, for that matter! It's +really an imposition on you, Gnadiges Fraulein, he said! + +Frau Heinecke. I heard that myself: "Gnadiges Fraulein!" + +Heinecke. My daughter, yes sir! + +Robert. Go ahead. Alma! + +Alma. 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 _cercle +musical_--that means a musical circle--made up of young ladies of the +best families.--One is engaged to a lieutenant of the Hussars. + +Robert. And what is the teacher's name? + +Alma. (_Suspiciously_) What do you want to know for? + +Robert. Because it can't be any secret! + +Alma. Her name is Signora Paulucci. + +Heinecke. (_Enthusiastically_) Real Italian! + +Robert. (_Taking out his note-book_) And her address? + +Alma. (_Quickly_) You don't need to go there. It's true! + +Robert. Of course it's true. But I'd like to hear the teacher's own +opinion about your voice. (Alma _looks quickly toward_ Auguste) + +Auguste. You can go to her lesson with her tomorrow. + +Alma. Yes, to-morrow! + +Robert. Good! (_Gets up and walks back and forth excitedly_) I don't +want to make you feel badly, dear, but I must admit I don't share your +great hopes. + +Heinecke. Eh? + +Robert. 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! (Alma _takes the +vase from the table and buries her face in the flowers_) Wouldn't +it be strange if we were to owe everything--even this piece of good +fortune--to the house of Muhlingk! + + + (Michalski _laughs mockingly._) + + +Alma. Mama, who sent me this bouquet? + +Frau Heinecke. That's a welcome to--(_Indicates_ Robert) from the +Gnadiges Fraulein! + +Alma. Oh, from her! (_She puts down the vase_) + +Robert. 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? (_A pause_) +You, for instance. Brother-in-law, what made you laugh so scornfully? +(_Silence_) 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! + +Alma. 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----! + +Auguste. She's the same way to me. + +Robert. (_Sorrowfully, to himself_) That isn't like her! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Tenderly_) Just wait till she marries my boy! + +Robert. (_Shocked,--interrupting her_) Mother! But I'd forgotten: I've +brought some presents for my sisters, and you, too, Brother-in-law. + +Auguste. (_Jumping up greedily_) What have you got? Where is it? + +Robert. In the bed-room. There's a card with each one's name on it. + + + (_The three_, Auguste _ahead, hurry into the bedroom._) + +Heinecke. And you've got nothing for us? + +Robert. There wasn't anything out there good enough for you, dear +parents. Tell me what you want? + +Frau Heinecke. If I should see the day when I had a sofa to match them +arm-chairs--(_She sees that_ Robert _is staring ahead without listening +to her_) But you ain't listening! + +Robert. (_Sadly reproving_) No, mother, I wasn't listening! + +Heinecke. (_Defiantly_) And I want a new paste-pot--you ought to be +able to afford that! (_The three come back from the bedroom_. Auguste +_carries a colored shawl_, Alma _a jewel-case_, Michalski _a Turkish +pipe. They surround_ Robert _and thank him_) + +Auguste. What a pity they don't wear Indian shawls any more! + +Michalski. (_Puffing at the stem of his pipe_) Course it don't draw! + +Robert. (_To_ Alma, _who is playing with her jewels_) Are you +satisfied, Alma? Look at the three blue stones, they are Indian +sapphire. + +Alma. Very pretty! But to tell the truth, I like the dark-blue +sapphires more! They have such beautiful brilliancy! + +Robert. How do you know so much about such things? + +Alma. Oh--from the shop windows! People of our sort like to look in +windows! + +Robert. And what's that shining in your ear? + +Alma. Paste, that's all! Two Marks a pair! + +Robert. 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. + +Alma. (_Sullenly, taking off the ear-rings_) As you please! + +Robert. 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! + +Alma. (_Joyfully_) Oh, how heavenly! + +Michalski. (_Laughing_) And I s'pose you hung her up stark naked on a +tree! + + + (Robert _stares at him._) + + +Alma. (_Lovingly_) You're a dear, sweet, old brother! + + + (_A coachman in livery knocks at the window._) + + +Frau Heinecke. Go, see what Johann wants, Father. + +Alma. (_To_ Auguste) Oh, but they'll all turn green with envy when I +wear this to the masked ball to-morrow. + +Auguste. Shh! + +Heinecke. (_From the window_) 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. + + (Alma _and_ Auguste _exchange glances._) + +Robert. What does that mean? + +Auguste. 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. + +Robert. What? She allowed that? You, sister, you accepted that? + +Alma. A poor girl ought to be glad enough to ride in a carriage once in +a while! + +Frau Heinecke. And you save car-fare! + +Robert. Good heavens! And what do the ladies on the Avenue say to that? + +Alma. 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. + +Robert. 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. + +Alma. (_Staring at him_) Well? + +Robert. (_Takes her head in both his_) You are pure!--you are--(_He +kisses her cheeks and forehead_) + +Heinecke. Decide, now! Johann is waiting! + +Robert. Tell Johann, Father, that I'll speak to his master about it +first. + +Alma. What for? It's all been arranged already. + +Robert. You won't use Herr Muhlingk's carriage any more! For a girl of +your--our position, there is always the street-car! + + + (Alma _begins to cry defiantly._) + + +Frau Heinecke. The poor child! + +Auguste. You seem to want to turn everything in this house upside down! + + + (_Children's voices are heard in the court._) + +Heinecke. Come here!--Quick!--A Moor!--in a turban! + +All. (_Except_ Robert, _who remains, troubled, rush to the window_) +That's not a Moor! + +Alma. (_Still sobbing_) Robert--is that--a Moor? + +Robert. (_Darkly_) No, that's my friend's Indian servant. + +Frau Heinecke. Your friend?--is that the count? + +Robert. Yes. + + + (_The servant comes in, and they crowd about him._) + +Robert. Ragharita, your master is welcome in the house of my father! + + +(_Servant goes out. Great excitement_. Frau Heinecke _draws out the +arm-chairs and polishes the mirror_.) + +Alma. (_From the mirror_) Is your count young or old? (Robert _makes no +answer_) My eyes are red!--Red as fire, aren't they, Auguste? And he +may be young! (_She goes out, left_) + +Michalski. Come, Auguste, we won't disturb the great gentlemen! + +Heinecke. Herr Count, I'll say, take a seat in this arm-chair, I'll +say! Oh, we know how to act with the nobility! + +Frau Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. Who did you say had been here, Mother? + + +(_Enter_ Count Trast, _a man between forty and fifty, with gray hair +and a long, blond beard. He is dressed with careless foreign elegance_. +Robert _rushes to him and takes his hand._) + + +Trast. (_Aside to_ Robert) How is this? Hasn't the home fever abated +yet! (_Aloud_) So here we have the long-expected son! (_Shakes his +hand_) 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! + + + (Heinecke _tiptoes out of the door._) + + +Frau Heinecke. Wouldn't the Count like a piece of pound-cake? There is +still some there. + +Trast. Thanks, I shall be glad--I certainly shall! + + + (Frau Heinecke _curtseys out of the room._) + +Trast. You're pale, my boy, and your hands are shaking--what's wrong? + +Robert. Oh, nothing! The happiness--the excitement! It's only natural! + +Trast. Naturally! (_Aside_) He's lying! (_To_ Robert) Tell me, how long +do you intend to stay here? I want to regulate my stay in this great +Europe by that! + +Robert. That's impossible, my friend! Our ways will have to part! + +Trast. Nonsense! + +Robert. I shall ask my employer to give me a position here. The climate +in India--you understand----? + +Trast. That's pleasant! He doesn't want to leave his mother's +apron-strings again, eh? + +Robert. 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. + +Trast. Why was I such a fool? If you're going to--Ugh! It isn't decent! + +Robert. 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! + +Trast. Kaiser, by the grace of coffee! + +Robert. Muhlingk's undertaking in Batavia was on the road to ruin that +minute. + +Trast. No wonder, when it had the worst good-for-nothing in the +Archipelago for its head. + +Robert. 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. + +Trast. 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[6] 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. (Robert _shakes his +head_) 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--(_Aside_) Aha! (_To_ Robert) 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! + +Robert. (_Nervously_) Are such things possible? + +Trast. 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--(Robert _covers his face with his hands_) +Good Lord!--what is it?--Shh! + + + (_Enter_ Frau Heinecke.) + +Frau Heinecke. Bobby! + +Robert. Mother! + +Frau Heinecke. Have you got a corkscrew by you? (_To_ Trast) My +daughter would like to offer you a bottle of wine. It's no ordinary +wine, either, it's the best there is! + +Robert. Comes from the Avenue, I suppose? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Proudly_) It does indeed. + +Robert. There! (_Throws down his knife on the table_) + +Frau Heinecke. How you _do_ act! + +Robert. Yes, I forgot!--Forgive me! + + (Frau Heinecke _goes out._) + +Trast. Now confess, my boy! Trust in me! + +Robert. Oh, if I had only never seen my home again! + +Trast. Ha! so that's where the wind blows from. + +Robert. 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! + +Trast. That's simply rot! + +Robert. 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! + +Trast. Pack your trunk! + +Robert. That would be a cowardly and heartless retreat! Do they deserve +that--My own parents! + +Trast. 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, +_chic_ 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! + +Robert. (_Brooding_) How you had the courage to live after that! + +Trast. Do you know what happened then? + +Robert. (_Absently, tortured by his own thoughts_) I know +nothing--nothing--nothing! + +Trast. 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. + +Robert. And now he's dead! + +Trast. 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! + +Robert. 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! + +Trast. 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! + +Robert. Would to God! (_He sits down_) + + +(_Enter_ Alma, _with a tea-tray, upon which is a bottle of wine and +three glasses. The Count makes a start_, Alma _cries out. The tea-tray +almost falls_) + + +Trast. (_Quickly seizing the situation, steps to her aid_) Came near +being a catastrophe, Fraulein! (_Aside_) It is a catastrophe! + +Robert. See, Trast, this is she! Isn't she an angel? There, give him +your hand, and tell him he's welcome! + +Alma. (_Aside_) Don't tell on me--eh? + +Trast. (_Aside_) Poor devil! How can I get him out of it? + + + CURTAIN. + + + + + ACT II. + + +Scene:--_The drawing-room in the_ Muhlingk's _house_ (_The +"Vorderhaus"_). _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_. Herr +Muhlingk, Frau Muhlingk, Kurt _and_ Leonore _are drinking coffee in the +drawing-room. The servant who has passed the cups goes out_. + + +Kurt. As I remarked before, the black horse is fine! + +Kurt. Expensive it certainly is! + +Frau Muhlingk. I shall make up the rest of the money, just to stop the +argument. + +Kurt. (_Kisses her hand_) My best thanks, Mama;--Now I can show myself +to Berlin mounted and spurred!--You can admire me, too, Lori! + +Leonore. (_Without looking up from her book_) Yes, my dear. + +Kurt. Lothar Brandt and Hugo Stengel wanted to come out to see the +beast. Perhaps that doesn't interest you either, Lori? + +Leonore. They will probably come often. They haven't anything else to +do. (_Looking at the clock--aside_) Oh, how the time drags! (_The +servant goes out_) + +Frau Muhlingk. You must not speak so harshly about these gentlemen, my +child. You know Lothar wants to pay court to you. + +Leonore. Really? + +Frau Muhlingk. Haven't you noticed it? + +Leonore. I haven't paid any particular attention. + +Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) It's unbearable, Theodore! + +Muhlingk. We've had enough of this tone, my child. Even the pride in +your paternal bank account has its limits. + +Leonore. (_Looking at him_) Pride in the paternal bank account? + +Muhlingk. 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---- + +Kurt. That is to say, he married a rich wife. + +Muhlingk. What's that, Kurt? + +Kurt. An exclamation of admiration, Father; nothing else. + +Muhlingk. 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! + +Kurt. --and cheap, too! + +Leonore. Your accusation doesn't apply to me, papa. + +Frau Muhlingk. Will you condescend to give us an explanation then? + +Leonore. Mama! + +Frau Muhlingk. (_Nervously_) Well? + +Leonore. (_Rising_) 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. + +Muhlingk. You call that modest? If that is modest, what is to become of +the sanctity of family ties? + +Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) Do you hear that? I haven't slept for +nights and nights! + +Leonore. Because of me, mama? + +Frau Muhlingk. 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! + +Leonore. You mean Robert? + +Frau Muhlingk. The young Herr Heinecke, I mean. + +Leonore. He isn't a clerk. He is almost a member of the family! + +Kurt. Oh, thank you. + +Frau Muhlingk. (_Mildly_) That is, we brought him up out of the gutter. + +Muhlingk. (_As the servant enters_) Eh? + +Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the alley sends word that he will +take the liberty of---- + + (Leonore _looks at the clock involuntarily._) + +Muhlingk. Well, well--just like a noble gentleman! That is good! + +Wilhelm. --calling, with your permission. He named another gentleman. +Count Trast, or someone---- + +Muhlingk. (_Jumping up_) What! Count Trast! Trast and Company, Kurt! +The coffee King. (_Motions the servant off_) + +Kurt. What luck that clerk has! + +Muhlingk. Oh, we must invite him to the house, Amalie. + +Frau Muhlingk. Very good,--to-morrow morning. + +Leonore. What! and not invite Robert Heinecke too? + +Kurt. (_Aside_) Better and better! + +Muhlingk. 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---- + +Leonore. (_Indignantly_) Oh, I did not mean it that way, papa! + +Muhlingk. Oh, that's all right. + +Frau Muhlingk. And, Kurt, you must take care that the young fellow +doesn't make any _faux pas_. He comes from the alley, you know. A thing +like that might spoil the whole affair. + +Kurt. (_Standing up_) Pardon me, did you expect I would invite my +friends? + +Muhlingk. Certainly, your friends, too! Bachelors always have plenty of +time. + +Kurt. (_Standing up_) 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 (_Indicating the alley_) Herr Heinecke. + +Leonore. (_Aside_) Would you rather have the brother of Miss Heinecke +here? + +Kurt. (_Shocked, then gathering himself together_) What do you mean? + +Leonore. Be thankful I don't insist on an answer. + +Kurt. Really! + +Leonore. Shall I? + +Kurt. So you're threatening me, are you? + +Muhlingk. My dear children, in this house we won't have any scenes, +please. + +Frau Muhlingk. 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? + + + (Muhlingk _kisses her ceremoniously on the forehead._) + + +Kurt. (_Aside_) The good old days! Goodbye! (Frau Muhlingk _goes +towards door_. Muhlingk _rings_) + + +Leonore. (_Hurrying after_ Frau Muhlingk) Mother! + +Frau Muhlingk. (_Turns around, speaks nervously, but in a friendly +tone_) Never mind! It's all right! (_She goes out_) + +Muhlingk. Ask any visitors to come into my office. + + + (Muhlingk _and the_ Servant _go out_. Kurt _also starts to go._) + +Leonore. It seems to me we have something to say to each other. + +Kurt. We? Oh, no! + +Leonore. You don't want to draw me into an argument, perhaps? + +Kurt. 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. + +Leonore. 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. + +Kurt. What good would that do? + +Leonore. You play the dutiful son and then make fun of your parents +behind their backs. Believe me, Kurt; you are ruining your character. + +Kurt. (_Laughing_) No! + +Leonore. There is just one thing I ask of you--at least keep this house +and its surroundings sacred. + +Kurt. We'll do that with the help of the Lord! + +Leonore. 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---- + +Kurt. (_Shrugging his shoulders_) Yes, and you allow yourself to carry +the gossip of the backstairs about---- + +Leonore. 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 _were_ so--and you +were to blame, Kurt, take care! He would break you in pieces! + +Kurt. Who? My clerk?--with his sample-case? + +Leonore. And you stoop to steal this from your clerk. + +Kurt. What's that? Steal--steal what? + +Leonore. His position in the world! His good name! + +Kurt, The good name of Heinecke--bah! + + +(_Enter a servant with two visiting cards which he hands to_ Leonore.) + + +Leonore. Visitors for you. + +Kurt. Who? + +Leonore. Read! + +Kurt. Lothar Brandt.--Hugo Stengel.--Show them in. (_Throws the cards +on the table_, Servant _goes out_) + + + (Leonore _drops into the rocking-chair._) + +Kurt. Signs and miracles! You didn't run away. + + + (_Enter_ Hugo Stengel _and_ Lothar Brandt.) + + +Lothar. 'Morning, old fellow. + +Kurt. (_Going to him_) You've come to see my horse. This is very good +of you! + +Hugo. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) We took the liberty! + +Lothar. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) If we aren't disturbing the Gnadiges +Fraulein. + +Leonore. (_Politely_) Certainly not. I seldom go into the stables. + + + (Brandt _and_ Stengel _clear their throats._) + +Kurt. Won't you sit down? + +Lothar. We await the permission of Fraulein Leonore. + +Leonore. (_Coolly_) Oh, please! (_She takes a book and begins turning +the leaves_. Kurt _throws her a look. They sit down_) + +Kurt. Well, where were you yesterday? + +Lothar. (_Affectedly_) 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. + +Hugo. Alarmingly--53 and a half. + +Lothar. Alarmingly, is not the right word. It _is_ sinking. We'll make +a fight. Then I made some visits, then I dined at the Officers' +Association---- + +Leonore. (_Looking up_) Ah, you are an officer? + +Lothar. (_Insulted_) I thought you knew, Gnadiges Fraulein?--I am a +Reserve Lieutenant in the "Crown Prince" Cuirassier regiment. + +Leonore. (_Smiling, looking toward the table_) Ah, yes! Note visiting +card! + +Kurt. (_Slapping him on the back_) And besides that, boots and saddles +astride Papa's desk chair. + +Lothar. (_Sharply_) Oh I say, old fellow! + +Leonore. The desk chair isn't the slowest horse in the race for fortune +you know, Herr Lieutenant. + +Hugo. Oh, that was good! + +Kurt. But I looked for you last evening. + +Lothar. 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? + +Leonore. Is that forbidden? + +Lothar. But really, you know, you in your pride and seclusion, have +hardly an idea what the word _saison_ means in our good German tongue. + +Hugo. It is quite two months, Gnadiges Fraulein, that I have done what +you might really call sleeping. + +Kurt. And that was on a billiard table. + +Lothar. 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. + +Leonore. I have made such an effort to understand you that I already +begin to feel sorry for you. + +Hugo. (_Aside to_ Lothar) I believe the girl is making fun of us. + +Lothar. (_Aside, arrogantly_) Every woman tries to be a coquette. + +Kurt. (_Who has gone over to_ Lenore, _aside_) You don't need to be so +disagreeable. + +Leonore. (_Rocking_) Hm? (_Goes on reading_) + +Lothar. Might I ask what it is that takes so much of the Gnadiges +Fraulein's attention. + +Kurt. (_To himself_) If he would only let her be! + +Leonore. Something that would hardly be of interest to the martyrs of +amusement--for it concerns the martyrs of labor. + +Lothar. Ah, I see. + +Hugo. (_Getting up_) But weren't we going to see the horse? + +Lothar. Ah yes! you two go ahead--The martyrs of labor interest me more +than the Gnadiges Fraulein believes. + +Kurt. (_To himself_) Oh, the poor devil! + +Hugo. Good heavens! + +Kurt. Come, Stengel, come! (_They go out_) + +Leonore. (_Looking impatiently at the clock_) In what way can I be of +service to you, Herr Brandt? + +Lothar. Gnadiges Fraulein, I very much regret that you quite +misunderstand me, for although I admit that I---- + +Leonore. And in order to prove that, you are willing to waste---- + +Lothar. A moment, please! + +Leonore. (_Aside_) A proposal! + +Lothar. My faults may be without number, but, Gnadiges Fraulein, I am a +man of honor. + +Leonore. 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. + +Lothar. Then you respect honor no more? + +Leonore. 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. + +Lothar. I must admit, Gnadiges Fraulein, you have intimidated me. And +that is something! For what is a man without courage? + +Leonore. Ah, that is another thing. Courage, I can respect! But what +have you done so far that has shown your courage? + +Lothar. Ask my friends. That at least is above reproach. + +Leonore. In other words, you have fought a duel. + +Lothar. One doesn't discuss such things before ladies. + +Leonore. 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? + +Lothar. (_Indignantly_) How can you ask that? Such a thing could never +occur to me! + +Leonore. Or have you never silently borne an unworthy suspicion? + +Lothar. I? Silently? On the contrary. + +Leonore. Never? + +Lothar. Never, Fraulein. + +Leonore. Then one can't be absolutely certain about your courage, +Herr--may I say Lieutenant?--(_She rises_) First the test, and then +perhaps we can discuss the matter further. + +Lothar. (_Trying to hold her back_) Fraulein-- + + + (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) + +Wilhelm. Will the gentlemen step in here a moment? + +Leonore. At last! + + (Robert _and the_ Count _enter_; Lenore _runs to meet_ Robert.) + + +Trast. (_To himself_) So that's the story! (_To the servant who is +about to go out_) Here, come here! (_He takes one of the cards from the +tray and puts it in his pocket_) + + +Lothar. (_Looking at_ Robert _and_ Leonore) What does that mean? + +Trast. My card is enough. + + + (_The servant goes out._) + +Robert. Leonore, I've brought Count Trast, my benefactor and my best +friend. + +Leonore. (_Remembering_ Lothar) The gentlemen will permit me to +introduce Herr Lothar Brandt? Herr Count von Trast--Herr Robert +Heinecke, a playmate of my childhood. + +Lothar. (_To himself_) She introduces me to Alma's brother--That is +fine!--The gentlemen will pardon me, but my friends--(_Stutters and +clears his throat_) + +Trast. Are waiting for you, eh? + +Lothar. (_Staring at him_) Exactly! (_As he goes_) What sort of a count +is he? (_Turns at the door and bows stiffly, clicking his heels and +goes out_) + +Leonore. You have been away from home a long time, Herr Count? + +Trast. I have inhabited the tropics for a quarter century. + +Leonore. For pleasure? + +Trast. As much as possible. Meanwhile I have been speculator in coffee, +cloves and ivory, and elephant-hunter. + +Leonore. (_Laughing_) In which of your many capacities am I to welcome +you then, you many-gifted man? + +Trast. You may take your choice, Gnadiges Fraulein. + +Wilhelm. (_At the door_) The Herr Councillor is at your disposal. + +Robert. I must---- + +Trast. (_To_ Robert) Stay where you are. I have something to say to the +manager first. (_To_ Leonore) For ten years, he has been singing your +praises; shouldn't you take the trouble to listen to ten minutes' +praise of me? + +Leonore. (_Shaking her finger at_ Trast) You are an old rogue! + +Trast. A rogue in your own service! (_He goes out_) + +Leonore. (_Taking_ Robert's _hand_) At last I have you here again! + +Robert. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those words. + +Leonore. Oh, how polite we are!--My words aren't alms! Come here, +(_Leads him to the fireplace_) Sit down--here by the fire--beside me. +You mustn't freeze in cold Germany!--Wait, I'll start up the fire! +(_She blows with the bellows_) 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? (_To herself_) 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. + +Robert. Don't make my heart too heavy. + +Leonore. That's the last thing I want to do. + +Robert. But that's what you're doing when you conjure up this ghost of +a happiness that is now forever buried. + +Leonore. Oh, if you were only as you used to be. + +Robert. So I am. Heaven knows!--but there is a gulf between us! + +Leonore. Then there was--yes! + +Robert. 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? + +Leonore. Well? + +Robert. You said: "Be true to me, Robert." + +Leonore. Is that what I said? Exactly that? + +Robert. Such a thing one doesn't forget. + +Leonore. They had forbidden us to call each other by our first names. + +Robert. But you did it just the same. + +Leonore. And why don't we do it any more? + +Robert. You are playing with me. + +Leonore. 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. + +Robert. 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. + +Leonore. Your own pride punishes your lying words! + +Robert. Perhaps it is my pride that forces me to accept this position! + +Leonore. And you are not willing to sacrifice a little of it for my +sake? + +Robert. 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. + +Leonore. My dear friend, one doesn't have to go to India to become +estranged from one's family. + +Robert. You, too? + +Leonore. 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----? + +Robert. Shh! + + + (Trast _and_ Muhlingk _enter at the right._) + +Muhlingk. (_To_ Trast) Well, until to-morrow then. Count.--Ah, there is +the young man. (_Extending his hand_) Welcome, welcome, do you want to +go over the report at once? + +Robert. I only came to present my respects, Herr Councillor, my papers +aren't unpacked yet. + +Muhlingk. Well, well, there's no hurry. But what are you doing here, +Leonore? + +Leonore. I simply wanted to say how d'ye do to Robert. + +Muhlingk. 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. + +Trast. You can get to know him better if you are alone with him. (_To_ +Robert) I'll wait for you here. + +Leonore. (_Shaking_ Robert's _hand_) Au revoir, Robert. + +Muhlingk. Hm! (_Reprovingly. He goes out with_ Robert) + +Leonore. Count, you heard--? I must go. + +Trast. Gnadiges Fraulein! (Leonore _goes to door, he watches her, she +turns and he shakes his finger at her_) + +Leonore. (_Surprised_) What do you mean, Count? + +Trast. Hm--I mean! (_He claps his hands_) + +Leonore. And what does that mean? + +Trast. That means--(_Through his hands_) Bravo! + +Leonore. (_Dignified_) I don't understand you. Count--ah! (_She bursts +out laughing and goes up frankly and puts out her hand_) Yes, I do +understand. + +Trast. (_Taking her hand in both his_) That's better. + +Leonore. Count! + +Trast. Fraulein! (Leonore _goes out_) She's a splendid specimen--that +girl! I'll let her have him. He must have her. + + + (_Enter_ Kurt.) + + +Kurt. (_To_ Stengel _who is coming in_) Courage, courage, my boy! Come +in. + +Trast. (_Recognising_ Kurt _as he comes in with_ Brandt) He--here! + +Kurt. (_Sees_ Trast; _startled, goes up to him, in a low voice_) You +wished to see me, sir? + +Trast. No, but I'm glad to see you. + +Kurt. With whom have I the honor----? + +Trast. Count Trast. + +Kurt. (_Astonished and very polite_) Ah, we may thank--thank--our +employe--er--our--a traveling acquaintanceship, I suppose--for this +visit? + +Trast. You are the son of the house? + +Kurt. 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. + +Trast. You think so? + +Kurt. 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? + +Trast. Especially, as the girl's brother is the best friend I have? + +Kurt. (_Frightened, controls himself, then, after a pause_) What do you +intend to do? + +Trast. 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. + +Kurt. And otherwise? + +Trast. That would be a matter for Herr Heinecke to settle. + +Kurt. Do you think I would accept a challenge from my clerk? + +Trast. Your what?--Oh, I see. + +Kurt. Count, do what you please. + +Trast. 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. + +Kurt. The room is yours, Count. + +Trast. I thank you. (_They separate, and_ Trast _looks at the +pictures_. Kurt _walks excitedly away from the others_) + +Lothar. (_To_ Hugo) 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. + +Hugo. (_Nervously_) You aren't going to start a quarrel? + +Lothar. Why not? The other fellow has some scheme. (_He approaches_ +Trast) The Count seems to like solitude. + +Trast. (_Turning_) Decidedly! + +Lothar. That is rather impolite. + +Trast. (_Looking at him squarely_) Ah! you seem to be carrying your +sense of honor on your shoulder, Herr--er--pardon! + +Lothar. 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." + +Trast. (_Politely_) Is that all? + +Lothar. (_Threateningly_) Is that all, Count? + +Trast. Pardon me! One serves in the Reserves during war time only. When +I came back I hoped that I could live in peace. + +Lothar. You are mistaken, Count, one serves in the Reserves during the +rifle practice, as well. + +Trast. Do you need me for rifle practice? + +Lothar. Permit me, Count, to ask you a question. + +Trast. With pleasure. + +Lothar. 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. + +Trast. Ah? Then it was probably I. + +Lothar. (_Sharply_) The man left the army under a cloud. + +Trast. Exactly! Exactly! (_Very polite_) 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. (_Bows and picks up a portfolio which he examines_) + +Hugo. (_Enthusiastically_) Well, _I_ was never despatched as elegantly +as that, (_He approaches_ Trast _and bows deeply_)--Permit me--my name +is Stengel! + +Trast. (_Turning_) Charmed! + +Hugo. Stengel! (Trast _bows--they talk_) + +Kurt. (_Comes forward and joins_ Lothar) 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? + +Lothar. (_Dismayed_) Why didn't you tell me before? + +Kurt. Whatever happens we must straighten the matter out + +Lothar. If you can do it in perfectly good form. + +Kurt. Pardon me. Count--my friend regrets---- + +Lothar. Regrets is hardly the word, Kurt. + +Kurt. (_Stuttering_) Well--er--er---- + +Trast. Perhaps our friend would like to consider our little +conversation as not having taken place? + +Lothar. We can go as far as that at least, Kurt. + +Trast. I must keep pace with his generosity, and--express the same +desire. + +Kurt. Then the matter is settled. + +Lothar. And I take the liberty to express my pleasure at meeting +personally, the man whose work I have respected for so many years. + +Trast. (_Very politely_) 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. (_They sit down_) In confidence, there is no such thing +as honor, (_All are astonished_) Don't be frightened. It won't hurt +you. + +Lothar. And what we call honor? + +Trast. 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? + +Lothar. (_Sharply_) 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. + +Trast. 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. (_They laugh_) If you happen to know +any of our modern writers on the theme of adultery you might tell them +this story. + + + (_All laugh, and move gradually towards the left._) + + +Trast. (_Continuing_) 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. + +Kurt. But that is a paradox. Count. Is it not permitted to everyone to +be a man of honor? + +Trast. On the contrary. Then the poorest devil in the alley might +dispute the honor of a gentleman. (Kurt _is perplexed_) + +Lothar. If he acts according to honor, then he must be a gentleman. + +Trast. Hm! Really? May I tell you another, a shorter story?--But I am +afraid I'm boring you. + +Lothar _and_ Hugo. (_Laughing_) No!--No! + +Trast. 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 (_Breathes on his left elbow_) absorbed a +little of the pure Castillan sense of honor. (Robert _enters without +being heard and listens_) 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! + +Kurt. (_In a hurt voice_) Listen, that means me! + +Trast. 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? + +Robert. (_Who has made his appearance unobserved_) You are mistaken, my +friend! This fool was right. I should have acted exactly the same way. + +Trast. Oh, oh, it's you! (_Going quickly to him_) You don't know these +people! Don't look around. Come with me. (_Draws him toward the door_) + +Robert. Isn't that Kurt? + +Trast. They are strangers.--Come. You will excuse me, gentlemen? We are +in a hurry. Goodbye. + +Lothar. (_To_ Kurt) Now, I'll settle him. (_To_ Trast) Permit me just +one more question, Count. (_Affectedly_) If you intend to do away with +honor entirely; what do you expect gentlemen of honor to put in its +place? + +Trast. (_Straightening up_) Duty, young man--(_To himself_) This is +certainly unpleasant, Gentlemen---- + +Kurt. (_As_ Trast _and_ Robert _are about to leave_) It was a great +honor to our house, Count. + +Robert. Pardon me, but you are Herr Kurt Muhlingk? + +Kurt. That is my name? + +Robert. (_Confused_) But--aren't--? Of course, you don't recognize me! +I am--(_He is about to offer his hand to_ Kurt) + +Trast. (_Stepping between_) You don't shake hands with this man. + +Robert. (_Looks about confused, stares at_ Kurt, _then at_ Trast, _then +at_ Kurt _again, gives a little cry, then controls himself_) I should +like to have a word with you--Herr Muhlingk--in private. + +Kurt. As you see, I have some guests here now, but in an hour I shall +be at your service. + +Robert. In an hour, Herr Muhlingk! + +Trast. (_To himself_) He found out quickly enough! + + (Trast _and_ Robert _go to the door as_ + + + THE CURTAIN FALLS.) + + + + + ACT III. + + +Scene:--_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_. Robert _sits at the table his face in +his hands_. + + + (_Enter_ Frau Heinecke _in night-cap and wearing a woollen + under-skirt._) + +Frau Heinecke. Good-morning, my son! (_He does not answer_) Poor thing! +he ain't even been to bed! (_Goes to him, wiping her eyes_) Bobby! + +Robert. (_Starts up_) What is it? What do you want? + +Frau Heinecke. Lord, how you yell at me! And your teeth are chattering +with cold! Won't you drink some coffee? (_He shakes his head +decisively_) 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. (_Puts out the lamp_) + +Robert. Mother, Mother, what have you done? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Crying_) We aren't to blame, my boy! + +Robert. Not to blame! + +Frau Heinecke. 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'. + +Robert. But how could you allow her to have anything to do with +that--fellow! + +Frau Heinecke. Perhaps it wasn't really so bad---- + +Robert. 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! + +Frau Heinecke. Why, Robert---- + +Robert. 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. + +Frau Heinecke. Well, I never suspected anything wrong. + +Robert. You must have seen it coming. What did you think when he +brought her home so late at night? + +Frau Heinecke. When a person is asleep, he's glad enough he don't have +to think. Besides, she had a latchkey. + +Robert. But you couldn't neglect the fact that if he brought her home +he must have met her somewhere in the city. + +Frau Heinecke. Well, yes. I thought she was going with him. + +Robert. I don't know what you mean. + +Frau Heinecke. She was _going_ with him. + +Robert. So you said, but I---- + +Frau Heinecke. Just like any young girl goes with a young gentleman. + +Robert. Goes? Where? + +Frau Heinecke. To concerts, to restaurants--If he's got money, to the +theater, and in summer to Grunewald[7] or Treptow.[8] + +Robert. Alone? + +Frau Heinecke. Alone? (_Clacks her tongue_) No! With the young man! + +Robert. I meant: without her parents? + +Frau Heinecke. Certainly. Or do you expect the old mother is going to +toddle after the young ones on her weak legs. + +Robert. Mm! So you knew she "went" with him? + +Frau Heinecke. No, I just thought so. + +Robert. And when you asked her? + +Frau Heinecke. Why should I ask? That would only be wasting breath. A +girl ought to know herself what's good for her. + +Robert. Oh! + +Frau Heinecke. But that she--oh, who'd have thought it! Lord, how you +tremble. I must get this room warm for you. (_Goes to stove_) + +Robert. (_To himself_) No way out! No way to save things! Shame!--a +life of shame! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Into the kitchen_) Father, bring in some coke! +(_Kneels and shakes down the fire_) + +Robert. (_To himself_) What sort of satisfaction can he have meant? +Marriage? (_He laughs_) 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? +(_Gesture_) + + +(_Enter_ Heinecke _in a torn dressing-gown, and large felt slippers, he +carries a basket of coke._) + + +Heinecke. (_Gruffly_) Good-morning. + +Robert. Good-morning, Father. + +Heinecke. (_Muttering_) Yes, yes---- + +Frau Heinecke. Quit grumbling, Father. Help me make a fire. + +Heinecke. Yes--Yes, we'll make a fire, (_They both kneel before the +stove_) + +Robert. (_To himself_) And if I kill him? I'll admit that would be a +relief! But the question remains: what will become of them? (_Looking +toward his parents_) I'm afraid that I can't afford the luxury of a +sense of honor. (_Crying out_) Oh, how vile I am! + +Heinecke. Something wrong, my boy? + +Frau Heinecke. It's because of Alma. He hasn't even been to bed. + +Heinecke. 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. + +Frau Heinecke. (_To_ Heinecke) Father, don't cry! (_They embrace_) + +Robert. (_To himself_) But someone's heart must break! + +Heinecke. 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! (_Swinging the poker_) I'll give her my +curse! My paternal curse! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Arranging the bed_) Now, now, now---- + +Heinecke. Yes, you! You don't understand anything about honor. +(_Strikes his breast_) There lies honor! Out into the streets she'll +go! Out into the night and the storm! + +Robert. Do you want her to be absolutely ruined? + +Frau Heinecke. Let him talk, he don't mean anything. + +Robert. Won't you see where she is? I suppose she's ashamed to show +herself. + +Frau Heinecke. She wanted to sleep. + +Robert. Oh! + +Frau Heinecke. (_She goes to the bed-room door_) Alma! (_No answer_) + +Robert. Oh, she never should have been left alone. + +Frau Heinecke. (_Opens the door_) Just as I said, she's asleep. + +Robert. She can sleep! + +Frau Heinecke. Will you get up, you worthless girl? + +Heinecke. Come, get up, or there'll be trouble. + +Robert. Father, Mother, quick, before she comes! Don't be too hard with +her. It will only make her more stubborn. + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Robert. And suppose she runs away some night? + +Heinecke. Pah, she'll be locked up. I'll have the key in my pocket. +How'll she run away then? + +Robert. 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! + +Heinecke. 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! + +Robert. I beg your pardon. Father--this doesn't concern you. + +Heinecke. Just the same---- + +Frau Heinecke. (_Her apron over her face_) But she is my child, too! +And I love all my children the same! + +Robert. Even if they aren't worthy of your love? + +Frau Heinecke. Then all the more. + +Robert. Shh! + + +(Alma _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._) + + +Heinecke. Hoho! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Wringing her hands_) 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! + + +(Alma _slips past her with her elbows up, as if fearing a blow, into +the kitchen._) + + +Heinecke. (_Walking excitedly up and down_) I'm your poor old father +and I tell you I brought you into the world!--Yes, an honest old man! +That I am! + + +(Alma _appears in the kitchen door with broom and dustpan._) + +Robert. (_To himself_) How sweet she looks in her penitence! and +she---- + +Frau Heinecke. Well, are you going to begin? + +Heinecke. (_Ceremoniously_) Alma, my daughter, come here--close! + +Alma. Please, please, don't strike me. + +Heinecke. 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? + +Alma. Go away--let me alone. + +Heinecke. You defy me, do you?--you don't know me yet! you! + +Frau Heinecke. Father, be still! she's got to work. + +Heinecke. What! I can't be allowed to curse my own disobedient child. + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, that only happens in books! + +Heinecke. Hey? + +Robert. 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. + +Heinecke. And I'm not allowed to curse my--Hmm, wait! + + + (Frau Heinecke _pulls him out of the room._) + + +Robert. (_To himself_) Now I'll see what she really thinks, and what I +have to do! (_Softly_) Come here, sister. + +Alma. Mother said I had to clean the room. + +Robert. That can wait! (_Takes her hand_) 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. + +Alma. You are too good--Much too good! (_She sinks down before him +weeping_) + +Robert. There, there--get up! Sit on the footstool!--There--(_She sits +on the stool_) and straighten up, so I can see your eyes. (_Tries to +lift her head, but she hides it in her lap_) 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? + +Alma. Yes, I know. + +Robert. (_Takes her head in his hands_) 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---- + +Alma. In twenty years I'll be old. + +Robert. Old?--What difference does that make? For us two there is no +more youth. + +Alma. Oh, God! + +Robert. (_Springing up in excitement_) 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! (Alma _sinks down, +her face in the empty chair_) Only we two can heal each other's wounds! +You mine, and I yours. (_To himself_) 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! + +Alma. (_Sitting up_) What? + +Robert. You really love him? + +Alma. Whom? + +Robert. Whom? Him! + +Alma. Oh, yes. + +Robert. And if you lost him entirely, would you feel that you could not +bear it at all? + +Alma. Oh no! + +Robert. Good!--You are a brave little girl!--One can learn to +forget!--One can learn--(_He sits down_) 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! + +Alma. Yes, yes, the girls are bad. + +Robert. 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? + +Alma. If you want me to. + +Robert. No, you must want to with a good will, otherwise it is useless. +I ask you again, will you? + +Alma. Yes, from to-morrow on, I'll do everything. + +Robert. That's right--but why from to-morrow and not from to-day? + +Alma. Because to-day I was---- + +Robert. Well, well? + +Alma. Oh, please---- + +Robert. (_Kindly_) Out with it! + +Alma. I wanted--to--go--so bad--to the masked ball! (_There is a long +pause_, Robert _gets up and paces the room_) May I? + +Alma. May I? + +Robert. Call father and mother. + +Alma. Why not? (_Whining_) Just once! Can't a person have just one good +time, if it's to be the last of everything. + +Robert. Do you know what you're saying?--You---- + +Alma. (_Arrogantly_) 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! + +Robert. (_Starts to speak then stops_) Call Father and mother! + +Alma. And now I'm going to ask father if I--(_As he threatens her_) +Yes, yes, I'm going! (_She goes out_) + +Robert. 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. + + +(_Enter_ Frau Heinecke, _pushing_ Alma _before her_, Heinecke _follows, +his mouth full._) + +Heinecke. This impudence! + +Frau Heinecke. Masked balls cost money. Now, you'll stay at home. + +Heinecke. Do you deserve my curse or not? I curse you again, you toad! + +Robert. Alma, go into the other room! I have something to say to father +and mother. + +Frau Heinecke. And don't slop around so! Dress yourself! The gray dress +with the patches! + +Alma. That old thing! + +Heinecke. Get out! + +Frau Heinecke. And you won't drink any coffee, either! Now, now, don't +cry! (_Aside_) It's on the back of the stove. + + + (Alma _goes out._) + +Robert. Father, Mother,--don't be angry with me--I--you--there must be +a great change in your life. + +Heinecke. What's the matter? + +Robert. 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. + +Frau Heinecke. (_Frightened_) To India? + +Robert. 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. + +Heinecke. (_Defiantly_) Oh yes, choose India! + +Frau Heinecke. I don't know which end I'm on! + +Robert. 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! + +Heinecke. Thousands! + +Robert. And your own house! + +Heinecke. And palms? + +Robert. More than you can use. + +Heinecke. And you can pick the fruit right off the trees. + +Robert. It picks itself. + +Heinecke. And it costs nothing. + +Robert. Almost nothing. + +Heinecke. And the parrots fly around--and the apes? Like out at the +zoo? + +Robert. So you will come? + +Frau Heinecke. What do you think. Father? + +Heinecke. Well--'s far's I'm concerned, we'll come. + +Robert. Thank you, thank you! (_Aside_) Thank God, I didn't have to +force them! And now we mustn't lost a moment. Where is paper and pen? + + + (Heinecke _meditatively scratches his head._) + + +Frau Heinecke. Alma has some. (_She goes into bedroom_) + +Heinecke. Of course, she's always writing letters. (_He shuts the stove +door_) + +Robert. (_To himself with a sigh of relief_) 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. + +Frau Heinecke. (_Entering_) Everything is laid out on the table--or do +you want to write here? + +Robert. No, no, I shan't be disturbed in there. + +Frau Heinecke. You look tired. You must rest a little! + +Robert. (_Shakes his head_) If Herr Muhlingk, Junior, sends word, or +comes himself, call me. (_He goes off_) + +Frau Heinecke. (_Sinking to the chair_) India! + +Heinecke. Drag us old folks half round the world! + +Frau Heinecke. Lord Almighty! + +Heinecke. What is it? + +Frau Heinecke. Michalskis! + +Heinecke. What? Them! (_Buttons his coat_) They'd better come! + + + (_A knock is heard._) + + +Both. (_Quietly_) Come in! + + + (_Enter_ Michalski _and_ Auguste.) + +Michalski. Morning! + +Frau Heinecke. Shh! + +Heinecke. (_Threatening with his fist_) You--you two--get out of here! + +Auguste. (_Sitting down_) It's right cold this morning! + +Michalski. (_Sits down and uncorks a bottle_) Here's a bottle of +liqueur I've brought you. Extra fine--Get me a corkscrew. + +Frau Heinecke. Some other time! We have orders to throw you out the +door! + +Auguste. Who said so? + +Frau Heinecke. Shh! Robert! + +Auguste. What? You let him order you around in your own house. + +Heinecke. (_In an undertone_) Shh! he's In the bedroom there. + +Auguste. (_Pityingly_) Poor father! He's trembling with fear! + +Michalski. The idea of frightening two honest people like that! The +scoundrel! + +Frau Heinecke. He ain't a scoundrel! He's a good boy and he's going to +take care of us! + +Heinecke. Even if he does want us to go to India! + +Both. What! Where? + +Frau Heinecke. To India. + +Auguste. What for? + +Frau Heinecke. Just because Alma wanted to go to a masked ball. + +Michalski. Crazy! + +Frau Heinecke. The few pieces of furniture that made the home so +friendly we've got to leave 'em all behind. + +Auguste. (_Sentimentally_) And poor me, are you going to leave me, +too?--Are you going to sell 'em? + +Frau Heinecke. The furniture? (Auguste _nods_) We'll have to. + +Auguste. The mirror and chairs, too? (Frau Heinecke _nods--With +feeling_) 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! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Looking at her suspiciously, then confidentially, to +her husband_) Father! she wants the arm-chairs already. + +Auguste. (_Returning to the subject_) Or if you will sell 'em, we would +always be the ones to pay the highest, just to keep them in the family. + +Heinecke. But we ain't gone yet. + +Michalski. If I was in your place---- + +Frau Heinecke. 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. + +Auguste. We haven't enough to eat for ourselves. + + + (_A knock is heard. Enter_ Councillor Muhlingk. + _All start up frightened._) + + +Muhlingk. Good-morning, my people. Is your son at home? + +Heinecke. (_Humbly_) Yes, sir. + +Frau Heinecke, (_Opening the door_) Robert! (_Tenderly_) 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! + +Muhlingk. (_Kindly_) Ah? so much the better! Don't wake him. + +Heinecke. Shut the door! + +Frau Heinecke. But didn't he say---- + +Heinecke.--If the young Herr Muhlingk came, he said--(_He shuts the +door quietly_) + +Auguste. (_To_ Michalski, _with gesture of counting money_) Watch! + +Muhlingk. (_Who has been looking around the room_) You seem to be +living in a very comfortable place, my good people. + +Heinecke. (_Deferentially_) Would the Herr Councillor be so kind as to +sit down? + +Muhlingk. Ha! ha! real silk. + +Frau Heinecke. Yes, it is silk. + +Muhlingk. A present, perhaps? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Hesitatingly_) Well, yes, you might say---- + +Muhlingk. (_Innocently_) From my son? + +Heinecke. Yes, sir. \ + > (_Together_) +Frau Heinecke. Sh! / + +Muhlingk. (_Aside_) Rascal! (_Aloud_) 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. + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, that will make him feel bad. + +Heinecke. He loved the Herr Councillor like his own father! + +Muhlingk. Really! I'm glad to hear it! But that is not what brought me +here, good people; you have a daughter. + +Auguste. (_Advancing_) At your service! + +Muhlingk, What can I do for you? + +Auguste. (_Deferentially_) I am the daughter. + +Muhlingk. Ah! very good, very good. But I was not referring to you. The +girl's name is Alma. + +Frau Heinecke. That's it. And a mighty pretty girl, if I do say it +myself. + +Muhlingk. 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. + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, Herr Councillor! + +Muhlingk. 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--(_Laughs discreetly_) Well, you understand! Until then, the entire +sum will be at your disposal. Do you agree? + +Auguste. (_Behind_ Heinecke) Say yes! + +Heinecke. I--I---- + +Muhlingk. 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. + +Heinecke. (_With an exclamation_) God! Herr Councillor, are you in +earnest? + +Frau Heinecke. I'm getting dizzy! (_Sinks into a chair_) + +Muhlingk. (_Aside_) I made it too high!--I put the question again, will +you be satisfied with forty thousand marks? + +Auguste. (_Nudging her father_) Say yes, quick--or he'll come down +again. + +Heinecke. I can't believe it, Herr Councillor! Even the forty--There +isn't that much money--It's nonsense--show me the money. + +Muhlingk. It is at the office, waiting for you. + +Heinecke. 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! (Muhlingk _draws out a check and fills it; hands it +to_ Heinecke: _they all study the writing_) Forty thousand marks! +Always the generous gentleman, Herr Councillor. Give me your hand! + +Muhlingk. (_Putting his hand in his pocket_) 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. + +Heinecke. 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! + +Muhlingk. Certainly! Good-day, my good people! (_Aside_) Pah! (_He goes +out_) + +Heinecke. Mother! Forty thousand! (Michalski _tries to embrace him_) +Three paces to the rear, my son! (_Takes out an old handkerchief and +carefully does up the check in it, then puts it in breast pocket_) Now +you can be as tender as you like. + +Frau Heinecke. I'm half sick with joy! (_The two embrace and weep_) +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! + +Heinecke. And in the evening I can take the horse-car whenever I want! + +Michalski. Exactly four hundred thousand times, at ten pfennigs per! + +Frau Heinecke. And you'll buy me a sofa. + +Auguste. Now you won't be going to India. + +Frau Heinecke. For the Lord's sake. + +Heinecke. Are you crazy? + +Auguste. And what will Herr Robert have to say to that? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Happily_) Yes--Robert! (_Goes to bedroom door_) + +Auguste. (_Holding her back_) I advise you to let him sleep. He'll hear +about it soon enough. + +Frau Heinecke. (_Startled_) What d'you mean by that? + +Heinecke. (_Pulling at_ Frau Heinecke's _dress and pointing to kitchen +door_) He! he! Her! In there! + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, the poor, dear child! + +Heinecke. (_Mysteriously_) Well give her a little surprise!--Shh! (_All +tiptoe to the kitchen door_--Heinecke, _who is leading the way, opens +the door suddenly, then with a cry, starts back_) Wha--wh--Mother! +What's that? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Clasping her hands above her head_) Good Lord! + +Michalski. (_Looking over their shoulders_) The devil! + +Heinecke. (_With pretended severity_) You come here! + +Alma. (_Outside_) Oh, please--no! + +Heinecke. Are you coming? + + +(_Enter_ Alma _dressed in the robe of the Indian Princess, her hands +covering her face for shame. All laugh and exclaim in surprise at the +costume_. Auguste _feels the material._) + + +Auguste. The Indian dress. + +Michalski. From the stark-naked princess! + +Alma. I--just--wanted--to try it on! I'll take it right off! + +Frau Heinecke. Ach! what a little angel! + +Alma. Aren't you angry with me any more? + +Heinecke. Angry! (_Then recalling his severity_) That is--yes--very. +But for once we'll allow mercy to take the place of justice. (_Turning +around_) That was pretty good, eh? + +Frau Heinecke. (_Strokes_ Alma's _hair and leads her toward the left_) +Come, sit down. No, here on the arm-chair! + +Alma. What is it--what's happened? + +Heinecke. Ha! ha! + + + (All _take their places about him._) + + +Alma. And I can go to the masked ball? + +Heinecke. Ha--ha! Yes, you can go to the masked ball. + +Auguste. (_Ironically_) The poor child! + +Heinecke. (_Jumping up_) I must go this minute to the bank! + +Michalski. (_Opening bottle of liqueur_) Wait! We'll wet up our luck so +it'll stick! Alma, some glasses. + +Frau Heinecke. (_Getting up_) Let the poor child sit still! I'll 'tend +to that myself! (_She goes to the washstand and brings a set of liqueur +glasses. To_ Auguste) What did you mean before about Robert? + +Auguste. You'll see quick enough. + +Frau Heinecke. He won't grudge us old folks a little good luck, will +he? + +Michalski. (_Sings_) "_So leben wir, so leben wir!_" + + + (_The moving of a chair is heard in bedroom._) + + +Michalski. Ladies and Gentlemen, I drink to Fraulein Alma Heinecke, our +lucky-child, and above all, the House that has always shown itself, +generous---- + +Heinecke. The house of Muhlingk! Long live the House of Muhlingk! +Hurrah! + + + (Robert _appears at the bedroom door._) + + +All. Hurrah! Hurrah! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Startled_) There he is! + + + (_Embarrassed silence._) + + +Michalski. Morning, brother-in-law. + +Robert. Will you kindly explain, Mother, how these two happen to be +sitting at the table of respectable people? + +Michalski. Oh! + +Heinecke. Don't be so inhospitable! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Going toward him_) Bobby, you mustn't be proud, +specially to your own flesh and blood. + +Robert. Hm--Alma, what is that? Who gave you permission----? + +Heinecke. 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. + +Robert. (_Confused_) What has happened? + +Frau Heinecke. You tell him, Father, you're the one that got the check! + +Robert. What check? + +Heinecke. (_Assuming a pose_) 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. + +Robert. 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! + +Frau Heinecke. Go on! Go on! + +Heinecke. Well, as I said, it's simple enough. The Herr Councillor was +here. + +Robert. He? Why didn't you call me. + +Heinecke. Ah--In the first place because it was not the young +Muhlingk--When _your_ 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? + +Frau Heinecke. Oh, Father! + +Heinecke. Don't interrupt me when I'm giving my son a little +admonition. From now on I'm not going to be fooled with. + +Michalski. (_Behind him_) That's the way to talk. + +Robert. Was the discussion about Alma? + +Heinecke. In the first place the discussion was about you. You have +been discharged from his service, because of insubordination. Frankly, +I expected more gratitude. + +Robert. You? + +Heinecke. (_Sternly_) 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. + +Robert. (_About to break out--controls himself_) Let's talk about Alma! +Did he offer satisfaction? + +Heinecke. Certainly, absolute. + +Robert. (_Hesitating, as if saying something foolish _) Ah--marriage? + +Heinecke. What marriage? + +Robert. With his son---- + +Heinecke. You must be crazy. + +Robert. (_Anxiously_) Well, what else? + +Heinecke. (_Slyly in his ear_) Forty thousand marks! (_Aloud_) Fine, +eh? + +Robert. (_With a cry_) Money! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Frightened_) Lord! I thought so! + +Heinecke. Yes, sir! Here it is, good as gold! + +Robert. What! you took it? + +Heinecke. (_Wonderingly_) Well? + +Robert. He offered you money and you took it! (_Against his will he +springs toward his father_) + +Michalski. (_Stepping between them_) I advise you to leave the old man +alone! + +Robert. (_Reeling back without noticing him_) Mother, you took it! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Folding her hands_) We're poor folks, my boy! (Robert +_sinks down with a strange laugh on the work-stool_. Michalski _and_ +Auguste _gather about_ Heinecke _and_ Frau Heinecke; Alma _sits +smiling, with folded hands_) God have mercy on us! There's something +wrong with him! (_Puts her hand on his shoulder_) 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. + +Robert. 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--(_Desperately_) 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--(Heinecke _turns to_ Michalski, _touching his forehead_) 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! +(_Choking_) Ah, the disgust! It chokes---- + +Frau Heinecke. That kind of talk is enough to turn you cold---- + +Heinecke. So _that_ is my son! + +Robert. 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! + +Heinecke. That's all very well! But a bird in the hand--Let me tell +you! + +Michalski. You're right there, Father! + +Heinecke. I certainly am right!--You run along and chase your sparrows, +my boy. I'll keep the bird I've got. + +Michalski. Bravo! + +Robert. And you, Mother?--(_She turns away_) You too?--God, what have I +left?--Alma, what about you? I offer you everything. Only help me! (_He +takes her hand. She struggles a little. He draws her toward the +center_) You've given yourself away. Well, perhaps that's your right. +But you won't _sell_ yourself--you can't sell your love in the public +market. Alma, tell them that! + +Alma. (_Angrily_) Let me go! + +Auguste. He's breaking the kid's arm. + +Alma. You've got nothing to say to me any more. (_She breaks away_) + +Robert. Little sister! + +Alma. And I'm going to the masked ball, too! Ask mother if I ain't. + +Robert. Mother! + +Frau Heinecke. Why shouldn't the poor child have a little fun once in a +while? + +Robert. (_Overcome_) So we've gone that far? + +Michalski. (_Sitting in chair, mockingly_) Yes, we've gone that far! + +Robert. You--_Procuror_! Get out of that chair! (Michalski _remains +seated_, Robert _takes hold of the back of the chair_) Get up, I say, +and get out of here, both of you! + +Michalski. (_Threateningly_) Now that's a little too fresh! + +Robert. (_Who has seized the chair_) Dare to lay a hand on me! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Throwing herself between them_) You'll break my +arm-chair. + +Robert. I suppose that comes from our friends on the Avenue whom you +hold in such high esteem! + +Frau Heinecke. Of course it does! + +Robert. From our dear Herr Kurt, I suppose? + +Frau Heinecke. Well, yes! + +Robert. (_With a wild laugh_) There it is, then! (_He throws the chair +to the floor, breaking it and kicking the pieces away from him_) + +Frau Heinecke. (_Weeping_) My beautiful arm-chair! (_She picks up the +pieces carrying them to the left--then she sinks down on stool_) + +Heinecke. This is getting uncomfortable! (_He starts to go out, right_) + +Robert. (_Standing in his way_) Will you give that blood-money back? +Yes or no? + +Heinecke. Give it back? (_Contemptuously_) Huh! + +Robert. 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! + +Auguste. Do you hear that, Mother, and he was always your favorite. + +Robert. No, no, Mother, don't listen to me! (_Kneeling beside her_) 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! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Sobbing_) How do I know you won't break the mirror, +too! in your blind fits. + +Robert. (_Looks wildly at mirror, then rises_) We speak different +languages--We can't understand each other. + +Michalski. (_Who has been quietly talking to_ Heinecke. _He slaps_ +Robert _on the shoulder_) Now you've raised enough hell! Get out of +here! + +Robert. (_Pushing him out of the way_) Back! (_As his parents and +sisters surround him with angry cries. Breaks out in hollow laughter_) +Ah, so that's it! You throw me out? + +Michalski. (_Opens door_) Get out! + + + (Count Trast _appears on threshold._) + + +Trast. (_Slapping_ Michalski _on shoulder_) Thank you humbly for the +friendly welcome! + +Robert. (_Recognizing_ Trast, _cries out, then extends his arms as if +to urge him away_) What do you want here?--In this dive?--Do you know +who we are?--We sell ourselves!--(_He laughs_) Look at me! No, I can't +bear it! (_He covers his face with hands_) + + +(_At the sight of_ Trast, Alma _shamefacedly slinks away_. Michalski +_and_ Auguste _follow her into kitchen._) + + +Trast. Pull yourself together! What has happened? + +Heinecke. (_Hat in hand_) 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--(_Bowing_) Count! (_He goes out_) + +Trast. Yes, I understand. (_Lays his hand on_ Robert's _shoulder_) Was +Herr Muhlingk here? + +Robert. My friend! Thank you--I had forgotten! + +Trast. What is it? + +Robert. He wants my accounts. He shall have them. (_Hurries to trunk +which he opens and feverishly looks for something_) + +Frau Heinecke. (_Weeping_) You can thank the Lord, Count, you're not +married! There are right ungrateful sons in this world! + +Trast. (_To himself_) You talk like a mother--(_Realising what he has +said_) Pah! Trast, that wasn't nice! + +Frau Heinecke. Ain't I right? + +Trast. (_Takes her hands in his_) A mother is always right. She has +suffered and loved too much to be anything else. (_Shakes her hand_) + +Frau Heinecke. But, Count! You shake hands with a poor old woman! + +Trast. 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. + + +(Robert _takes out a leather portfolio, looks through it, and lays it +aside. Then he takes out a revolver which he tests._) + + +Trast. (_Aside_) Ah, a revolver! This is how he's going to settle +accounts! + + +(Robert, _seeing he is observed, quickly hides the revolver in his +breast pocket. He takes his hat and portfolio and comes forward._) + + +Robert. Now I'm ready! + +Trast. I'll go with you. + +Robert. You? + +Trast. Have I the right? + +Robert. (_Hesitatingly_) Good, come! + +Frau Heinecke. (_Tenderly, in tears_) Robert! + +Robert. (_Tries to conceal his excitement_) I--shall come--again--to +say--good-bye! Now I have something important to do. (_He goes towards +the door_) + +Frau Heinecke. (_At the door, wringing her hands_) Herr Kurt and him! +Oh, there'll be trouble! + +Trast. (_Aside_) Shh! ssh!--Well, are we off? + +Robert. (_To his mother, in great excitement, tenderly_) And if +we--don't see each other--(_Controlling himself_) Good! We'll go! + + (_Both go out as_ + + + THE CURTAIN FALLS.) + + + + + ACT IV. + + + Scene:--_Same as in Act II_. + +(Trast, Wilhelm _and_ Robert _discovered_. Robert _carries a portfolio +under his arm._) + +Wilhelm. (_Aside to_ Trast) I have strict orders not to let Herr +Heinecke in. + +Trast. Nor me? + +Wilhelm. Oh, with the Count it is a different matter. + +Trast. 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. + +Wilhelm. But---- + +Trast. Which do you prefer--specie or paper? (_Looking for money in his +pocket-book_) Is the whole house empty? + +Wilhelm. 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. + +Trast. Together? + +Wilhelm. Oh, they never go together--Herr Kurt wanted to countermand +the invitation--because--(_Indicates_ Robert) + +Trast. (_Gives him money_) Good! That's all! + +Wilhelm. Nothing further, sir? + +Trast. Go. + + + (Wilhelm _bows and goes out_) + + +Trast. Come here, my boy. + +Robert. What do you want? + +Trast. 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? + +Robert. I want to settle my account. + +Trast. 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--(_With gesture of finality_) + +Robert. That would be simple enough. + +Trast. My dear man, let me talk to you as a friend! + +Robert. Go ahead, talk! + +Trast. You are pursuing a phantom! + +Robert. Really? + +Trast. No one has touched your honor. + +Robert. Really! + +Trast. Because nobody in the world could do it. + +Robert. Really, really! + +Trast. 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. + +Robert. You talk like someone trying to make a virtue out of necessity. + +Trast. Perhaps--because every virtue is a direct result of necessity. + +Robert. And my family? + +Trast. I didn't think you had a family now! (Robert _buries his face in +his hands_) 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! + +Robert. You never had a sister! + +Trast.--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! + +Robert. Trast, you say that! + +Trast. 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, _in integrum_. (_As_ Robert +_steps towards him angrily_) 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! + +Robert. Trast, you are cruel, you are crude! + +Trast. Crude like Nature, cruel like Truth! Only the indolent and the +cowardly surround themselves a _tout prix_ 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! + +Robert. First I must have personal satisfaction. + +Trast. So you insist on fighting a duel with him? + +Robert. Yes. + +Trast. Don't be so old-fashioned. + +Robert. 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. + +Trast. But suppose he won't give satisfaction? + +Robert. I shall find some way to force him. + +Trast. Aha! (_Aside_) 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. + +Robert. Heavens, yes! you are right! + +Trast. (_Drawing out his pocket-book_) Does that embarrass you? + +Robert. No, you have done too much for me, for me to ask---- + +Trast. (_Filling out a check_) There! + +Robert. And if I can never pay that back? + +Trast. Then I'll write it in the largest ledger, where the accounts of +friendships are kept (_Stroking his head_) It won't be as bad as that! +Hm--my boy--one thing you've forgotten. + +Robert. What? + +Trast. Leonore. + +Robert. (_Shuddering_) Don't speak of her! + +Trast. You love her. + +Robert. Oh!--I shan't answer! + +Trast. Would you like to have her think of you as the murderer of her +brother. + +Robert. Better than if she had to think of me as a man without honor. + +Trast. (_Straightening up_) 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! + +Robert. (_After a pause_) Trast--forgive me! + +Trast. Forgive--Nonsense, I like you!--That's enough! + +Robert. Trast--I--won't fight--the duel! + +Trast. Your word? + +Robert. My word! + +Trast. Come, then. + +Robert. Where? + +Trast. How do I know? Into the world. + +Robert. Forgive me--shall I? + + + (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) + + +Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has just come into his office. + +Trast. (_Aside_) Kurt not home!--That's good. + +Robert. I'll go in. (_He takes his portfolio_) + +Trast. Good! Wait for me! + +Robert. What do you want here? + +Trast. Never mind about that. Come here. (_Aside to_ Robert) Before you +go, give me your revolver. + +Robert. (_Startled_) You know? + +Trast. Anyone could see it inside your coat + +Robert. Please--let me keep it--or can't you trust me? + +Trast. I'm afraid that story of Pepe will go to your head. + +Robert. Hasn't a word of honor between two dishonored men any value? + +Trast. Good! Keep it, (Robert _goes out followed by_ Wilhelm. Trast _is +about to follow him, but stops_)--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--(_Enter_ Leonore L. _wearing a winter costume_) Ah, this is very +fortunate. + +Leonore. (_Giving him her hand. Excitedly_) Count, do you know where +I've been? To your apartment! (_Takes her coat and hat off_) 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? + +Trast. If that were all! + +Leonore. What else could there be---- + +Trast. I admit, I really can't find words to---- + +Leonore. Please tell me! + +Trast. 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. + +Leonore. Do you mean to say that?--that--they--bought my +brother's--(_As_ Trast _nods_) Oh, God! + +Trast. 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. + +Leonore. (_Her face in her hands_) How can I ever make it up to him? + +Trast. Do you feel that it is your duty? + +Leonore. 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. (_Throws herself +into a chair. Then springing up_) Forgive me! I don't know what I'm +doing! I spoke of my family as though they were strangers. + +Trast. Perhaps they are more strangers to you than you think! + +Leonore. (_Confused_) If you were only right! (_As he appears to listen +to something outside_) What is it? + +Trast. Isn't that your brother's voice? + +Leonore. (_At the door_) Yes, with some of his friends. + +Trast. (_Aside_) I shouldn't have let him keep the revolver. (_Taking +his hat_) Is he going to the office? + +Leonore. No, I think they are coming here. + +Trast. (_Putting his hat down again_) 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. + +Leonore. (_To herself_) Oh, God! + +Trast. 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. + +Leonore. (_She nods; voices are heard at the door. She hurries to the +left, then turns_) What shall I do. Count? + +Trast. Be true to him! + +Leonore. I will! (_She goes_) + +Trast. Now--the brother! + + + (_Enter_ Kurt, Lothar _and_ Hugo.) + + +Kurt. (_Surprised_) Count! + +Lothar. (_Aside_) Good thing we came with you! + +Trast. I should like a few words with you, Herr Muhlingk. + +Kurt. Sorry, but I am very pressed for time; my father is waiting for +me! + +Trast. (_Aside_) Oho!--(_To_ Kurt) It's a personal favor. + +Kurt. I have no secrets from my friends, Count. (_They sit down_) + +Trast. 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. + +Kurt. You are mistaken, Count; Herr Heinecke received satisfaction. + +Lothar. We could allow no other satisfaction. + +Trast. (_Looks at him from head to foot_) We won't go into that any +further, Herr Muhlingk. My friend at this moment is with your father, +settling his accounts in person. + +Kurt, Well, that is his privilege. + +Trast. He is to have an interview with him at the same time. + +Kurt. That is also his privilege. Count. + +Trast. 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. + +Lothar. That---- + +Trast, (_Quietly_) 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. + +Hugo. No, don't let us intimidate you! + +Trast. And consider this! I don't dare think of the wrong I have done +that man--you will--you'll do me this favor? + +Lothar. (_Behind_ Kurt) Now show him! + +Kurt. I have nothing to say, Count, because I find it impossible to +choose words to express my astonishment at your extraordinary request. + + + (_All rise._) + + +Lothar. (_To_ Kurt, _aside_) Fine! fine! + +Kurt. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare +make such a request to me in my own house? + +Trast. You refuse? + +Kurt. Do you still doubt it, Count? + +Lothar. (_Aside to him_) More cutting, more cutting. + +Trast. (_Aside_) 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. + +Kurt. Sir--that is---- + +Trast. An insult--yes. + +Kurt. Which will be properly dealt with. + +Trast. I ask for nothing better. + +Kurt. You will hear from me to-morrow. + +Trast. To-morrow--So you sleep on a thing like that? I am accustomed to +settling such matters at once. + +Kurt. (_Chokingly_) Immediately. + +Trast. (_Aside_) Thank God! (_Aloud_) Then we'll go! + +Lothar. (_Stepping between_) Always correct, Kurt. You, as principal, +have nothing further to do with the gentleman. (_Sharply_) 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---- + +Trast. Ah! + +Lothar. You belong to those who _cannot_ insult us. + +Trast. (_Merrily_) Ah, yes! + +Lothar. 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. (_Bows +negligently_) + +Trast. (_Breaking out into laughter_) 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 _haven't_ the honor! You have denied me that; so nothing +remains but the pleasure--the pleasure of saying "Good-day," but that +is better still! (_He goes out laughing_) + +Hugo. Here we are with our honor and still we've made ourselves +ridiculous. + +Lothar. We acted quite correctly. + +Hugo. But, Lothar, the coffee, the coffee. + +Lothar. 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. + +Kurt. Are you going back to town already? + +Lothar. Yes. + +Kurt. I'll go with you. + +Lothar. Oh, that will look as though you wanted to get away from the +noble brother. + +Kurt. What do you mean? + +Lothar. Do you want the Count to laugh in his sleeve? Now it has become +almost a duty to stay. + +Kurt. Hardly that. + +Lothar. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward. + + + (_Enter_ Muhlingk _in a fur coat and hat_, Wilhelm _follows him._) + + +Muhlingk. (_Throwing his coat to_ Wilhelm) 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--(Wilhelm +_leaves_) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to +pick, eh? + +Kurt. (_Aside to his friends_) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before +the storm! + +Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time---- + +Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day. + +Lothar. (_Aside_) You tell us how the thing comes out. + + + (Lothar _and_ Hugo _go out._) + + +Muhlingk. 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. + + + (_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.) + + +Kurt. (_Aside_) Here comes the old lady, this will be great. + +Frau Muhlingk. Oh, Kurt! Kurt! + +Kurt. Yes, Mother? + +Frau Muhlingk. (_Sitting_) You have brought a great deal of trouble to +your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. +(Leonore _enters left_) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! +(_To_ Leonore) What do you want? + +Leonore. I have something to say to you. + +Muhlingk. We haven't time now, go to your room. + +Leonore. 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. + +Muhlingk. What is the meaning of all this ceremony? + +Leonore. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family. + +Muhlingk. I don't know anything----! + +Leonore. 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. + +Frau Muhlingk. And you aren't ashamed of yourself? + +Leonore. (_Bitterly_) I am ashamed of myself. + +Muhlingk. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad? + +Leonore. 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---- + +Muhlingk. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you +mean by "giving him back his honor?" + +Leonore. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up +for what has happened. Then we can find the means later. + +Muhlingk. 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? + +Frau Muhlingk. Really, Theodore, you mustn't say these things even as a +joke. + +Muhlingk. 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. + +Leonore. (_Rising_) Father, is that your last word? + +Muhlingk. My last! Now, come, give me a kiss and beg your mother's +pardon. + +Leonore. (_Shrinks back with a shudder_) Let me go! I can't deceive +you! + +Muhlingk. What do you mean? + +Leonore. 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--(_Stops suddenly and listens. There are voices in the hall_) + +Muhlingk. And----? + +Leonore. (_Aside_) It's he!--Oh, I can't stand it any longer! + + + (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) + + +Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the Alley is there again. + + + (Kurt _starts._) + + +Muhlingk. Did you tell him what I told you to say? + +Wilhelm. Yes, Herr Councillor, but he followed me here from the office. + +Muhlingk. What impertinence!--If he doesn't leave this----! + +Kurt. Pardon me. Father. Perhaps he only wants to thank you! I believe +he has reasons. + +Muhlingk. Such people never give you thanks. + +Kurt. Has he money to give you? + +Muhlingk. Certainly. + +Kurt. There must be something back of it--get it over and we'll be done +with him. + +Muhlingk. As far as I'm concerned--let him come. + + + (Wilhelm _goes out._) + + +Frau Muhlingk. We'll go, Leonore, + +Leonore. (_Aside_) Kurt! + +Kurt. Well? + +Leonore. Be on your guard! + +Kurt. Bah! (_Trying to hide his fear_) + + +(Frau Muhlingk _and_ Leonore _go out. Enter_ Robert, _apparently calm, +respectful in manner--he carries a portfolio._) + + +Muhlingk. 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! + +Robert. If you don't mind, I'll remain standing. + +Muhlingk. 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? + +Robert. Yes. + +Muhlingk. And---- + +Robert. (_To_ Muhlingk) There, sir, (_Takes a sheet and hands it to +the_ Councillor) + +Kurt. (_Playing the part of indifference_) May I see, Father? + +Muhlingk. Yes, yes--or perhaps you have a copy? + +Robert. Yes, I have. + +Muhlingk. Please give it to my son. (Robert _hands it to_ Kurt. _The +two stand, measuring each other with their eyes_) As far as I can see +at the first glance that is exceedingly good. The net gain is---- + +Robert. 116,227 Gulden. + +Muhlingk. The dutch gulden is one mark seventy--Kurt figure it with me. + +Robert. 197,585 Marks. + +Muhlingk. 8--1--3--5--8. Right--197,285 Marks and 90 Pfennigs. Kurt, +are you figuring it up? + +Kurt. And ninety pfennig. Yes, Father. + +Muhlingk. Ha--And in the coffee "a small profit?" What does that mean? + +Robert. (_Handing him a sheet_) 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. + +Muhlingk. You? + +Robert. Yes, Herr Councillor, I---- + +Kurt. Strange! + +Muhlingk. And how is the "Quinquina?" + +Robert. Here is the report. (_Hands him the paper_) + +Muhlingk. Not much, either! Where does the profit come in that brings +up the average? + +Robert. The chief source of gain was Sumatra tobacco and the +tea--especially the tea. (_Handing another sheet_) + +Muhlingk. You made this trial on the strength of your own judgment, +too? + +Robert. Not entirely, I followed a suggestion that my friend, Count +Trast, gave me. + +Muhlingk. And my nephew approved of it? + +Robert. Afterwards--yes. + +Muhlingk. You are right, Kurt--it is strange! + +Robert. Have the gentlemen any further questions? + +Muhlingk. 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? + +Robert. That I had the authority, Herr Councillor. + +Muhlingk. And where was my nephew, meanwhile? + +Robert. That is a question too general to answer, Herr Councillor. + +Muhlingk. Didn't he come to the office every day? + +Robert. No, Herr Councillor. + +Muhlingk. (_With increasing anger_) When did he come? + +Robert. When the post from Hamburg came, and when he had need of money. + +Muhlingk. Do you imply by that that my nephew neglected his duty? + +Robert. I don't wish to imply anything that I have not said. + +Muhlingk. Then kindly explain to me. + +Robert. I don't feel myself called upon to discuss the private life of +my former manager. + +Kurt. But to paint him as black as you can--that suits you better! + +Robert. (_Starts forward toward him, but controls himself_) Have the +gentlemen any further questions? + +Muhlingk. What monies have you brought with you? + +Robert. I have notes from different banks amounting to about 95,000 +gulden--here they are. + +Muhlingk. Kurt, check that up. (Kurt _rises and takes each paper from_ +Robert _in turn and looks it through_) + +Robert. Have you finished, Herr Councillor? + +Muhlingk. Just a minute. (_Pause_) + +Kurt. Correct. + +Muhlingk. 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. + +Robert. No, Herr Councillor, I shan't forget! Here is the forty +thousand marks that you had the kindness to give to my father. + +Muhlingk. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan. + +Robert. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return. + +Muhlingk. Has your father given his authority for the return of the +money? + +Robert. No, he has not. + +Muhlingk. Then the money is your own? + +Robert. Yes. + +Muhlingk. Hmm! + +Kurt. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has +saved so much money? + +Robert. (_Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of_ Kurt's +_insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He +seizes_ Kurt _by the throat_) Cur! take that back!--back! + +Muhlingk. Help! help! + + + (Leonore _enters_.) + + +Leonore. Have pity! Robert! + +Robert. (_Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his +hands_. Kurt _struggling for breath sinks to sofa_) Oh! + + + (_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.) + +Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (_Rushing to him_) Help! Murder! +Murder! Ring, Theodore! + +Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get +out! + +Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (_At a movement from_ Leonore) Yes, +Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief! + +Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done! + +Robert. 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!! + +Muhlingk. (_After a pause_) Shall I have the servants put you out? + +Leonore. (_Stepping between_) That you won't do, Father. + +Muhlingk. What! You? + +Leonore. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you +can put me out, too. + +Robert. Leonore, what are you doing? + +Leonore. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word? + +Muhlingk. You are mad! + +Robert. 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! (_He goes to door_) + +Leonore. (_Embracing him_) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you! + +Robert. Leonore! + +Muhlingk. What!!! + +Leonore. 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! + +Muhlingk. Oh! what a disgraceful scene! + +Leonore. 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. +(_Half to_ Robert) I only have myself--If he wants that---- + +Robert. Leonore! + + + (_Enter_ Trast.) + + +Trast. What has happened? + +Leonore. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way. +Robert, let us make a new home, new duties. + +Robert. (_Bitterly, with a look at_ Kurt _who is sitting as though +dumb_) And a new honor! (_He takes her in his arms_) + +Frau Muhlingk. So that is our thanks, Father! + +Leonore. 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. + +Muhlingk. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse! +(_He lifts his arm as though to curse her_) You---- + +Trast. (_Stepping up to him_) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of +wearing yourself out with curses? (_Quietly_) 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. + +Muhlingk. But, Count--why didn't you explain! + +Trast. (_Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless +him_) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing! + + (_Follows the two to the door as_ + + + THE CURTAIN FALLS.) + + + +FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: Certain German houses are divided Into two parts the +so-called "Hinterhaus" and "Vorderhaus." The "Vorderhaus" (_translated +roughly "on the avenue"_) is the larger part and usually belongs to the +owner. The "Hinterhaus" (_rendered "on the alley"_) 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.--Tr.] + +[Footnote 2: A newspaper.--Tr.] + +[Footnote 3: 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.--Tr.] + +[Footnote 4: A well known quotation from Schiller's "Die Rauber."] + +[Footnote 5: Thus in the original.--Tr.] + +[Footnote 6: The poor people in Germany drink an infusion of oak-leaves +in place of coffee.] + +[Footnote 7: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.] + +[Footnote 8: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.] + + + + + + + + +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.txt or 34357.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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