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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/4963-h.zip b/4963-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..66cadf7 --- /dev/null +++ b/4963-h.zip diff --git a/4963-h/4963-h.htm b/4963-h/4963-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b978e43 --- /dev/null +++ b/4963-h/4963-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5623 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Moral, by Ludwig Thoma + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: right; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; margin-left: 0.8em; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Moral, by Ludwig Thoma + +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: Moral + +Author: Ludwig Thoma + + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4963] +This file was first posted on April 5, 2002 +Last Updated: June 30, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + + + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + MORAL + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Ludwig Thoma + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> PERSONS OF THE PLAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> THE PRESUMPTION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>"MORAL"</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ACT II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> ACT III </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + Dr. Ludwig Thoma, perhaps better known to his Bavarian countrymen as Peter + Schlemiehl, was born in Oberammergau on January 21, 1867. After graduating + from a gymnasium in Munich, he studied at the School of Forestry at + Aschauffenburg. He did not finish his course there, but entered the + University at Munich and received his degree as Doctor Juris in 1893. + </p> + <p> + A year later Dr. Thoma began to practice law; but he abandoned that + pursuit in 1899 to follow a career for which his inclinations and talents + so happily fitted him. + </p> + <p> + He had been writing humorous verses for Simplicissimus for several years + under the pen name of Pete Schlemiehl, with such success that the paper + almost became identified by that name. These poems were later published in + book form under the title—Grobheiten. + </p> + <p> + His prose writings in Bavarian dialect as well as his boyhood experiences + entitled, Lausbubengeschichten, won a large and warm audience. In 1899 he + became the editor of Simplicissimus. From then on his renown grew. The + foremost critics of German letters began to take notice of this "Bavarian + Aristophanes" and to compare him to Heine and the classics. + </p> + <p> + When Moral and Lottchen's Birthday appeared, while the reviewers shook + their heads and stated that Dr. Thoma was shocking (so in original) they + concluded that their author was "casting a long shadow." To-day Dr. Thoma + is a recognized figure in Germany. Prof. Robert F. Arnold in "Das Moderne + Drama" (Strassburg, 1908) ranks him next to Hauptmann. His writings are + numerous. A vein, satirical and humorous, with a conception of the + pathetic, makes him more than an equal to Mark Twain. In addition he is + possessed of a message, which he delivers in the Moral. + </p> + <p> + First produced in 1908 the play soon became a part and parcel of the + repertoire of the leading theatres in Germany. It was put on for the first + time in New York, in German, at the Irving Place Theatre in the spring of + 1914, through the efforts of the late Heinrich Matthias and the writer. + Mr. Matthias then played the part of Beermann. Mr. Christians, the + director, repeated the performance a number of times that season, each + performance meeting with a warm response. + </p> + <p> + The late Percival Pollard was the first American critic to emphasize the + importance of Dr. Thoma's work in his excellent resume of contemporary + German literature: Masks and Minstrels of Modern Germany. He pointed out + "that no country where hypocrisy or puritanism prevail as factors in the + social and municipal conduct should be spared the corrective acid of this + play." + </p> + <p> + H. L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan for many years have sung praises of + the Moral in the Smart Set. But its production on the English speaking + stage still remains an event eagerly to be awaited. Briefly, the play is a + polemic against the "men higher up," churchmen, reformers, and social + hypocrites. + </p> + <p> + The translation follows the text implicitly. Four different versions were + made all varying in a degree from the original, and although Dr. Thoma + wrote to the writer "bin auch damit einverstanden dass Sie in der + Ubersetzung meines Schauspieles 'Moral' etwaige Aenderungen oder + Adaptiereungen, die durch die englisch-amerikanischen Verhaltnisse und den + Geschmack des amerikanischen Theatrepublikums geboten erscheinen, in + entsprechender Weise vornehmen ..." it was deemed best for purposes of + publication to try to preserve the original atmosphere without an attempt + to even transpose such phrases as Gnadige Frau, or Herr Kommerzienrat. + </p> + <h3> + CHARLES RECHT. + </h3> + <p> + New York, October, 1916. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PERSONS OF THE PLAY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FRITZ BEERMANN, a wealthy landowner and banker. + + LENA BEERMANN, his wife. + + EFFIE BEERMANN, their daughter. + + KOMMERZIENRAT ADOLPH BOLLAND, capitalist and manufacturer + + CLARA BOLLAND, his wife. + + DR. HAUSER, an ex-judge. + + FRAU LUND, an old lady. + + HANS JACOB DOBLER, a poet. + + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG, an artiste. + + PRIVATDOZENT DR. WASNER, a gymnasium professor. + + FREIHERR VON SIMBACH, the Police Commissioner of the Duchy. + + ASSESSOR OSCAR STROEBEL, a police official. + + MADAME NINON DE HAUTEVILLE, a lady of leisure. + + FREIHERR GENERAL BOTHO VON SCHMETTAU, also known as Zurnberg, + A Gentleman-in-waiting and Adjutant to His Highness, the + Duke. + + JOSEPH REISACHER, a clerk of the Police Department. + + BETTY, a maid at Beersmann's. + + Two man-servants and a policeman. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE PRESUMPTION + </h2> + <p> + The esteemed, sensitive public will assume that the action takes place in + Emilsburg, the capital of the Duchy of Gerlestein. The first and third + acts occur in the house of Herr Fritz Beermann; the second act, in the + Police Headquarters. It all happens between Sunday afternoon and Monday + evening. + </p> + <p> + To be free from blame, the producers will please note that: + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN is in the fifties; jovial; lively; with gray side-whiskers and + chin carefully shaved. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN is in the late forties, though youthful looking for her age. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. sixty-eight; a woman of impressive appearance; her manner is + energetic; her mass of white hair is carefully coiffured. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. about forty-five; stout; talkative. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. a tall German professor with full blond beard; deep voiced; + wears pince-nez with black tortoise shell rim and broad black cord. + </p> + <p> + HANS JACOB DOBLER. is a poet; he is dressed in a poor fitting cut-away + coat; unkempt mustache and Van Dyke beard. + </p> + <p> + FRAULEIN PINNEBERG, a feminist, wears a loose fitting gown. + </p> + <p> + DR. HAUSER. fifty; smooth shaven; wears gold rimmed spectacles, + </p> + <p> + VON SCHMETTAU, sixty; remains stately looking with effort; military + bearing. + </p> + <p> + MADAME DE HAUTEVILLE—indefinitely twenty; her ultra-fashionable + Parisian gowns invite the cloak and suit patrons. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + "MORAL" + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I + </h2> + <h3> + FURTHER APOLOGY + </h3> + <p> + (Card room in Beermann's house. In the background a swinging door opens + into the dining room. To the right a smaller door leads to the music room. + On the left side another door opens into the entrance hall. To left + upstage in a corner a small card table with chairs. To right upstage a + large sofa and comfortable chairs. Parallel to background down stage, tea + table with coffee service thereon; near it to right, smaller table, on it + a humidor. + </p> + <p> + A butler is engaged at the tea table, another man servant is holding + swinging door open. [Business of getting up from table.] Many voices and + rattle of chairs are heard from dining room. Through swinging doors enters + Bolland and Frau Beermann, Beermann with Frau Bolland, Dr. Hauser with + Effie, Dr. Wasner with Fraulein Koch-Pinneberg, Dobler alone.) + </p> + <p> + General greeting of "Mahlzeit." + </p> + <p> + Dr. Wasner is vigorously shaking hands—going to Frau Beermann says, + "Ich wunsche Gesegnete Mahlzeit." + </p> + <p> + The servants pass around coffee—Beermann conversing with Bolland + comes down stage ... + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. You will receive two thousand votes more than the Socialists. + That's certain. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [skeptical]. No,—no. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. If all the Liberals combine with the Conservatives, the result + cannot be in doubt. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [taking coffee from the servant]. If ... + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Fusion is here. It's the logical development. I am an old + politician. The time for discussion is over. Now it's a straight fight to + a finish. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [coming nearer]. The German fatherland is rallying to the + support of the national flag. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But there are controversies everywhere. I know best. I always am + told by campaign managers: don't say this and don't say that. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. In what way? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. For instance, I'm to speak at the Liberal Club the day after + to-morrow. You would not expect me to say the same things I told the + Conservatives last night ...? + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Your details, of course, must differ. But fundamentally it + amounts to the same thing. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. The same thing? Believe me, all this masking confuses me. + [Drinks.] + </p> + <p> + EFFIE [calling across the tea table where she has been standing with + others]. Papa! Listen to Frau Bolland. She also says that the Indian + Dancer is so interesting. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Positively won—derful, Herr Bolland! You can conceive + the entire spirit of the Orient. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. Why haven't we gone to see her? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. You surely ought to go. Professor Stohr—you know him—told + me he never in his life saw anything so gorgeous. + </p> + <p> + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. She's so picturesque in her greenish gowns. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. I did not know that the Hindoos could be so charming. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. We'll have a look at her some night. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. But to-morrow night is her last appearance. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [going to the humidor]. Very well darling. Will you remind me of + it to-morrow? [Taking a box of cigars offers one to Dobler who is standing + near him.] Smoke? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER [taking one]. Thanks. But I am not accustomed to the imported ones. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [patronizingly]. You'll get used to high living soon enough. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [to Dobler]. How long have you been in the city now? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Two years. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. And before that you were in ... eh? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. You must excuse him Herr Dobler. Why in Unterschlettenbach, + dear ... You know that! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [correcting himself]. Certainly. Bit of literary history. Mighty + interesting place that Unterschlettenbach ... eh? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Hardly, Herr Kommerzienrat. Poor and unsanitary. Most of its + inhabitants are miners. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Fancy that! And I never knew it. Full of miners! Tell me though, + what do you think of our set here ...? How do you like this well-to-do + circle ... the big city ... wealthy surroundings? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER [lighting a cigar]. I like it well enough. But I think I will + always feel out of place here. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Can't get used to it? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Everything is so different. It seems to me at times as though I + had suddenly entered a beautiful house while outdoors my old comrade was + awaiting me patiently—the open road. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Isn't that won—derful? So very re-a-lis-tic-ally put! + I can just picture it. Oh Herr Dobler ... I must tell you: your novel—my + husband and I talk about it all day long. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Tell me though—did you yourself experience the life of that + young man you describe? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. It's the story of my youth. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. But it's somewhat colored by poetic imagination? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. N—-o. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. For instance, you have never actually starved? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Oh, yes. There's no imagination in that. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Just the way you describe it—so that everything turned red? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Everything had a pink color. On one occasion I did not eat + anything for four and one-half days. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [compassionately]. You poor thing! + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. That's exceedingly interesting! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Do tell us all about it! Then you saw dancing fires? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Yes. Everything danced before my eyes, and I saw it all through a + hazy veil, and towards the end my hearing was affected. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. You don't say so? Your hearing also? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. When any one spoke to me it sounded as if he stood a great + distance off—a great distance. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Our set never dreams of such things. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How did it all turn out? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. What do you mean? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well, in the end you got something to eat again? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Finally I fainted; I was found lying in a meadow, and was taken to + the hospital. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [sighing]. Are such things still possible in our day? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. What can you expect—of these idealists! DR. HAUSER. + They deserve nothing better. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And after you were in the hospital—how did you get out? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. As soon as I got stronger. Later on I became a printer—found + a position—studied and published my book. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. That's all in your novel, I know. But the part where you + describe how you were a tramp—that's not true? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Yes, I "hoboed" almost a whole year. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. "Hoboed!" Fancy that! How unique! + </p> + <p> + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. I can just picture it. Tramping along the + railroad tracks. + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Yes. You folks think you can picture it with four square meals a + day. But it's quite different, I assure you. There were three of us at + that time. We worked our way from Basel upwards—sometimes on the + left—sometimes on the right bank of the Rhine. In Worms we spent the + last of our money and we had to PEDDLE for HAND-OUTS. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND [not understanding him]. "Handouts?" What is that? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER [with pathos]. To beg for something to eat, gnadige Frau, for our + daily bread. + </p> + <p> + [They all remain silent. Only the voice of the butler who is serving + liqueur can be heard.] "Cognac monsieur! Chartreuse! Champagne?" + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [taking a glass]. To a man of refinement, such an existence must + have been quite unbearable. + </p> + <p> + DOBLER [taking a glass of cognac from the butler]. Unpleasant. [Drinking.] + But you lose your sensitiveness. At first it is hard—but one learns. + In one hot day on the road ... when you get fagged out—and with + every stone hurting your feet—you'll learn. The dust blinds you—but + you've got to go on just the same. In the evening you come to a small + hamlet with smoke curling above the house-tops and the houses themselves + look cozy—then you have to hold your hat in your hand and beg for a + plate of warm soup. [A short pause.] + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [deep bass voice]. Home sweet home! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. The story reminds me exactly of my late father. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. But, Adolph! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Indeed, I say it does! + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. How can you draw such a comparison? Herr Dobler has become a + celebrated poet. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. My father also achieved something in life. At his funeral four + hundred employees followed the coffin. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND [impatiently]. We've heard that before ... Herr Dobler, did + you write poetry in those days? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. No, Frau Bolland. Much later. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. I'll have to read your novel all over again, now that I know + it is all autobiographical. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [to Dr. Wasner]. You were going to sing, Herr Professor? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. I promised ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, do, Effie will accompany you. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. If Fraulein will be so kind ... but I don't know how my voice + is to-day ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. You sing so beauti-ful-ly. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. So much campaign work. Politics corrupts even the voice. + </p> + <p> + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. Do oblige us. + </p> + <p> + [Frau Bolland, Frau Beermann, Dr. Wasner, Fraulein Koch, Effie go out into + the music room.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It's a pity that the professor is going to sing. We could have + started a game of skat. Have some more cognac? + </p> + <p> + DR. HAUSER. No, thanks. + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Thanks. No more for me. + </p> + <p> + [Bolland seats himself on sofa; Dr. Hauser and Dobler sit in chairs; + Beermann lights a fresh cigar. The butler goes into the music room and as + he opens the door, the sound of the piano is heard.] + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. As I said before Herr Dobler, your story reminded me very much of + my late father. + </p> + <p> + DR. HAUSER. Of the well known Kommerzienrat Bolland? + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [sinks deep into chair; crosses legs]. Never mind he was not + always a wealthy Kommerzienrat. [Turning to Dobler.] Picture to yourself a + winter landscape—it's bitter cold—a gray sky—it is + snowing and everything is wrapped in snow. Through all this we see a youth + walking—rather staggering—along the forest road from + Perleberg. A half starved young man. [He pauses and brushes ashes from his + cigar. The butler enters from the music room to get a glass of water; then + he goes out again. While the door is open, the trembling bass baritone + voice of Prof. Wasner is heard.] + </p> + <p> + "In deinen Augen hab ich einst gelesen Von Lieb' und—Gluck—von + Lieb' und Gluck den Schein...." + </p> + <p> + [Footnote: (Translated):—"In thy dear eyes I once read the story Of + love and Joy—of Love, And Joy agleam...."] + </p> + <p> + [The door closes and the sound is shut off.] + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [now continues his speech]. And now the snow falls faster and + faster. This poor young man had par tout nothing to eat since the morning. + He becomes very weak; sits down on a bundle of twigs and falls asleep. + Just by sheer chance it happens that a man from Perleberg passing by sees + this dejected, snowed-in figure and takes the young fellow home with him. + [He pauses.] And this young man later became my father ... + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. And Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Yes. Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. [To Dobler.] Now don't you + consider it quite remarkable? Wouldn't that make a fine novel? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Yes ... Yes. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. That could be worked up very nicely, couldn't it? A poor young + man—the snow covered landscape ... + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. And that bundle of twigs. + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. Fortune has her unique whims and likes to turn the tables. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. That's it exactly. Fortune delights in turning the tables. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Unique whims? No. That sort of thing happens every day. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. What happens every day? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. The story of a poor young man who becomes a millionaire. Every + large factory boasts of a like progenitor. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Do you think so? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. And the poor young man grows poorer with each telling. Your son, + Herr Bolland, in his description will have his grandfather freeze to death + on the bundle of twigs. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Upon my word the story is gospel. [To Dobler.] I'd make use of + that plot ... How he founded his business and how it grew and grew ... + </p> + <p> + [As Frau Beermann enters from the music room, the tremulous voice of Prof. + Wasner is heard.] + </p> + <p> + "Behuet dich Gott, es hat nicht sollen sein." [Footnote: God guard thee + well, it was but a dream.] + </p> + <p> + [The closing of the door shuts off the sound.] + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. In one respect you are right. The character of the SELF MADE MAN + [Footnote: So in original.] has hardly been treated in contemporary German + literature. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [with enthusiasm]. That's just what I claim. Always about the poor + people only. But take a man who has a large income—one who makes a + success of his business, that also is poetry. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I'd have my ledger novelized, if I were you, Holland. [A maid + opens door, admitting Frau Lund.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [welcoming Frau Lund]. Mama Lund, how good of you. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [vivaciously]. Always glad to come here. Good afternoon, + gentlemen. Where is my little Effie? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my daughter + ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. No, no, don't disturb her. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Permit me. [Introducing.] ... Herr Hans Jacob Dobler, our famous + poet ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [taking his hand]. A famous poet? Delighted. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Author of "Life Story of Hans." ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [pleasantly to Dobler]. If I were younger, Herr Dobler, I would + certainly make believe that I read your book. But at my age I find that + sort of thing too tiresome. What is the "Life Story of Hans"? + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. It is a novel, gnadige Frau. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. A masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Then my ignorance is unpardonable. I'll soon make reparation. + </p> + <p> + [Frau Bolland followed by Effie, Dr. Wasner and Fraulein Koch hurry out of + the music room.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. I am off for the Arts Club. I'll be late, I fear. [To Frau + Lund.] Oh, how do you do, Frau Lund? + </p> + <p> + EFFIE [hurries over to Frau Lund and kisses her hand]. Mama Lund! + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. How is my little mischief maker? When are you coming to see me? + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. I would glady come ... but, I am so busy with music lessons and + Professor Stohr's lectures ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. And this and that and your eighteen years. You are quite right, + my dear. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND [to Frau Beermann]. May Effie come along? They say there are + very won-der-ful paintings at the Arts Club. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [turning to Frau Lund], I don't know if ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Of course, let her go along. She has such a pretty little + dress. Why should she be here with us old people? The gentlemen will + entertain us ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. But then we'll have to hurry. It is quite late. Goodbye, + Frau Beermann. I enjoyed myself so much. Goodbye, my dear Frau Lund. So + glad to have seen you again. Goodbye, goodbye ... Adolph! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Yes, Mother. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. You won't forget the theatre tonight? At eight. The Viennese + actor is so fine. [Off to left. Followed by Effie and Fraulein Koch. Frau + Bolland in the doorway.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Will you come with us, Herr Dobler? You can explain so many + things. + </p> + <p> + DOBLER. I'll be glad to. [Shaking hands with Frau Beermann and bowing.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Come soon again, Herr Poet. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. And think over the story I told you. + </p> + <p> + [Dobler goes out left, following Frau Bolland, Effie, and Fraulein Koch.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. I'll just have a cup of coffee. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I'll tell them to make a fresh cup for you. A fresh cup of + coffee. [To the butler who is clearing the table.] Tell the chef—[Butler + goes out through the middle door. In the meantime Frau Holland again + appears through left.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Adolph! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Yes—wifey? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND. Thursday the circus comes to town, don't forget to reserve + seats. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. All right! + </p> + <p> + FRAU BOLLAND [while going out]. I'm still a child when the circus comes. + </p> + <p> + [Frau Lund seats herself on sofa. Next to her on the right Frau Beermann; + Beermann and Bolland sit opposite in large leather chairs. Hauser is + standing behind the sofa leaning against it.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [to Hauser]. Tell me Judge, where have you been keeping yourself + all this time? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. In my office, Frau Lund, only in my office. But I hear that you + were on the Riviera. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Four weeks in Monte Carlo. Children, I gambled like an old + viveur. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What luck? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I lost, of course—I'm too old to set the world on fire. + But, Beermann, I hear all sorts of surprises about you. You are a + candidate for the Reichstag? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Yes, they nominated me. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Who are "they"? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. The combined Liberals and Conservatives ... + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. And the Conservatives and Liberals combined. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Formerly these were distinct parties. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Formerly,—formerly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Now there is fusion. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. You never told me that your husband was in + politics. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. He never was—up to two weeks ago. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. How quickly things change! And of all the people ... you! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What's so startling in that? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. You told me that you never even read the newspapers. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. We all are cordially grateful to Beermann that in an hour of need + he made this sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. The way you talk about the "hour of need" and "sacrifice" Herr + Kommerzienrat, it seems to me that you would have been the better + candidate. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Oh, I am too pronouncedly Liberal. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. And that's an incurable disease! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. At any rate it makes my nomination impossible. A man was needed + who was not known as a party-man. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. It would seem then that our friend Beermann has become a + politician because he ... is no politician? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. That's what is known as "fusion." + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Allow me to ask a question. Why should I not become a Reichstag + deputy? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Quite right! Frau Lund—tell him—why shouldn't he? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Because I am a novice in politics? We all have to make a start. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. It's the only calling where one can start any day, Frau Lund, + without being called upon to produce qualifications. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. There you can tell the lawyer. You'd like to establish a civil + service examination for members of the Reichstag? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. You are not afraid that it might hurt them? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with importance]. Let me tell you, Judge. What a person achieves + in real life is far greater than all your book wisdom. We have too many + lawyers anyway. It's one of our national misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [merrily to Frau Beermann]. Look! He's beginning to debate + already. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [careless pose]. As you know, I run a soap factory where I employ + four hundred and sixty-two workmen ... let me repeat it, four hundred and + sixty-two workmen. Their livelihood and welfare lies in the palm of my + hand; don't you think that requires brains? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. But ... + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [interrupting]. Do you realize what the amount of detail and the + management of the whole factory means? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. But friend Beermann never even worked in a soap factory. How can + that apply to him? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh, what's the use of discussing things if you're joking. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Really, I can't see the connection. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. At any rate, I'm a better candidate than the book-binder whom + the Socialists have put up against me. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Beermann has had greater experience and has a broader point of + view. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Then there's something else I heard about Herr Beermann, that I + don't like at all. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. About me? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Yes, I bear that you are the President of the new Society for + the Suppression of Vice. What makes you do such things? That isn't nice. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I fully agree with you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You do? For what reasons? When honest men select me as their + President, is that mere flattery? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. It is not becoming to you, and you are insincere in it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. It's as false as anything can be, and you speak about + problems which you have never understood. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Pardon me! I ought to know best what is becoming for me. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. There's no one in the world I dislike as much as a preacher. + But if a person wants to be one ... then, according to the gospel he ought + to live on bread and water. It doesn't go well with champagne and lobster. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do the Scriptures command that we must be poor to be honorable? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. No, Beermann, but if I still remember, they speak of a camel + and a needle. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. The ladies evidently are not acquainted with the purposes of our + new society. I am sure they would subscribe to every one of the principles + which are incorporated in our By-laws. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I certainly would not. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [feeling in his side pocket]. At least read our "Appeal to the + Public." + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [refusing]. No, thank you. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Every woman will rejoice when she reads it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Do you think so? How exceedingly amusing your societies are! + So, cards and bowling no longer offer sufficient entertainment. You have + to moralize. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I can't help thinking of the notorious starvation freak at the + circus who gets his meals on the sly everyday. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Of course, every conviction can be made ridiculous once it's + regarded as insincere. You shouldn't accuse without proof. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Herr Professor, politeness requires that each individual be + regarded as the exception—but not an entire club. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. It is a pity, indeed, that a great movement like ours is disposed + of by a few trifling remarks. That embitters our task of curing the nation + of social diseases. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Where did you get your Doctor's license to cure? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. It's sad enough that the cure is left to only a few of us. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Well, I'll remain a patient. You'll need a few anyway to keep up + your business. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I consider all this a very cheap kind of humor. I used to joke + about these matters myself, but if you will only look upon this problem + from a serious point of view, when your eyes are opened to the ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN.... Your newly acquired ways of talking are quite + unbearable. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Please, don't make a scene. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. We have been married for twenty-six years; have been very + fortunate with our own children. Why worry about other people? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You are not logical, my love. The mere fact that I brought up my + children properly is all the more reason for my joining this movement.... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. You didn't lose much sleep about their education. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Evidently I didn't neglect anything. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I'm afraid you pride yourselves on a degree of willpower you + never exercised. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Never exercised? My dear Frau Lund, what do you know about the + temptations which confront us men. What does a woman know about them? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. The only thing we women don't know about is the manner in which + these temptations terminate. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Our movement intends to do away with these very deceptions. We + want to protect the traditions of the home which women treasure. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. No. We, women also treasure modesty. We dislike to see men + pretend to have better morals than they actually have. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Seriously, Frau Lund. Public immorality must hurt you more. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. You are mistaken. It requires a genuine manly feeling to + sympathize with misery. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Misery and vice are different problems. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. They're not. And that is why we will never agree. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. All the more reason why my husband should not set himself + up as an example. He knows nothing of worry or care. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. We can never subscribe to Frau Lund's principles. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. No principles, please! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Out of sheer opposition you will say that you hold different ones + from us. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. No. I will say that I hold none at all. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. and WASNER [together]. But, gnadige Frau! + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I can't help it. I lost them some place on my journey through + life. I have learned that all your principles have loop holes through + which people can conveniently slip out and take their friends along with + them. So I had my choice of either surrendering them or dishonestly + preaching them to others. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Real principles of life are never given up. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [with sarcasm]. Cheers from the gallery! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Principles of morality are the laws of nature—they are her + dictates. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Is that the reason you have started your Society for the + Suppression of Vice? Do you imagine your by-laws are stronger than the + laws of nature? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. May I make just one remark? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What is it? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [stroking his beard]. In summing up the matter we can come to + this decision: women have a beautiful privilege. Certain facts in life + remain a closed book to them. We, men, unfortunately have to come into + contact with them. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Did you say UNFORTUNATELY? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Please don't interrupt. I maintain "unfortunately"! For the + last four years, I have been persistently following obscene literature, + and to-day I have gotten together a collection of it, which I dare say is + pretty complete. So I am speaking of matters about which I am thoroughly + informed. [With importance.] The degree of vulgarity our people have + reached is incredible. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. And you have been the "persistent collector" of this vulgarity? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Let me assure you that I took upon myself this task with + loathing. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Herr Professor, in all my life I have never met a man who for four + years voluntarily did something which was loathsome to him. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. You have no business to make such a remark. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Have you derived no satisfaction from it at all? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Satisfaction—if you mean the satisfaction of + participating in the uplift of our people. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Uplift? Our reformers capitalize our national lack of good + taste. Good proof of that are the moral works of art which you patronize. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. The matter we are discussing is more serious than reforming + bad taste. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. There is nothing more serious. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [knowingly]. If you but knew, Frau Lund! + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I don't have to call and see your collection. Frankly, to me, + the most obscene picture in your gallery could not be more disgusting than + the talk you carry on in your meetings. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh! Oh! + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. The nudity of the human body is not disgusting. It is the + nudity of your mind. No vice is as repulsive as that virtue of yours which + loudly uncovers itself in public—in market places. Vice has at least + the shame to hide itself. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [to Bolland]. Can you understand her? + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. I must admit, I can't. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Gnadige Frau stated that vice hides itself. But in spite of + that it exists. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Yes, she admitted that it exists. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Shall we tolerate it merely because it crawls into dark nooks + and corners? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. You reformers! Let more sunshine into this world and vice will + not find so many dark corners and nooks to hide in. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. You would not be as opposed to us if you had a son who would be + exposed to the temptations of our great cities. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I would be ashamed of myself if for personal reasons I became + narrow-minded. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But just stop to think! Picture a healthy young man in his prime + falling into the hands of one of these abominable creatures! + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. I could picture something worse than that. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Still worse? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. For instance, if he should, with all the credulity of youth, + enter into the work of your society. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Well! Well! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You don't seem to take anything seriously to-day. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Very seriously; this young man perhaps does reach the stage + where he sincerely pities your so-called abominable creature. Then he has + really advanced in his morality. Let the pity impress itself deeply upon + him and your abominable creature has preached better to him than all your + high-sounding phrases. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. I am simply dumbfounded. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Then you even believe that our society exerts a bad influence? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [very positively]. Yes. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [with irony]. Fancy! University Professors, philanthropists and a + general who are with us in this work—they are, of course, the ones + who are likely to corrupt the morals of the younger generation. Frau Lund, + no doubt, would like to send our young men to the good Ladies of the + Pavement. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. In what way is our influence bad? + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [with warmth]. The young man who joins your society does it only + to ape you and to advance his own ends and vainglory. He forever deprives + himself of understanding the meaning of life and of becoming helpful to + those who suffer. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Well what do you think of such statements? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. They are splendid. I would be very thankful if my boy would + embody the ideals of Frau Lund. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Lena, I simply forbid you to say such things. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Really? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Everybody knows that Frau Lund is a radical, but I don't want + you to fall into that habit. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I don't acquire new habits as rapidly as you. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [to Beermann]. Don't get excited. A politician must give everyone + an opportunity to express his views. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. I teach young people and I heartily wish they'd continue to + seek their ideals among high minded men and not in the dark city streets. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Right! And not in the dark city streets. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Nor there, Herr Kommerzienrat, where the veil of shame is + rudely torn from inborn sensitiveness and it is shorn of every secret + charm. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Correct! We do want to deprive it of its charm. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. You succeed in doing that; no tenderness can survive the brutal + frankness of your meetings. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. It is not a national German trait to sugar-coat sin. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Why do you confound all lack of refinement with the national + character? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. Because it is good German to call a spade a spade. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [getting up]. Why argue to no purpose? Let's start our game of + skat. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Because it appears to be a conflict of two different + philosophies. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [rises, goes to card table, opens a drawer, takes out a deck of + cards and opens them]. It's always the same old story. Never start + anything with women! They must have the last word. [Sits down at card + table. Bolland gets up and sits beside him.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [laughing]. Spoken again like a typical reformer. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [rising]. I don't want to continue this argument, but if by any + chance you have gained the impression that I regard this matter from a + prejudiced view point, I will cheerfully admit it. I do. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [calling]. Oh, do come on, Herr Professor. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [turning to card table]. I'm coming. [To others.] I admit with + pride that I am prejudiced. For me there exists only one question: How can + I best serve my fatherland? + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. Herr Professor! + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [turning to table]. Just a moment.... [To others.] Let the + sturdy qualities of our people be conserved. That stand is unassailable. + Then I will be sure that my efforts have at least ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [loudly]. But, my dear Wasner! + </p> + <p> + WASNER [not dismayed, continuing].... at least a national scope. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Wouldn't you rather play skat, professor? + </p> + <p> + WASNER [going over to card table]. There remains only one thing for me to + say. If I have used sharp words, I want to apologize. [Takes a seat.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You deal, Professor. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [shuffling the cards and talking at the same time]. For me + there exists but one ideal. That which Tacitus described as it once + prevailed among the old Teutons. Quamquam severa illic matrimonia nec + ullam morum partem magis laudaveris. [He lets Bolland cut and then deals.] + The most praiseworthy trait of the Teutons was the strictness of their + marriage customs. Nam prope soli Barbarorum singulis uxoribus contenti + sunt. They were almost the only barbarians to content themselves with a + single wife. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [loudly]. Tournee! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. I'll go you! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Twenty! + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. I'll better that! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Take it! Gras-Solo! + </p> + <p> + [They play.] + </p> + <p> + [Hauser, Frau Lund, Frau Beermann remain sitting at right.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. At last the Fatherland is saved. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. It's the only occupation for which nature intended them. + They should not tinker with national problems. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Have patience. Political ambition dies out after the first defeat. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN.... which I hope will happen. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. That's as certain as fate. Else he never would have been + nominated. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [calling from the card table]. I have pretty sharp hearing! + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. A very fine acquisition, Beermann, when you grow old. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [throwing a card on the table]. Fifty-nine and four make + sixty-three! The rest you can take. + </p> + <p> + (They throw down their cards; Bolland collects them and shuffles.) + </p> + <p> + WASNER [half turning to Hauser], And then there is the celebrated passage, + "Ergo septa pudicitia agunt, nullis ... spectaculorum illecebris + corruptae." + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I have six cards. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. The bottom one belongs to the Professor. + </p> + <p> + WASNER [as before, continuing]. So the wife lived surrounded by tenderness + and care ... and so forth, "Literarum secreta...." Secret communications + were not tolerated by either husband or wife. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Please drop that Tacitus. It's your chance to lead.... + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I pass.... + </p> + <p> + HOLLAND. So do I. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [loudly and enthusiastically]. That's the way to get at them! + Trumps! And trumps again. + </p> + <p> + WASNER [murmuring]. "Paucissima adulteria in tam numerosa gente...." + [Gradually lapses into silence and then continues to play with energy.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [with a glance towards the card table]. Why do we take our + principles so seriously.... It's really ridiculous how our every opinion + soon turns into religious beliefs. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. The matter is dead serious. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Who will think of it to-morrow? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [nodding towards card table]. Not they, of course. But there are + cleverer people. The so-called thinking public in Germany must have some + national problem to solve. It finds some such, readily enough in order to + play with it. Meanwhile they take no notice that the party in power + [Footnote: Men with the brass buttons.] are lining their pockets. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. Haven't they always been doing that? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Yes, but not with such ease. Here and there they were rapped over + the knuckles. But nowadays they could cart away the entire capitol. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. There's not so much left to-day. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. A couple of pieces anyhow to take along as keepsakes. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. In my days I saw one reform after another on the bargain + counter; but we women remain mere spectators while ideals come and go; we + can not realize how much they mean to men. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. My dear Frau Lund, if a real reform should effectively rise among + us some day, then you women will have to lend a helping hand. With those + [nodding towards card-table] kindergarten heroes nothing can be + accomplished. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. What influence can we exert so long as men organize their + societies for the protection of women's virtue! + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. These henpecked gentlemen always nominate themselves chastity's + guardians. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. They are of importance only when they can get some one to + listen. I'd like to go to their meetings and tell them that. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Their meetings—bosh! Their sort only couple their nonsense + with a few self-evident generalities which no one would really oppose. No, + first of all they must be educated and that you women alone can + accomplish. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. You say that as if we had any influence on public opinion. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. You do all the applauding. The whole game is played for you. If + you withdraw your applause not a single one of the peacocks of virtue will + open up his gospel feathers for exhibition. It is indeed of great + importance to you that they do not banish all refinement from our social + life. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND [citing]. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Footnote: in original "FRAU LUND [zitierend]. + "Ja, da eur Wonnedienst noch glanzte, + Wie ganz anders, anders war es da! + Da man deine Tempel noch bekranzte.... + + DR. WASNER [hat beim Zitieren der Schillerischer Verse + heruber gehorcht und fallt nun mit tiefen Basse ein].... + Venus Amathusia."] +</pre> + <p> + "Yes, while still thy sanctuaries of pleasure Crowned this earth like in + Arcadia Joy had no penalty nor trader's measure...." + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [when the citation began listened over his cards, now falls in + with deep bass]. "... Venus Amathusia." + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [angrily breaking in]. Man alive, why didn't you play your Ace of + Spades? If you had brought out that Ace you'd have a trump—then + you'd beat this with a trump ... and then another trum.... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Now, beloved friends and countrymen, no post-mortem speeches. + [While dealing cards.] You cut, Bolland. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [cutting cards]. Make use of your trumps, Herr Professor. I am + trying to play into your hands. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. I thought ... + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. You didn't. If you had you'd play differently. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [speaking to Frau Lund, while dealing]. How far have you gotten + with your moralizing? Have we agreed yet—[Laughing.] Yes; yes; these + women folks! + </p> + <p> + WASNER [arranging cards in his hand]. They were citing Schiller a moment + ago. We must not forget, ladies, that it was Schiller himself who awakened + the national spirit of our race. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Your national spirit unfortunately found its way into the + strangest kinds of containers. + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER. I decidedly protest against such a poor opinion. If the + sincere religious sentiment of the German element ... + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [interrupting him]. We are waiting for you, Herr Professor. Are + you finally going to announce your cards? + </p> + <p> + DR. WASNER [continuing his pathetic tone]. I pass. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. The steady contact with school children keeps our educators + refreshingly naive. That man still believes in the superiority of the + Teutonic element. + </p> + <p> + FRAU LUND. And in the stability of our special German moral standard. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Until some little scandal crops up again. By the way, we shall + soon have one right in our city. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [with interest]. Here? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. To-morrow you'll read all about it in the newspapers. The police + have made a discovery which may prove more than they bargained for. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Here? [Beerman, head sideways, listens over his cards.] + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Last night the police arrested a woman who kept a very open house. + She colored it by going under a fancy French name, and they say only + entertained the best of society. She kept a diary which fell into the + hands of the police. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [he leaves his seat, comes forward, right]. A diary? + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND [drops his cards and rises]. What sort of a diary? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Oh! Just a naughty little inventory of all of her visitors. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What is the name of the lady? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Some French name which sounds to me like rouge. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I can't understand how you could forget her name. + </p> + <p> + BOLLAND. I can't either as long as you seem to know all about it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [to Beermann]. But, Fritz, why should you worry about it? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well ... am I the President of the Vice Suppression Society or, + am I not ...? + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II + </h2> + <p> + (An office at Police Headquarters. To rear on the left stands the + Assessor's desk. To the right against the wall, the desk of Reisacher, the + police clerk. Left front is a sofa with two chairs. On the right wall is a + telephone. Side entrance left. Another entrance in the middle. Stroebel + and Reisacher are seated with their backs to one another. Stroebel is + reading a newspaper; Reisacher is writing. Short pause.) + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [also turning]. Yes, Herr Assessor.[Footnote: An assessor is a + petty police official.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Are you familiar with the expression "those higher up"? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What do you understand by it? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Those are the folks who are something and have money somewhere. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Is it used to express contempt or class hatred? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [eagerly]. Well ... well! "The higher ups" are respected. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Are you certain? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Absolutely. + </p> + <p> + [They both turn around to their former positions; Stroebel continues to + read, and Reisacher to write. Short pause.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. After all, it means class hatred. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. No, no. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Pay attention. Here it says [he reads]: "Of course, for those + higher up there are no laws." That means, I take it, that the rich are + beyond the control of the law. By "control of the law," I wish you to + understand I am attacking the humiliating and anarchistic notion that the + law does not apply equally to rich and poor. Also I want to besmirch the + rich, by designating them by a slang expression. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then how can you say it does not express class hatred and + contempt? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Because, then again, you see, people who have money are + respected anyway. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You will never learn to think precisely, Reisacher. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + [Both resume their former positions. Short pause. Police Commissioner, + Freiherr van Simbach, enters left. Stroebel lays aside his paper, rises + and salutes. Reisacher writes hurriedly.] + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [Footnote: President of Police, in original.] 'Morning, Herr + Assessor. [To Reisacher.] Take your work outside, Reisacher, until I have + finished. [Reisacher exit through middle door.] I want to ask you a few + questions, Herr Stroebel. [Stroebel bows. The Commissioner during the + conversation takes center of stage and speaks nonchalantly and somewhat + drawingly.] I read your report. Day before yesterday, that was on + Saturday, you ordered the arrest of a certain woman. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Well, what about her? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. According to the report of Lieutenant Schmuttermaier, we have in + our hands a very dangerous person. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Is that so! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Within a short time she has almost demoralized our city. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. She has been in the city about three or four years.... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. She has, according to the report. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. In what way has she been dangerous? Did bald headed + gentlemen loosen up a bit in her house or are there special charges + against her? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No special ones, but her whole behavior. She had a beautiful + apartment in the best residential district. According to the report, the + neighbors began to talk about her. She dressed in a rather fast and + fashionable manner.... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Then because she did not cater to the common people, you + consider her so terrible? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. I thought not. Remember, please, I don't want you to get any + of the popular ideas about the corruption of our best society. Slit skirts + cause as much harm. [Stroebel bows.] What is her name? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Ninon De Hauteville. But her real name is Therese Hochstetter. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. H-a-u-t-e V-i-l-l-e? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. She comes of a good family. Her father was a Peruvian consul. + When he lost his money, she married a consular secretary. He divorced her + four years ago. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Indeed. So she is a person of refinement. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But she has ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER.... A demoralizing influence. I know all about that. Tell me, + what made you arrest her? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [with importance]. Eight days ago, I received a letter severely + rebuking the police because her place was tolerated.... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Who was the letter from? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [hesitatingly']. It was ... really ... anonymous. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. I hope that you are very careful about anonymous + communications. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Generally, I pay little attention to them. But this letter was + so full of details, I simply had to consider it. Of course, only as a hint + and I intended to get proof. I gave it to Schmuttermaier and told him to + keep the Hochstetter woman under strict surveillance. Saturday at noon we + obtained positive evidence, + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Then? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then I ordered Schmuttermaier to raid the place ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER.... During which you found a diary in her apartments? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner; a diary with the names of her visitors. The + dates and their social standing. Everything. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Have you finished reading it? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No, sir. I just glanced at it. I only got it from Schmuttermaier + an hour ago. I was not in the office yesterday. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [thoughtfully]. It's too late to do anything to-day. + [Consulting his watch.] Let me see. Bring me an exact report of all + important names contained in the diary ... at ten to-morrow morning. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner, at ten o'clock. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. And remember, it's very important that you make this report + personally. Don't let the clerk see the diary. It has not yet been in his + hands? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [going to his desk]. No. It's locked up in my desk. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Time enough to bring it to me tomorrow morning when you make + your report. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. How do you want me to get my data, Commissioner? Shall I summon + the important people involved? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [with emphasis]. Only ... the important ... names ... that's + all. By the way, how far have you gone in the case? Have you taken any + further steps? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No. I will examine the Hochstetter woman in a little while.... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. And Schmuttermaier? Has he orders to make any further raids? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Not yet. I want to read the diary first. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Above all, I do not want him to act without instructions. + People of no importance like to do important things. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. Your orders will be carried out. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Orders? I never give orders. You have your duties to + perform. I don't care to tell you what to do.... But there must be no + further raids until I have seen the diary. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. At the same time, don't neglect your duty. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I will do everything necessary for the promotion of public + decency. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [who has been pacing the room, turns suddenly.] Public + decency? Very well, very well.... [Short pause.] We occupy a most peculiar + position Do we not, Herr Stroebel? [Stroebel bows.] We know fully the + existing difference between official ... and let me say ... personal + sensitiveness, do we not? [Stroebel bows in accord.] I mention this merely + because you spoke of public decency. There is a decency about which you + and I privately might have most interesting discussions. As far as I am + concerned, such decency can be without limits. But there is another—the + public decency—which it is our business to police. This has its very + precise limits. For example, a scandal. Scandal of any description. Am I + right, Herr Assessor? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [clicks his heels together]. Certainly, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. That brings me to another matter. For the past few weeks, + there has been in the city, a so-called Society for the Suppression of + Vice. Have you any sympathy with these people? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I know of their aims ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Their aims do not interest me a bit. I mean, do you + personally cooperate with them? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Not ... yet. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Not yet? ... Hem! ... This Society is likely to interest + itself in this case. If someone comes to see me, Herr Stroebel, I will + refer him to you. [Stroebel bows.] Kindly bear this one thing in mind. + These men have political ambition, and are playing to the press. On the + whole the thing shows conservative tendencies. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Welcome them with open arms. Agree gratefully to every + suggestion for the betterment of the people, et cetera. Listen with + respectful appreciation but do nothing further. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [uncertain]. Nothing further? ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. No ... nothing further. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. These people must remain assured that they wield a great + influence. As a matter of fact, they have none at all and it's a good + thing they haven't. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. So, I may ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER.... Do everything you can be responsible for. As a matter of + principle, I do not like to give orders. You will submit that report then + [consulting his watch] at ten to-morrow? Good morning! [Goes toward the + door left, remains standing a moment, then turns around.] You have been + rather zealous in your work, I must say. [Stroebel bows slightly.] To + arrest a woman on the strength of an anonymous letter shows excessive + zeal. [Stroebel bows slightly.] I like to see my men energetic but [clears + his throat] bear in mind what I just said. Careful of a scandal! Good + morning! [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + (Stroebel sits down and stares at ceiling. He swings his chair around, + then whistles. Reisacher comes in through middle door and seats himself at + his desk. He coughs.) + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. How long have you been in the police department? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. It will be eighteen years this fall. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You have seen many a change, no doubt? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Surely. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Tell me, how long has our Commissioner been in office? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. The Commissioner? Oh ... it's seven. No, let me see, it's eight + years.... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Hem ... do you really suppose he wants us to keep our eyes wide + open all the time? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [eagerly]. Certainly. That's what he wants. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Does he? ... [Short pause.] I had an idea he didn't want us to + be too strict for fear of notoriety. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [eagerly]. No, no. He certainly would not like that. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [turns around completely]. Listen, Reisacher, you contradict + yourself all the time. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [turns around likewise]. I beg your pardon, Herr Stroebel. May I + suggest ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But you are always contradicting yourself. First you say yes, + and then you say no. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. I beg your pardon, Herr Assessor Stroebel. I wanted to say that + in the Police Department it is like this: Everything you do is all right, + if it turns out all right. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [turns back to his desk]. You will never learn to formulate a + thought precisely. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [also turns]. All right, Herr Stroebel. + </p> + <p> + (Short pause. Stroebel reads. Reisacher writes. A commotion is heard + through the middle door, which, is thrown open and Ninon De Hauteville + enters. Behind her a policeman, who holds her tightly by the arm. She + tries to free herself.) + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [she wears a large picture hat, and is highly perfumed]. Keep + your hands off me. I haven't killed anyone. Please, let me go. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [he has risen]. What's the matter? + </p> + <p> + POLICE OFFICER. [releasing her, stands at attention]. Have the honor sir, + to report this disreputable woman—the Hochstetter person. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Please, help me, sir. I am being handled like the commonest + criminal. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Why do you keep that hat on? You are not paying us a visit? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Indeed not! I am not paying a visit. If I lived to be a + hundred, it would never occur to me to pay you a visit. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Don't talk so much. Do you understand? [To Reisacher.] Get your + report book ready. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Is this the complaint office? I demand to know at least why I + was arrested. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Oh, here you'll find that out soon enough. [To the officer.] You + can go now. [Officer exit through middle door.] + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Oh, Monsieur, what shameful treatment. I was locked up in a + cell with two ordinary street walkers. You will help me, won't you? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [who has crossed over to Reisacher]. Please don't be so familiar. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I am so helpless. No one will listen to me. No one answers me. + An awful looking woman brought me a cup of yellow broth and a rusty spoon—[indicating + with her hand] so big. "Eat!" she said, and threw it down and left. You + will see to it, sir, that my friends are notified, won't you? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [glancing over Reisacher's shoulder]. Your friends cannot help + you here. [To Reisacher.] Don't make the margin so wide. You are wasting + good paper. [To Hauteville.] Your friends can do nothing at all for you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. You think so, do you? One single word and I'll be set free. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Indeed! + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Before the day is over everyone of you will have to apologize + to me. Yes, before this day is over. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly. [To Reisacher.] The word "Assessor" has two "s" in + all cases. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. If you people had the least idea whom you disturbed. If you + knew whom you compelled to hide in the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [turning quickly to Hauteville]. In the wardrobe? So! [To + Reisacher.] Make a note of that, Reisacher. [With emphasis.] So someone + escaped us by hiding in the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Yes, someone escaped you by hiding in the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [suddenly very friendly.] Upon my word, Madame, I believe that we + understand each other fully. You are a clever woman. You will not try to + deny the facts. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Not one solitary thing. I am most anxious that you should try + to find out all. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Bravo! I came near saying that I respect you for that. + [Benevolently.] You know, Hochstetter, every man is liable to make a fool + of himself now and then. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Indeed they are! I know best what fools men do make of + themselves. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Now and then people violate the law. But they ought not to deny + it afterwards. That's the sad part of it, because we always find out the + truth in the end. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I wish you had it now. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. We have a clue. But you are a woman of character, I admit. I + take off my hat to you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Indeed! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I certainly do. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I was afraid I had lost all refinement after spending the last + two nights in such company. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [benevolently]. No doubt, it was a trifle hard. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. It was terrible. They really do make me pay for discreetness. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Your patrons are the very men who make it so hard for you. They + get you into trouble and then expect you to protect them. Isn't it so? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. What an experience for me! To have my apartment raided at + night and be simply dragged away myself. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That is too much. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I was not even allowed to take along a change of underwear. + Then I am locked up with women who have every known variety of vermin. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. And with all that they expect you to remain silent! + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. When I want to comb my hair, the matron gives me a comb which + these women have been using a whole week. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That simply can't go on, + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. And the air! I never knew that such odors existed on this + earth. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Still you are to shield the others! After all, you know, I think + that discreetness is just talk. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Talk? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I mean if anybody ever had a moral right to give things away, + fully and freely, you are that person; ... after all you have suffered. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. That's right. I am that person. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Well then; did somebody escape into that wardrobe? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Yes, somebody did escape into that wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [eagerly]. Who? [Short pause.] + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. Who? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [more sharply]. Who on Saturday night at 10 o'clock escaped the + search of the police by hiding in the wardrobe? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. It is quite unnecessary for me to tell you + that. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [sharply]. Why? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. You are certain to find it out ultimately. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Ultimately? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Even if I wanted to I could not tell! Lord, when a person gets + strictly accustomed to never mentioning any name, it is almost impossible + to do it. I, believe that I would have to learn how first. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shouting]. And you will learn it; I promise you that. You ... + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Mais Monsieure! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shouting]. No "Monsieur" about it. Here you'll talk good plain + English. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. But why are you getting so excited? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [to Reisacher]. I am nice to this person. I reason with her, and + she says that she will first have to learn how to expose her crowd. + [Shouts.] Decency is what you'll have to learn and I'll teach it to you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Oh, not this very minute. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I know you. I know your sort! You want to gain time so that you + can concoct the blackest lies. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [calmly]. That would be entirely superfluous. The cleverest + lie could not help me half as much as the simple truth. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Out with it! + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. It's better if you find it out through someone else. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That's your opinion. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. You would only be embarrassed and I would be guilty of a + breach of confidence. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [with contempt]. As though people confided in such as you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I think that they rely upon the fact that our loyalty is not + "just talk." + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [again calm]. Listen to me. I do not think that you entirely + understand your position. [Hauteville shrugs her shoulders.] No, I don't + think that you know at all what is involved. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. On the contrary it is far worse that you don't seem to realize + who is involved. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [quickly]. In what? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. In the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Have you lost your senses? You are a prisoner here. Do you want + to poke fun at us? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. No. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then don't consider yourself so important with those meaning + insinuations. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. If I did, I'd soon lose my importance after eating that yellow + broth from those rusty tin plates. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. And that will continue for some time. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [energetically]. No, it will not. I tell you right now that I + will not spend another night in that dirty hole. I will not be mistreated + any longer. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [with sarcasm]. Of course we are going to ask you for your kind + permission. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I will not remain here. If they think I will let them ruin me, + they're very much mistaken. This is an outrage and here fair play stops. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. The likes of you and fair play! + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [bitterly]. Yes, the likes of me. Every day we hear the + confessions of those very people who publicly show contempt for us. We + know how false are all virtuous words with which they condemn us, but we + remain silent. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Of course, you do all this out of pure sense of fair play? [He + imitates the motion of counting money.] + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Money? ... My dear fellow, with money our patrons pay well for + that very thing which they later on call indecent. You get as much decency + from us for money as you get from other people, but believe me, we could + shatter many illusions. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Well, make a beginning right here. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. It ought to be impossible here. The police have as few + illusions as we. That is, provided they are properly instructed. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That's right now, put us in the same class with yourself. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE, Why not? We and the police could easily ruin the credit of + virtue, but neither of us do it. You—you because you regard that + credit as a good substitute for the principal, and we,—Lord, because + we need this credit as well. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Both of us? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. The very moment that public virtue loses its credit, the + secret vices will drop in market value. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What are you talking about anyway? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I'm telling you why both of us must hush things up. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then you are not convinced that there is a real public morality? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. You mean that morality which you put on with your street + clothes? I know it well. Gentlemen take it off in my apartment and hang it + up in my wardrobe, and there I can inspect it very thoroughly. It is truly + remarkable how our respected gentlemen still make formal social visits in + costumes which have so often been patched. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER [who up to this point apparently—without paying any + attention, has been sitting with his back toward them, turns half way + round]. Pardon me, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [impatiently]. Now what do you want? + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Pardon me, Herr Assessor, shall I put all this talk into the + minutes? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No, I will dictate to you later. [To Hauteville.] You know that + you are not here to amuse yourself. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I know that. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Listen to me quietly. You hinted before that if we kept you here + another night you would confess everything. Well I tell you here and now + that we will not keep you here one, but a number of nights. You can ease + your conscience at once. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I would only make yours the heavier for it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. My conscience? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Yes, if I tell you here, there will be no possibility of a + mistake, but everything must remain a mistake. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I have patience with you, but I will not let you fool me. Now + get yourself together and consider every word. What must remain a mistake? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Everything that has happened since Saturday night. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. All that must remain a mistake? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. It simply must not have happened. No one broke into my + apartment. No one arrested me. No one compelled anyone to hide in the + wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shouts.] And no one ever saw such an insolent female. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. This browbeating. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. It is meant for such as you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [indignantly stopping her ears]. It reminds one so much of the + tin plates and the comb. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [angrily pacing the room]. I never heard anything like it. + Picture it! She makes insinuations as though we had something to be afraid + of. [He stops pacing and faces her.] You evidently imagine that the whole + government would run away from you. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. No, but it ran away from your Lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Where? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Into the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [pacing up and down]. I will bring that fellow out of your + wardrobe. I will bring him to light. Into bright daylight! [Remains + standing in front of Hauteville.] What did you say? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILE. Non. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [resuming his pacing']. One of those fine fellows who wallow in + the mire and then expect us to make exceptions. [Stops pacing, facing + Hauteville.] What were you saying? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Nothing. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Sad enough that now and again a halfway decent person strays + into your place. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. He can only regret that he was disturbed. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [goes quickly to desk and unlocks a drawer]. Besides, do not + deceive yourself. We do not need your disclosures. [He takes out a rather + bulky paper, a school composition book, and holds it triumphantly in the + air.] There; do you recognize this? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [quietly, without a single trace of surprise]. It looks like + my diary. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. It is your book. It was found in your desk. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [very calm]. The desk was locked, + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. It was broken open. Well? What about your loyalty now? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. I kept it. I haven't a fire-proof + safe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Would you by chance like to show me the name? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. What name? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Of the gentleman in the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [laughs]. His name really is not in it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Do not evade but show me. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Oh, there are parties whose names are not in the Hotel + Register. They travel incognito. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [persuadingly]. Hochstetter, I have an impression that you are + not such a stupid girl, and I believe that you would like to [pointing to + the diary] take good care of your—patrons. If you do not immediately + reveal the name of that man, I will summon the whole bunch. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. That's something I cannot stop you + from doing. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What then is your belief in fair play? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. I never submitted that diary to you. You could not have gotten + it from me voluntarily, but it quite suits me that the officer found it in + my desk. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Why? + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. Because he might have searched for it in the wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Now my patience is at an end. [Presses the button on his desk.] + I will have no consideration for anyone. + </p> + <p> + HAUTEVILLE. After all, perhaps you will. For yourself. + </p> + <p> + [Police officer enters.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Take this woman downstairs, [The officer leaves with Hauteville. + Stroebel sits down, pushes the chair angrily to the desk, then gets up and + throws the diary and several other books on the desk, saying to himself:] + Never heard anything like it! Such impudence! + </p> + <p> + [Reisacher looks at him with amusement. A knock at the door.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [formally]. Come in! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [enters hastily from the left. He breathes heavily. He has a + handkerchief in his hand, with which he frequently mops his brow]. Is this + the proper department at last? I am being sent all around the building. + [Breathing heavily.] I hope I am finally in the proper bureau. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What do you want? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Pardon me for a moment while I catch my breath. I climbed twice + to the third floor and again down to the ground floor. The Commissioner + sent me to room 147 and there they told me to go to room 174. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Who sent you? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [taking a deep breath]. The Commissioner. I really wanted to + speak to him personally, but he told me I should go to the gentleman who + has "Morality." Are you the gentleman who has all the morality? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. At last. [Mopping his braze.] Good God? when a matter is so + urgent and so much depends on it they ought not to chase one all over the + building. I must rest a bit. All this excitement and running up and down + stairs.... So you are the gentleman who has the matter in hand. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What matter? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. On Saturday night a lady was arrested. A Madam de Hauteville, + and certain papers were taken from her. Have you those papers here? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What business is that of yours? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. My name is Beermann; Fritz Beermann, the banker. I am the + Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [very politely]. Oh, indeed! Pardon me! I didn't recall your name + immediately, but I was expecting you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [startled]. You—were expecting—me? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. The Commissioner said that you would undoubtedly call on us. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. He said that I undoubtedly would call? But he never mentioned a + word to me about that, and I saw him just a moment ago. Perhaps after all + it will be better if I go down to see him again? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That is not necessary. I have full charge of the matter. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh, yes, quite right; you have charge of the matter. And you + have those writings here too? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. The diary? [He indicates the desk.] Here it is. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [peeps anxiously over]. Then it is a regular diary? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Quite correctly kept. Gives date and names. Even little jesting + remarks about the people concerned. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [shouts]. But that is an unheard of insolence! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Why does she write such things? To what purpose? Can't she + herself realize how dangerous it is? Fancy, a woman whose whole stock in + trade is secrecy, keeping an address hook of her patrons. Confound her! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But to us as evidence it is priceless. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I ask you—why does she record such things? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. We can only be glad of it, Herr Beermann. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. We? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. She'd lie. I tell you she'd deny everything, and that puts an + end to the case. [Holding the diary in the air.] But here we have the + whole bunch. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. As though she wanted to turn State's evidence ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Let her just come to court with her confounded fine talk. + [Imitating Hauteville's manners.] "It simply must not have happened." I + will drive her to the wall with what happened. We will simply bring up + those fellows, one after the other. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [dismayed]. To court! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly, and that means; hand on the Bible and swear. Then we + shall see if "no one compelled anyone to hide in the wardrobe." + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. They will not commit perjury. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. That's utterly impossible! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I will make it quite warm for that man, in any event. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But, Counselor! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [clinking heels]. Assessor Stroebel. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But, Assessor, that is simply impossible. You do not want to + ruin the family life of the entire city, do you? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. In what way? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do you expect a respectable gentleman to appear in court and in + the presence of all people to say, yes; it is true that I ... and so + forth? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Why not? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [shouting]. But they are all respectable fathers of families! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But, my dear Herr Beermann, what difference does that make to + me? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It must make a difference. It makes a difference to everybody at + all times. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I assure you that I am not a bit sentimental. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [glancing over to Reisacher]. Could we have a few words together, + alone? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. If you wish it. Reisacher, finish your police report in the + outer office. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Certainly, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + (Takes several sheets of paper and goes out through the middle door.) + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Do have a seat, Herr Beermann. + </p> + <p> + (Beermann sits down on the sofa. Stroebel does likewise.) + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [mopping his brow]. A personal question, Herr Assessor, are you + married? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I thought not. If you had a family you would not speak in that + fashion of sentimentality. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. If I had a family, I would not, to begin with, be involved in + this. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. My name would not appear in the diary of Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You never can tell. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Excuse me. What is there left of family life when such things + happen? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What do you mean? If nobody finds it out? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But such a man must live constantly under a deception. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. My dear Assessor. If the white lie ceases in married life, the + couple drifts apart. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I cannot believe that! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [persuadingly]. Take my word for it. In every happy marriage the + parties lie to each other to keep their affection from cooling. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But both of them remain faithful. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Not in the least. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Don't say that! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Not in the least; anyhow not to the very letter. A husband is + true to his wife even if he ... and so forth. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Your views surprise me. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. This is what I mean. He is true in his own fashion. He remains + kind to his wife, takes a good care of his family, and that is the + principal thing. That other which you have in mind is only an ideal. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Ideals are lived up to. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well, yes. But if we don't live up to them, we at least respect + them. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Herr Beermann, I am astounded. You are the President of the + Society for the Suppression of Vice? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Can I help it that I was elected? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But at least you represent the views of your Society. I thought + you came here for that reason. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. For what reason? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. To express your satisfaction at our discovery of the business of + this person. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You thought I came here on that account? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Didn't you? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [mopping his brow with his handkerchief]. You'll have to pardon + me, Herr Assessor; I am still affected by that running up and down stairs. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Perhaps our conversation tires you? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Don't mention it. I simply cannot follow you so quickly, A + moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn't you? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Of this Hauteville woman.—Yes. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Have you been through this diary? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No. I have not had time yet. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Only those I noticed in glancing through it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [relieved]. Ah! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the contents of + this book must remain a secret to you. My orders are not to show it to + anyone. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No, no. I don't want to know anything about it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You will find out everything later when the matter comes up in + court. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [dismayed]. Will it be read there? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly. To-day I can only tell you that we will proceed + vigorously. You can satisfy your society on that point. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [rising]. But that doesn't satisfy me at all. Think of the + consequences. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [rising also]. What do you care about the consequences. Your + society has its very high aims. Your propaganda states that you will + prosecute the outcast of society with iron energy and now you see your + ideals realized. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Our propaganda states that we will intervene from national, + moral and social viewpoints, to protect the marriage vows. If this scandal + becomes public the marriage relationship will be undermined. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. What sort of moral viewpoint do you call that? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is the Society's. Don't you understand that the influential + class of society will be involved! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then that class will have only itself to blame. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. That's out of the question. We must find a loop-hole. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Within the scope of the law there are no loop-holes. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Don't tell ME that. Well then, go around the law. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [surprised]. Herr Beermann! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Of course! I have lived long enough to know that. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I shall do my duty. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Am I interfering with your duty? I belong to that class of + people who respect the police only because the police respect our social + position. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I appreciate that. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I also take part in political life. I am a candidate for the + Reichstag and as such I have a decided opinion about these matters. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Without doubt, Herr Beermann. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well then, there are, in extreme cases, ways around the law, and + there must be. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I am of a different opinion. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. God knows, it is not the business of the police to provoke this + enormous scandal. All authority will be destroyed. It will shatter the + respect of the masses for the people higher up. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But this scandal was provoked—[knocking on the diary with + his finger]—by these very people. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. If a man once in a while goes into a certain room—that is + no scandal. It only becomes a scandal when the story is made known to + every Tom, Dick and Harry. That's what must be prevented! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I value the humane motive which evidently is prompting you, Herr + Beermann. But you must admit that we are acting entirely in accord with + the views of the classes you mention. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You are not! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, we are. Two weeks ago the good people here founded a + Society because they felt it was necessary to proceed more severely + against public immorality ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN.... Against immorality in the lower strata where it easily + degenerates into licentiousness. As the President of this Society, I, at + least ought to know what was intended. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Even Frau Hochstetter belongs to the lower strata. If we are now + stepping on anybody's corns, I am very sorry.... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. The police have no business to do anything they will be sorry + for later on. Good Lord, had the Commissioner only listened to me. An + affair like this should not be treated in such a purely business-like way. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. The Commissioner can only tell you the same thing. He cannot + change the law. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Anything can be done. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Not at this stage. We could probably have prevented it had we + known that this case would have such far-reaching consequences, but now + here are the proofs. [Pointing to the diary.] No one in the world can + destroy them, not even the Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Then what do you propose to do with them? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. They are going down to the District Attorney's office. The + avalanche is on its way. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And we have simply to wait and watch what it hits? (Telephone + bell rings.) + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Pardon me a moment. + </p> + <p> + (Goes to the right to the telephone. While Stroebel is answering the + telephone, and has his back to Beermann the latter crosses to the desk and + tries to look into the diary. Timidly he opens it several times but shuts + it again quickly, when he fears that Stroebel will turn around.) + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [answering the telephone]. Police Department.... Assessor + Stroebel speaking. Who is this please ... yes, this is Assessor + Stroebel.... Yes, Commissioner ... [pause] I understand you, I will remain + in the office ... Yes, I examined the Hochstetter woman.... Yes, this + Madame Hauteville [pause] I will remain in the office until you call.... + Yes, Commissioner. Good-bye. [He hangs up the receiver.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear indifferent.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the Commissioner + himself is following up this matter. He wants to have another conference + with me about it to-day. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You must be consistent.... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or relatives + are involved ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You must remain consistent. Doesn't this splendidly justify the + founding of your Society? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [in a rage]. Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice Society. + Are we not all human, after all! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I do not understand you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer? Last + night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen, all these + family misfortunes, I asked myself this question: What really is morality? + And ... I could not find the answer. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Although you are ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Although I am Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of + Vice, yes, sir. Then I asked myself this: which is the more important: + that we are moral, or that we seem moral? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Have you found the answer? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I have. I have become fully convinced that it is far more + important for the people to believe in our morality. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But you didn't need a Society for that. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Yes, we did. Just to be moral is something that I can accomplish + in my room by myself, but that has no educational value. The important + thing is to ally one's self publicly with moral issues. This has a + beneficial effect on the family and state. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I daresay that this side of the question has not occurred to me. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Just consider. Morality holds exactly the same position as + religion. We must always create the impression that there is such a thing + and we must make each other believe that each of us have it. Do you + suppose for one moment that religion would last if the church dealt + publicly with our sins? But she forgives them quietly. The State ought to + be just as shrewd. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Many a thing you say seems quite true. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is true, you can depend upon it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Theoretically perhaps. But that does not change it one bit. As + long as the law prescribes it, these offenses [pointing to the diary] must + be dealt with publicly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Although you know that thus public decency will be undermined. + [Stroebel shrugs his shoulders.] Although the State will suffer by it? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [again shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. The Administration knows very well the sort of conservative + element there is in the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, and values it highly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Let us suppose—I do not know if it be so—but let us + just suppose that only one member of the Society once had a weak little + moment and his name were in this book ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [energetically]. Then he would be summoned to court without + regard or mercy. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And the whole Society would be made ridiculous and would go up + in the air. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [shouts]. That is the height of folly, I tell you! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [instructively]. It is the fulfilment of our duty. You are a + layman. With you sentiments play an important part. We, the police, on the + other hand are compelled to sacrifice our feelings to our duty. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [holding his hands to his ears]. Oh, stop that! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Official duty blocks our way. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [angrily]. But even a jackass can jump over blocks. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [offended]. Her? Beermann, I did not hear that remark. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Let me tell you something! Do you know what we have been doing + for the past three weeks? ... Talking ourselves hoarse in order to bring + about an election friendly to the present administration. For the past + three weeks it has been nothing but Fatherland, and the state and + religion! And this is your gratitude! In the devil's own name—just + picture it to yourself—a man who has been fighting the opposition in + thirty different political meetings might be involved in this. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. What can I do? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Is the Administration going to deliver him over to his + opponents? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. We would be very sorry for him, but we would have to summon him + to court. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Without regard or mercy—? [Telephone bell rings loudly.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Pardon me for a moment. [Stroebel goes to the telephone and this + time he turns completely around so that his back is toward Beermann.] + Police Department ... yes ... Commissioner; this is Stroebel at the + telephone.... [Short pause.] When she was arrested? ... When she was + arrested there was Lieutenant Schmuttermaier and an officer.... [Short + pause.] Just one policeman ... [Pause.] ... Yes, Commissioner [short + pause] I should tell that Lieutenant [short interruption] jackass + Schmuttermaier to come over to the office immediately.... [Short pause.] I + shall wait for you until you come.... Yes, Commissioner. (During this + telephone conversation Beermann steps near to the desk. With a shaking + hand he takes up the diary but quickly puts it down again. Then he picks + it up again and with a rapid and energetic movement puts it into his + breast pocket. Stroebel with a rebuked demeanor goes from the telephone to + the desk. Beermann turns around so that Stroebel cannot see his face. He + is disturbed and coughs in order to hide his embarrassment. Stroebel + presses a button on Reisacher's desk.) + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [while coughing]. I realize now that nothing more can be done. I + shan't take up your time. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [anxiously]. No, no, please remain. The Commissioner himself will + be here in a moment. Then you may talk to him. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But you just told me that there was no use waiting.... + [Reisacher enters through center door.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [urgently to Reisacher]. Reisacher, go and look for Lieutenant + Schmuttermaier immediately. If he is not in the building, send to his home + or telephone for him. Leave word that he must come over immediately. + </p> + <p> + REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + </p> + <p> + [Goes out quickly through center door.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You said yourself that there would be no use. I guess I'd better + go. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [perturbed]. But do wait for the Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. There is no use in my waiting. I ... I did all I could ... there + seems to be no use ... well then.... Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + [About to go through door on left but the door is quickly opened and the + Commissioner appears with Baron Schmettau. The former holds the door open + for the Baron. After they have come in, he shuts the door.] + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [to the Baron]. If you please, Herr Baron.... [To Beermann]. + Ah ... here is our President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + [Beermann bows slightly—Commissioner continuing contemptuously.] + Well, have you accomplished your mission? [Beermann nods.] Are you + satisfied with this arrest or would you like to have us do more? + [Angrily.] Once for all, Sir, I forbid you to meddle with the affairs of + this office. You can preach your principles wherever else you like, but + here I will stand for no interference. [Beermann timidly creeps along the + wall, and bows himself out.] [Commissioner to Baron Schmettau.] Whenever + the police bungle anything, look for reformers. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. [with a glance at Stroebel]. Will you introduce me? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Assessor Stroebel,—Freiherr von Schmettau, Adjutant to + his Highness, Prince Emil. [Stroebel clicks his heels together and bows + deeply. Schmettau thanks him curtly.] + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [sharply]. Herr Assessor, I have asked Herr Baron Schmettau + to come with me in order that in his presence I might correct a pitiable + lack of tact, which to my regret, and contrary to all my intentions, was + perpetrated by Lieutenant Schmuttermaier. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. It was abominable. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. What orders did that man have? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [nervously]. Do you mean in the case of Hochstetter, + Commissioner? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Yes, sir, Madame de Hauteville, Who made the raid on her + apartment? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. The raid? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. I hope before you arrested her you informed yourself exactly + with whom you were dealing. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Certainly ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER.... And the result? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I ascertained that this woman was violating public decency. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. I am going to ask you, Assessor, as my inferior in office, + to confine yourself to more direct answers, PLEASE. What did the + investigation disclose? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That she received questionable visits from gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Questionable? Then does Schmuttermaier know who these + gentlemen were? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. He does not ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. No? Didn't he investigate a matter which seemed so + questionable to him? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. He just wanted to ascertain that these visits were meant for + Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. So—? I have some truly competent officials. And who + and what it was did not bother the man at all? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I myself thought that that would be found out later. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. There are certain things in the world you would not be + likely to look for and less likely to find. You have been treating this + thing as though you were dealing with a common ordinary pickpocket. [To + Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I told you ... the man did not + have the slightest idea.... [To Stroebel.] Did this fellow, + Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat or did he hear if anyone was there? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [to Baron Schmettau]. It is just as I told you.... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody in the + apartment. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [quickly]. Who? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville made + several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a wardrobe. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER.[to Baron Schmettau]. To be sure—someone—was—To + my profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince Emil. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [crushed]. I ... didn't have the slightest idea ... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. You people ought to have an idea once in a while. If this + Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened. But it is the + old story, not a trace of independent ability and tact. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I don't know what apology I can offer. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Neither do I. Besides Herr Baron Schmettau himself was + obliged to go through this very unpleasant incident. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight emphasis on + his s.] I was completely dumfounded. I cannot understand how it could + happen. Just picture it ... Lord knows ... I was and am of the opinion + that our young Highness must learn to know life. Faith, it is not my + business to act as his pastor.... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying.... + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. That of course is merely my opinion. I am a man of the world + and of affairs. I consider it fitting that his Highness should learn to + know life.... + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. But I entirely share your opinion. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. A moment ago the word "decency" was used. In my position I can + listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside of the church I deem + them entirely out of place. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You used that expression. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a proper one, + he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I did not think that the word would offend you. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. It did offend me. Such expressions are fitting in an asylum for + feeble-minded people. They should never be used to characterize the + recreation of Cavaliers. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. May I put in a good word for my Assessor? It certainly was + not his intention to offend you. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I will assume + that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his heels.] I am somewhat + nettled but you cannot be surprised at that. You can imagine with what + care I undertook this task. This Madame de Hauteville was recommended to + me by reliable parties. She has good manners and does not talk. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent person. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness must learn + to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the Commissioner.] We + understand each other? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Certainly. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top. Now + picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this inconceivably + awful scandal happens. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in your + business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help me one bit. + The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told that such things + should not have happened. That is an unheard of business. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would have + informed you. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. If you only had! + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for granted that + the police first of all respect protection! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams did I + think of an occurrence like this. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to think? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. That's just what I say. If a man knows his work thoroughly + these things come to him. But people who are interested in the uplift + movements are always in the clouds. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. This Lieutenant or whatever that fellow was, behaved as though + he was collecting material for a socialist newspaper. His Highness was + hardly in the house five minutes when there was a loud ringing. Then, + someone in heavy shoes ran up against the door like a drunken sailor. + Madame de Hauteville breaks into the room and cries, "Your Highness, how + unfortunate I am. The police are here," she says. "Leave them alone," I + say, "they will go away presently." "Impossible," she says, "I can never + permit His Highness to be found by the police in my place. I will take the + blame upon myself entirely." Fancy the tact of that woman! "Impossible," + she says, "that His Highness should be caught in my place." + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Really, very decent! + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Indeed it is. Immediately it dawns on me that she is right. The + situation is getting terrible. That policeman is likely to demand His + Highness' identification. What shall we do? Madame says, "For Heaven's + sake hide in the wardrobe!" Outside, that fool is making quite a rumpus. + He knocks, rings, shouts and barks. The neighborhood is getting aroused + and heads are popping out from right and left and in the midst of this + terrible commotion, there we stand—Highness and I. What shall we do? + A few moments later, His Highness is cramped beside me in the wardrobe, in + between different pieces of woman's apparel. With great difficulty we are + able to draw our breath. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. If I had only had an inkling about it. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [angrily]. The police are expected to grasp conditions. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Then what followed? In heavy-nailed shoes the men go from room + to room. Doors are opened and slammed. The fellows use loud and coarse + language, and three or four times they stand in front of the wardrobe. + Upon my word, I actually feel how His Highness is perspiring. Just picture + to yourself the situation if that brute had opened the closet! Just + picture that and you can realize how much courage I had! + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. You must have suffered terribly. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. What I suffered does not matter. In such moments one does not + think of anything else but Highness. What an outrage! Finally the steps + disappear. Madame Hauteville, who throughout behaved most decently and + whose conduct was above reproach, is led away and Highness and I can leave + the wardrobe where we spent an entire twenty minutes. And now I ask again, + "How can such mistakes happen?" + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You shall find the answer to this. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Upstairs the woman is still in her cell. The newspapers are + full of the scandal, and Highness suffers agonies when he realizes the + possibilities which can develop at any moment. + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. Herr Baron, you need not worry any longer. Now I am taking + the matter entirely into my hands. [Consulting his watch, he speaks with + affected calmness.] It is now a quarter to one. This evening at eight + o'clock Madame de Hauteville will be set free and everything will be so + arranged that her discharge will arouse no suspicion. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But how are you going to do it ...? + </p> + <p> + COMMISSIONER. The details of this arrangement are your affair. + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III + </h2> + <p> + (Beermann's library. Elegantly furnished. A desk is backed up against a + large bay-window on the right. Opposite is a large book-case, and next to + this a sofa. A long double door with small French panes somewhat to the + left. On the left of stage a small table and a few comfortable leather + chairs. On the right a simple door. + </p> + <p> + Beermann enters through the middle door. He goes to the desk, unlocks a + drawer and takes out the diary of Hauteville. He looks carefully about + him, then picks out a volume of an encyclopedia from the book-case, opens + it quickly and places the diary inside. He seats himself and begins to + read. At this moment the center door is opened slowly, and Frau Beermann + stands on the threshold.) + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Are you alone, Fritz? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [frightened, slams the book so that the diary is concealed in + it]. Goodness, you did frighten me! + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I did not know how nervous you were until yesterday. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh, what, nervous? I am over-worked and irritable. Every single + day, I have to prepare a new speech. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Is it in that work that I disturbed you? Pardon me. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do you want anything? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I just wanted to have a few serious words with you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But not necessarily at this moment. To-morrow or ... + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [opening the glass door, calls in]. Oh, papa, did you forget? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [uneasily]. Forget what? + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [entering]. Weren't we to see the Indian dancer to-day? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well, it can't be done to-day. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. That's a shame; I wanted so much to see her and to-night is her + last appearance. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Then we will wait until the next one comes along. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. I don't see why just we have to have this bad luck. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with emphasis]. Because I have more important things to do than + to watch your hop, skip and jump. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [jolly]. Oh, aren't you cranky? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I am not at all disposed for such nonsense. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [going over to the desk, picks up the volume of the encyclopedia.] + All this comes from your politics; now I will simply confiscate your + ammunition. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [excited]. Give me that book. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [jumping away]. No, no, papa, you will only get sick. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [shouts]. I forbid these stupid jokes. Put that book down. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. What is the matter? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I never could tolerate disobedient children, that's all. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. [placing the book on the desk]. Oh, pardon me, papa. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [grasps the volume tightly and places it in the book-case]. All + fooling has its limits; don't forget that. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. Now I suppose as a punishment, we can't see the dancer. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Really I would rather go with you than—sit here, but it is + absolutely impossible. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Go now, darling; I must talk to papa alone. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But I haven't the time. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [positively]. That much of it you have. + </p> + <p> + EFFIE. Good-bye, papa dear. [Goes out.] + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [Seats herself on the sofa next to the book-case. Beermann + stands leaning with his back against the desk. Through the large window + the evening sun can be seen so that Beermann's face is in its light, while + Frau Beermann sits in the half-dusk.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Lena dear, do we really have ...? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. We do. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Can't it be postponed? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I have postponed it many a year, but now it is high time. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. [disturbed]. Many a year? What are you referring to? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I have a request to make to you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. With pleasure.... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing-stock of your family. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. In what way? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing stock of your family, I beg you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Please don't talk in riddles. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. These are not very great riddles to you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Speak plainly, won't you? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. No. I am not going to speak more plainly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. As your husband, I demand it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. N-no. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. That is very sad. There should be no secrets at all between + husband and wife. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Is this a principle again? Fancy all these great secrets! + [Beermann shrugs his shoulders.] No. Now take it for granted that I know a + thing or two about you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with anxiety]. You? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Several things. Some which you must know only too well. + After all, that principle of yours has not been violated. There remain no + secrets whatever between us. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I assure you I shall not rack my brains about it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Nor would I want you to regard me as sitting in judgment on + your acts. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with a false pathos]. Instead of telling me freely and frankly + of the gossip you have heard about me; then I could defend myself. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. That is just what I want to avoid. To me it appears + somewhat childish when a man tries to justify ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [just as before]. In this manner, the lowest gossip can destroy + the happiness of any family. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [seriously]. Fritz, really, there is no one listening to us + just now. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You are not taking me in earnest. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. No, and it is our good fortune that I am not. At least, my + good fortune. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You call that good fortune? I might have expected something + different from you. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. No, sir, you did not. If you will be honest with me, you + will admit that. This many a year, we have been playing a common farce. + You acted the true Christian head of the family and I the all-believing + audience. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How nice! + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Not nice but it's true. Perhaps the fault is not entirely + ours, for we learned it from our parents. You men are supposed to impress + us with your greatness and we women are to stand by and admire. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do you find that impossible? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Even the best Christian family principles must have some + foundation. What was I supposed to admire? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You ask that now? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Perhaps I gave it up sooner than others. But that is due to + our relationship. We were always together. Where is a man to get pose and + character enough to last him for twenty-four hours every day? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. So that is about your conception of our married life? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. That is it exactly. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And after all the years ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I acquired it rather early. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Now, after twenty-six years you declare that you are unhappy. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. No, Fritz, it has not led us to unhappiness. There has been + no sudden shattering of an ideal. Our marriage was not an ideal and ... + don't feel offended ... your personality was never so immaculate, that one + stain more or less would spoil the effect. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [excited]. But there must be some sort of reason back of all + these reproaches? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. If you think them reproaches, then we do not understand + each other. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What else are they? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I meant it merely as a request. Do not bring your family + into ridicule. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You are playing hide and seek all the time. In what way am I + likely to do that? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. With your moral priesthood to which you have absolutely no + right. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No right? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Not the slightest one. But you are creating enemies who + will make a laughing-stock of us all, if they find out certain things. + Those things can be found out whether we like it or not. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [forced laughter]. Lena dear, I believe you are jealous. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN [quietly]. Jealous, of what? [Short pause.] I hope that you + credit me with at least good taste enough not to be jealous of my + so-called right, and ... otherwise what can I lose? No, Fritz, I am not + jealous. [Short pause, it is getting darker.] I had to get accustomed to + it; that's true. This secrecy, the petty lies and the false gravity + irritated me a little bit too much at first, but I made an effort so that + I could still retain a feeling of comradeship. I overcame it daily, + because—well because I never really took you seriously. [Pause.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with, a false pathos]. Lena, dear, do you realize what things + you are saying? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, fully. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [as above]. That is dreadful. Every word is a ... catastrophe! I + have until today, I have until this hour, believed in our established + quiet happiness. Now shall all this pass away? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Nothing but your confidence in my blindness shall pass + away. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Think it over. There can be no real family life after people + lose faith in each other. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Oh, a person gets used even to that. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No. Lena, listen. Someone has been telling you tales and I + cannot defend myself, because I don't know what I am accused of. You must + tell me everything right now. I demand it of you. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. If I wanted to do that, I would have to begin "many, many + years ago ..." + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well, why didn't you do it then? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. You can well understand, I had my reasons. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. For such silence there can be no reasons. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I could shut my eyes and remain silent. That was my + privilege. But if I had spoken out and permitted you to appease me ... no, + that was something beyond me. To do that I would have been obliged to lie + and for that I, for one, have not the ability. [Beermann makes a motion.] + No, do not interrupt me. These things will have no consequences as long as + I do not wish them to, but if I should name them, then they would have. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Then shall I let this suspicion rest upon me? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Yes. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How coldly you speak. If what you suspect were true, you could + not be so indifferent about it. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Do the by-laws of your society prescribe that in cases like + these the wife shall be unhappy? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Imagine! The many years that you and I have lived together and + you had these suspicions right along and never said a word about them. Why + do you speak today? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Because you have reached the point where our friendship for + one another may break. Everything I see and hear from you now hurts me. + You speak in a tone of strictness, which must be unpleasant even to you. + For weeks past there has been nothing around me but lies. What you say to + me, all that you say to the children, and what you preached here publicly + last night. Every word hurts my ears and urges me to contradict you; I am + silent and by doing that I endorse your lies. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But, Lena ... + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. Finally when your every glance is artificial, each motion + of yours is a pose. Then it is unbearable. Add to that my anxiety for our + children. How shall they still retain faith in us, if through an accident + their eyes are opened? I had remained silent all this time for their sake + and now you are inviting the whole world to speak. I cannot continue to + live this life of worry and hypocrisy. All that I have already overcome + awakens again and appears to me more ugly than ever before. I do not know + if I can still believe in your good fellowship and remain your friend. + [She rises and goes slowly to the door.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I do not seem to know you any more. During our entire married + life, you have not spoken as seriously as in the last fifteen minutes. + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. That perhaps was my great mistake. But I have paid for it. + [She opens the door.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Lena dear, have you nothing further to tell me? + </p> + <p> + FRAU BEERMANN. I just beg of you; do not bring your family into ridicule. + [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [For a while remains standing; lost in thought; then he turns on + the electric light, sighing, goes over to the bookcase, takes out the + volume of the encyclopedia wherein the diary of Madams de Hauteville is + hidden, opens it and reads standing. A knock on the door. Frightened, he + quickly hides the diary in his side pocket.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Come in. [Justizrat Hauser enters on the left.] + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Lord; good evening. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [hurrying toward him]. Lord; how glad I am that you have come. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Has anything happened? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. N ... no. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I received your message that you must see me tonight without fail. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Yes, I was at your house twice. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Unfortunately, I was not there. [He has taken off his overcoat and + is laying it on a chair.] Tell me, you seem to me all upset. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I am upset. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I suppose that is why you sent for me. Well, then, what is it? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Have a seat, please. [They sit down to the left on the sofa.] I + must begin a little way back.... Have a cigar? [He goes over to the + humidor, takes out a box of cigars and offers it to Hauser, who takes + one.] I must begin a little way back ... Can you remember the subject we + discussed last night? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. The genuinely righteous moral life? [He lights his cigar.] Of + course, I remember it. Such sermons are not easily forgotten. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Do you know I got the impression that you have a rather liberal + viewpoint. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Liberal? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I mean that you are not a prude. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I am an old lawyer, you know, and just out of sheer habit + contradict people. I made myself blacker than I actually am. So, if you + have scruples on my account ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I merely mentioned it because you understand life and I must + speak to someone who judges more liberally than our narrow minded + bourgeois. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. More liberally than you judged last night? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I was overzealous, but don't let us talk about it. I want to ask + you for advice. [Short pause.] You lawyers are bound to respect + professional secrets? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. We must respect them. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What I am about to tell you, you will probably find most + astounding, but it is to be considered absolutely confidential. Even + though your client confesses a crime, you are not permitted to divulge the + information? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. What a careful criminal you are! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is possible that you will find this information most + unpleasant. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [Bends and talks in a low voice]. Now don't worry about me, + Beermann. I will know how to protect your interests. The law gives me the + right to remain silent in any event. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well then ... [nervously runs his fingers through his hair] I + really have to begin a little way back. The last few days I have been + thinking a great deal about monogamy. I am surely the last person to doubt + the high moral value of the marriage vow, but there is something to be + said on the other side. It is indeed a very ticklish theme to discuss. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Suppose then that we skip the prologue and the few opening + chapters and start at once with the affair of Madame Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How do you know ...? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. I suspected. You probably are not the first one who has come to + confess to me. Since last night many consciences have been jolted. So you, + too, belong to that crowd? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You ask yourself how such things are possible? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. No, sir, I never ask myself such stupid questions. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You have always believed that an undisturbed happiness prevailed + in my family. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [quickly]. Beermann, I resent that! Do not try to make yourself + interesting. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Don't take it the wrong way. I am not blaming anybody. I just + want to ... + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. You even want to find moral justification for your immorality. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I know well enough that it is unjustifiable. I have been saying + that to myself a hundred thousand times. Do not think that I overcame my + principles so easily. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. All you had to overcome was your timidity. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [sighing deeply]. If you only knew. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Of course you did not land on the primrose path with both feet, + but you climbed carefully over the fence—just as befits a man of + your embonpoint. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I expected something better from you than mere mocking. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. What do you want me to do? Shall I weep because you have sinned? + Why? What good would it do you? That is the way of your kind. As long as + no one has proofs against you, your virtue must always be under the + spotlight, but the very minute you trip up, some peculiar background of + justification ought to be invented for the smallest sin. No, my dear + friend. The world's moral system will not go to pieces just because you + slipped and broke your nose. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You cannot realize what suffering you are inflicting upon me + right now. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Now please don't make long speeches. You did not call me here to + grant you absolution. You want me to help you to quash this affair. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [jumps up quickly from his chair]. Yes, you must do that. Good + Lord, I beg you. I am in a terrible position. You have not the slightest + idea how nervous I am. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Will you please sit down and stop exaggerating? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [sits down]. No man living can have sufficient imagination to + enlarge on this. Imagine it! Any moment the police are likely to come here + and arrest me. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [seriously]. Have you been carrying on so badly at Hauteville's? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No. Not there. That is not worth while mentioning. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Why then do you fear the police? That's all nonsense. Now just + consider everything quietly and calmly. By the way, has your wife any + suspicions ...? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Of this affair? I don't think so. She has just a general one ... + but what's the use of bothering with trifles! You know that this stupid + woman kept a diary, and that they found it in her apartment. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Assuredly I know it. Without that diary we would not have so many + penitents in the City. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Imagine my position. I know positively that my name is in that + book. It means that I am simply done for by the cursed thing. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Is it so certain that your name is in the book? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [loudly]. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. It may be possible that ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is not at all possible. My name is there. Shall I quietly sit + and wait until I am ruined? You know that I would be ruined if it became + public. Fancy, I, the candidate for the Reichstag; I, the President of the + Society for the Suppression of Vice! All the papers would be full of it. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Oh, yes, it would be quite interesting. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Then think of the consequences here in the City! In the family! + Why, I would be killed outright! Lord, how I tried to hammer it into the + head of that stupid man in the Police Department so he could understand + what terrible mischief this will make. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [frightened]. You went to Police Headquarters? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Of course, I was there. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Did you confess? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. How can you suppose that? [Sits down again.] I spoke for the + others. I explained to the official that he is showing up the influential + element; that he is injuring the established order of society,—but + [he touches his forehead with his palm] that fellow has nothing but police + ordinances in his head. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Shouting will not help us a bit. Remain cool and collected. One + thing is important, at this moment. Has the diary reached the District + Attorney's office? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No, it has not. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Well, as long as it remains in the Police Department there are + still possibilities. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is not in the Police Department either. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Of course it is there. Where else should it be? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [indicating his side pocket]. Here. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [amazed]. What? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [takes the diary out of his side pocket and places it on the + table]. Here it is. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. So, this is the celebrated diary of Madame Hauteville. [Beermann + nods.] Who gave it to you? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Nobody. I just took it. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. You mean; you sto ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN.... Stole it, yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [pulls back his chair and breaks into a loud laugh]. You did that! + [He laughs.] ... Say, that's pretty good. Now I am beginning to respect + you. Confound it, I would never have given you credit for a stunt like + this. [He laughs and slaps his knee.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Laugh, while I am dying of fright. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Don't spoil my good impression of you! I am on the point of + admiring you. [He laughs again.] Let me apologize. I always held you as a + wishy-washy bourgeois and now you go and pull this thing off. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You had better give me some advice. I have not had a quiet + moment since I took the book. I want to destroy it but how can I? If I + tear it up the pieces will be found. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Burn it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Where? There is no fire in the house, except in the kitchen + range. If I hide it, I shall always have to run to and fro to see if it is + there, and I feel less safe if I have it on my person. Then I have always + a feeling as though that thing were bulging out my pocket; and the police + must be missing it by this time. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Oh, tear out the page on which your name appears and send it back + anonymously. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Impossible. My name appears on almost every second page. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Oh ... so. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. What shall I do when the police ask me for the book? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. There is only one way; you know nothing about it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But they will be dead certain that I have it. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Remain firm. For Heaven's sake don't fall into the trap that by + confessing you will improve this fine job. [A loud and prolonged ringing + of the electric bell is heard.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [frightened, exclaims]. There, do you hear that? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Some visitor, I suppose. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. This is no time to make visits. [Anxiously picking up the + diary.] What shall I do with the damned thing? [Takes out a volume of the + encyclopedia and wants to hide the diary in it but hesitates, and then + puts the volume back on the shelf.] Lord, where shall I put it? + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. Come, give it to me. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [Gives him the book and Hauser puts it in his side pocket.] + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. No one will search me for it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Stay here with me ... please. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER. If it gives you any pleasure, yes; but man alive, pull yourself + together. Suppose it really were the police; you are trembling all over. + [A knock on the door.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [crouching]. Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty comes in + from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.] + </p> + <p> + BETTY. The gentleman says it is very urgent. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting card and + reads]. Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says with forced + vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And this has been my state of mind for the past six hours. + </p> + <p> + HAUSER [offering him his hand]. Now be brave, my dear friend, and even if + they should come to you, just deny it outright. You'll know how to lie. A + man of such rare abilities.... Good night. [Goes out on the left. In the + doorway, he almost collides with Professor Wasner. They greet each other.] + </p> + <p> + WASNER [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his right + shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand. His hair is disheveled. + His flaxen beard falls on his chest]. I am here in regard to the most + remarkable matter a man ever came to consult another about. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [very nervous]. Must it be today, Herr Professor? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. The situation permits of no delay. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But it is getting so late. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make visits. + Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats himself at the + desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it against his forehead. + Wasner remains standing and continues.] For many years, as you well know, + I undertook the task of collecting all publications which have been + undermining public morals. I daresay today, that my collection is most + complete and that I have unquestionably proven the harm of pornographic + literature. What corrupting influence this temptation has through + suggestion and imagination can today no longer be doubted, because—[an + impressive pause; Wasner lowers his voice]—I myself fell a victim to + it. [Beermann remains in his apathetic attitude. Pause.] I can well + understand that you lack words. I, too, became, on account of it, much + disgusted with my character. I asked myself if I still have the right to + participate in the moral salvation of our people and I have decided + affirmatively only after a thorough examination. [Pause.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [absentmindedly]. Yes ... yes ... Herr Professor. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. You are entitled to know everything. Only spare me the details. + Briefly stated, one day I could not view my collection as objectively as + usual and thru a friend I was induced to make a most damnable visit. I + assure you that I simply loathe that fellow. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But just why are you telling me all this? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Because together we have fought against immorality shoulder to + shoulder. I ask you if you still deem me worthy to strive for our common + ideal. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. For my part, go as far as you like, I won't stop you. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Then you will not deny me your assistance? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Suppose we discuss all this tomorrow, Herr Professor? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Tomorrow will be too late. [Beermann falls back into his chair in + an attitude of apathy.] After my false step I became convinced that it is + my duty to protect others from this temptation. My feeling of duty became + stronger until finally I wrote a letter to be exact—an anonymous + letter—to the police, wherein I demanded emphatically that they put + an end to the misconduct of this person. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [now attentive.] Really that was not nice. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I wanted to assure myself that within I still had the right to + belong to the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I consider that rather mean. You should always be grateful. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. This very feeling would have made me feel still more guilty. + [Beermann shrugs his shoulders nervously.] But now I come to the reason + for my being here. My information had results ... This creature was + arrested and today after dinner my false friend comes to tell me that he + had not been careful, had mentioned to her my name, and I am certainly + indexed in the book she kept. This book was found in her place by the + police. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [jumping up]. What's her name? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Hauteville. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. So, it is you to whom we are indebted for this scandal. + [Angrily.] Do you fully realize what you have accomplished? How many + respectable fathers of families you have brought to the very verge of + despair? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I know it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You don't. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I came here for that very reason. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [not understanding him]. What? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I came here to request you on behalf of the others to call + tonight, a meeting of the Executive Committee. The Society must do + everything in its power to keep this case out of court. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Why the devil did you write that anonymous letter? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Listen to me, I beg of you. Someone is involved in this who is + very dear to you. As soon as I received the information, I hastened to + Police Headquarters immediately and wanted to intervene there as the + representative of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. But when I + mentioned that name I was very formally thrown out. On the steps, whom do + you think I met but our mutual friend, Kommerzienrat Bolland! He too had + been in the Commissioner's office and had the same bad luck. I told him my + troubles and he admitted to me that he also had been lured into the den of + this Siren. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Kommerzienrat! + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Unfortunately. But that is something I can't at all account for. + He hardly could have been led into temptation through a collection of + documentary exhibits. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And what do you want of me now? + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Our friend sends me to you. He would have come himself but the + shock threw him into a sickbed. He entreats you urgently to call a meeting + of the Executive Committee, immediately. We have very influential people + in our midst who must bring pressure to bear on the Department of the + Interior in order to hush up this affair. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. If only you had not written that anonymous letter. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. I felt a moral duty to do it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And now it is our moral duty to patch up this matter. [Betty + enters on the left.] + </p> + <p> + BETTY [hands Beermann a calling card]. The gentleman says it is very + urgent. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [reads]. "Assessor Stroebel." [Frightened; to Betty.] Tell him I + am out of town. [Betty about to leave.] No, tell him I am sick—or, + Betty, show the gentleman up. [Betty goes out.] + </p> + <p> + WASNER. At what time shall the Executive Committee meet? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [excited]. Oh, leave me alone with your Executive Committee. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. You must not desert us in our hour of peril. A leader's fate is + bound up with his followers according to German tradition. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [as before]. It is all your fault anyway. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Shall I then tell our sick friend that we cannot count on your + support? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. If I am so situated that I can, I will be over to see him in an + hour. I can't promise you more now. [Assessor Stroebel enters on left and + remains standing in the doorway.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [very seriously.] Herr Beermann, I must speak to you privately. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [confused]. You—with me? Well, since you must, I suppose + you must. + </p> + <p> + WASNER. Well, I am going. [Wasner exit left.] [Stroebel enters. Wasner + remains standing on the threshold.] The Executive Committee will be called + to the sick bed of our friend. We shall await our chairman. [He goes. + Stroebel and Beermann remain standing, silent, facing each other.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You are surprised, I presume, that I come here at this unusual + hour. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Why should I be surprised? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You will have to pardon me. The matter which brings me here is + unusual and urgent. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh, don't mention it. [A short pause. They both clear their + throats.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You were in my office this morning ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Was I? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Why, of course you were in my office this morning. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Oh, yes, yes. I remember we had a short conference. I must ask + you to excuse me, Herr Assessor. I am suffering with an awful ringing in + the ears. It makes me so forgetful. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. But I hope you still remember what we spoke about. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Very dimly. If you would remind me of it perhaps it will not be + so difficult. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You came on account of the Hauteville case. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. So-o? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Or the Hochstetter ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Well, since you say so, it must be so. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. First I thought you came to express your satisfaction that we + had caught this person ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No, that was not my purpose. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I am sure it wasn't. I was quite surprised that you were not + satisfied with her arrest. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Why shouldn't I not be satisfied with her arrest? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [nervously]. But, Herr Beermann, you will recollect how we + discussed the diary. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [quickly]. A diary? I know nothing about it. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. You even became quite excited about it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I know nothing whatever of any diary. You never showed me any + book at all. Of that I am very positive. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [in despair]. It is just my confounded luck to find you in this + predicament. You are evidently suffering. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. An awful ringing in my ears— + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I would leave you at once if the least delay were possible. But + I simply must speak to you about it tonight. Can't you get relief by + taking medicine? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. No medicine can help me. I can only tell you that I do not know + anything about any diary. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Lord, Lord, leave the diary out of it altogether. It is + absolutely of no importance. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. It is of no importance? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Of course, it is safely locked in my desk ... + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Is that so? Well, then I can't understand why you hurried to see + me tonight. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [very embarrassed]. But that is exactly what I wanted to explain + to you. But how shall I do it? You scarcely remember any more than that + you were in my office this morning. It is incredible how misfortune has + been persecuting me since noon. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [greatly relieved]. Well, calm yourself, Herr Assessor. It will + come out right in the end. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [downcast]. No, it can never come out right. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [soothingly]. Sit down nicely in this chair—so! I'll sit + next to you here—so! ... And now let us see about it. [They seat + themselves on the left, upstage.] Do you know, I am beginning to feel much + better already. So the diary is in your desk. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. For my part, let it be buried a thousand feet deep. For God's + sake, don't talk of it any more. It takes us away from my subject. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. That's right. We shan't talk of it any more. Now let me see, I + called on you about the Hauteville case.... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. And on this occasion you demanded that the police suppress the + matter. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Quite true, I did that. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. There you are! And that's why I thought you were mostly + interested in avoiding scandal. BEERMANN. In what way? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Not personally, but from a wholly humanitarian or civic + standpoint. You even told me that just because of your position as + President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, you regarded it as + your duty to keep this matter out of the courts. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Only for the common welfare. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. And out of consideration for public opinion. I had the + impression that these considerations were of great importance to you. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. And still are. Do you think I change my views? I repeat to you, + that I would consider this court trial a misfortune because it would be + contrary to the established order of Society. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Then we are agreed in our principles! + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You too? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Absolutely. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I thought that you had ... this forenoon ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. And I was also mistaken because you didn't seem to remember. But + at any rate we agree in our principles. [They shake hands.] Although that + does not accomplish anything still it is a great relief to me that we + understand each other. I am coming now to the real purpose of my visit. + [He clears his throat.] Herr Beermann, I must demand your word of honor + that not a syllable of what I tell you will ever pass your lips. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. These are official secrets, perhaps even State secrets, and a + single careless word might have tremendous consequences. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You can depend on me. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Not even to your family. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Not a breath. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. To tell you: Since you were at my office this morning there were + most remarkable developments, quite unique in their way. But I have your + word of honor—have I not? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [bends low and protects his mouth with his hand and whispers]. + That very night when Madame Hauteville's apartment was raided, without our + knowledge a very distinguished person was hidden there. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. I can imagine. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [loudly]. You can't imagine it at all. [Whispering.] Our young + heir, Prince Emil, was there himself. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [surprised, slapping his thigh]. Now what do you think of that! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [loudly]. You can understand that I am not telling you this as a + mere bit of gossip, but certain important reasons compel me to. That which + you mentioned before about the reasons of state was fulfilled. Fulfilled + to the very letter. All possibilities of prosecuting this person at + present have simply gone up in the air. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [starting from his seat]. Then everything is all right. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. There's nothing "all right" about it. Keep your seat, Herr + Beermann. Of course our desire to prosecute has disappeared, but the lady + in question is still at headquarters and we don't know how to get rid of + her. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Madame Hauteville? [Stroebel nods.] Just forget to lock the door + and she'll vanish. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [shaking his head]. No, ... for a great many reasons. Do you + think I did not try hard to find a solution? First, if we openly permit + her to escape, the whole city will know it tomorrow; the press will take + it up and there will be a far greater scandal than the court proceedings + would cause. No, sir, at least the letter of the law must be carried out. + Madame Hauteville must give a bond. She will be set free and then she must + escape. That's the only way we can protect ourselves from criticism. Do + you understand me? + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. You mean ... about the bail? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, sir, the bail first of all. But if it were only the bail! + Just think! She doesn't want to go at all. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. She does not want to ...? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. No. I gave her another hearing this afternoon and told her that + we don't care to bother with her any more. "Listen," I said to her, "you + are lucky. Give bail of Five Thousand Marks, and you will be free in ten + minutes. There is a ten o'clock train for Brussels tomorrow morning." [The + bell in the hall rings.] What do you suppose she said? She laughed. She + knows very well why we are so humane, but she will not give a bond of five + marks, even if by luck she had it. She says that she has already prepared + for a trial. I talked to her politely, then rudely. She will not budge. + She laughs and laughs and that's all. [Knock at the door. Maid enters with + a visiting card.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [to the maid]. What does it all mean to-night, at this hour? This + is not a hotel. [Takes the card and reads.] Freiherr Bodo von Schmettau, + Herr auf Zirnberg? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Do receive this gentleman, please. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Now, while we are conferring? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Yes, now, if you please. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [to the maid]. Ask the gentleman to come in. [Betty exit.] + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. He is Adjutant to the young Prince. I told him I was going to + see you, and you can realize how upset he is. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. If it affords you pleasure. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. It does. The entire responsibility rests on me and I at least + must show that I have left nothing undone. [Knock on the door.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Come in. [Schmettau enters.] + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Good evening. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [rising. Beermann rises also]. May I introduce you gentlemen? + Herr Beermann, the banker—Herr Baron Schmettau. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. We have already had a glimpse of each other today. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Yes, I remember. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. You are the President of the Local Morality Club. Before we go + further I must tell you that I do not at all agree with those views ... + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL [interrupting with anxiety]. Herr Baron, may I call your + attention to the fact that Herr Beermann, personally, is far above these + narrow theories. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. I am glad to hear it. Besides as theories they're not so bad. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. As theories! That's what I say. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Well, there you are! + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Herr Beermann is also the candidate of the local + Conservative-Liberal Coalition. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Then he is certainly no stickler for high-flown notions. I + should be right glad if we understood each other. And how far are you, + gentlemen? + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. In principles we are agreed. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Absolutely. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Then we shall have no difficulty in finding the right solution. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I have taken Herr Beermann into our confidence. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. That was a very disagreeable mishap, was it not? Very bad. + Whoever has any patriotism can realize it. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. Herr Baron was also ... + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Locked in the closet. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Permit me to revert to the facts. I was just telling Herr + Beermann that this Hauteville woman refuses to leave. She boasts that she + has not the bail and even if she had it, she would not pay it. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Confound her! She controls the situation. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Now we come to the most difficult part of it. She says that if + she is compelled to leave the city and is deprived of her livelihood, she + wants proper damages for it. Of course I told the woman that this, to say + the least, was an extortionate demand. Well then, she says, we will have a + trial in court. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. The fox! She knows well that's out of the question. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. I am very grateful to you for these sentiments. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. I asked what she considered proper damages. "Ten thousand + marks," she says. I almost lost my senses. With the necessary bail that + would make Fifteen thousand marks. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. In the end perhaps that is not so gigantic. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Who is going to pay it? + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Not we, of course. Our state is a poor paymaster. + </p> + <p> + STROEBEL. Here is a fine mess, which I cannot solve—at least not I. + Herr Beermann, you said yourself that your Society for the Suppression of + Vice is vitally interested in the undisturbed maintenance of the popular + belief in morality. For the members of your Society, it ought to be quite + easy to collect that sum. I know of no other way. + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN [with folded hands he stands in a pensive mood]. The Executive + Committee is expecting its chairman. And I know of a professor who alone + ought to pay an extra thousand for a letter he wrote. [To the others.] + Gentlemen, briefly speaking, I will do it. On behalf of the society, I + pledge this sum. + </p> + <p> + SCHMETTAU. Herr von Beermann, I can only say that you have acted + honorably. The House of Emil the Benevolent knows on whom to confer an + order. [He offers his hand.] + </p> + <p> + BEERMANN. But let me assure you, Herr Baron, I did not do it expecting a + reward. + </p> + <h3> + CURTAIN + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Moral, by Ludwig Thoma + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + +***** This file should be named 4963-h.htm or 4963-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/9/6/4963/ + + +Text file produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +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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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: Moral + +Author: Ludwig Thoma + + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4963] +This file was first posted on April 5, 2002 +Last Updated: June 30, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + + +MORAL + + +By Ludwig Thoma + + + + +INTRODUCTION + +Dr. Ludwig Thoma, perhaps better known to his Bavarian countrymen as +Peter Schlemiehl, was born in Oberammergau on January 21, 1867. After +graduating from a gymnasium in Munich, he studied at the School of +Forestry at Aschauffenburg. He did not finish his course there, but +entered the University at Munich and received his degree as Doctor Juris +in 1893. + +A year later Dr. Thoma began to practice law; but he abandoned that +pursuit in 1899 to follow a career for which his inclinations and +talents so happily fitted him. + +He had been writing humorous verses for Simplicissimus for several years +under the pen name of Pete Schlemiehl, with such success that the paper +almost became identified by that name. These poems were later published +in book form under the title--Grobheiten. + +His prose writings in Bavarian dialect as well as his boyhood +experiences entitled, Lausbubengeschichten, won a large and warm +audience. In 1899 he became the editor of Simplicissimus. From then on +his renown grew. The foremost critics of German letters began to take +notice of this "Bavarian Aristophanes" and to compare him to Heine and +the classics. + +When Moral and Lottchen's Birthday appeared, while the reviewers shook +their heads and stated that Dr. Thoma was shocking (so in original) +they concluded that their author was "casting a long shadow." To-day Dr. +Thoma is a recognized figure in Germany. Prof. Robert F. Arnold in +"Das Moderne Drama" (Strassburg, 1908) ranks him next to Hauptmann. His +writings are numerous. A vein, satirical and humorous, with a conception +of the pathetic, makes him more than an equal to Mark Twain. In addition +he is possessed of a message, which he delivers in the Moral. + +First produced in 1908 the play soon became a part and parcel of the +repertoire of the leading theatres in Germany. It was put on for the +first time in New York, in German, at the Irving Place Theatre in the +spring of 1914, through the efforts of the late Heinrich Matthias +and the writer. Mr. Matthias then played the part of Beermann. Mr. +Christians, the director, repeated the performance a number of times +that season, each performance meeting with a warm response. + +The late Percival Pollard was the first American critic to emphasize the +importance of Dr. Thoma's work in his excellent resume of contemporary +German literature: Masks and Minstrels of Modern Germany. He pointed out +"that no country where hypocrisy or puritanism prevail as factors in +the social and municipal conduct should be spared the corrective acid of +this play." + +H. L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan for many years have sung praises of +the Moral in the Smart Set. But its production on the English speaking +stage still remains an event eagerly to be awaited. Briefly, the play is +a polemic against the "men higher up," churchmen, reformers, and social +hypocrites. + +The translation follows the text implicitly. Four different versions +were made all varying in a degree from the original, and although Dr. +Thoma wrote to the writer "bin auch damit einverstanden dass Sie in +der Ubersetzung meines Schauspieles 'Moral' etwaige Aenderungen oder +Adaptiereungen, die durch die englisch-amerikanischen Verhaltnisse und +den Geschmack des amerikanischen Theatrepublikums geboten erscheinen, in +entsprechender Weise vornehmen ..." it was deemed best for purposes +of publication to try to preserve the original atmosphere without +an attempt to even transpose such phrases as Gnadige Frau, or Herr +Kommerzienrat. + +CHARLES RECHT. + +New York, October, 1916. + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + + + FRITZ BEERMANN, a wealthy landowner and banker. + + LENA BEERMANN, his wife. + + EFFIE BEERMANN, their daughter. + + KOMMERZIENRAT ADOLPH BOLLAND, capitalist and manufacturer + + CLARA BOLLAND, his wife. + + DR. HAUSER, an ex-judge. + + FRAU LUND, an old lady. + + HANS JACOB DOBLER, a poet. + + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG, an artiste. + + PRIVATDOZENT DR. WASNER, a gymnasium professor. + + FREIHERR VON SIMBACH, the Police Commissioner of the Duchy. + + ASSESSOR OSCAR STROEBEL, a police official. + + MADAME NINON DE HAUTEVILLE, a lady of leisure. + + FREIHERR GENERAL BOTHO VON SCHMETTAU, also known as Zurnberg, + A Gentleman-in-waiting and Adjutant to His Highness, the + Duke. + + JOSEPH REISACHER, a clerk of the Police Department. + + BETTY, a maid at Beersmann's. + + Two man-servants and a policeman. + + + + +THE PRESUMPTION + + +The esteemed, sensitive public will assume that the action takes place +in Emilsburg, the capital of the Duchy of Gerlestein. The first and +third acts occur in the house of Herr Fritz Beermann; the second act, +in the Police Headquarters. It all happens between Sunday afternoon and +Monday evening. + +To be free from blame, the producers will please note that: + +BEERMANN is in the fifties; jovial; lively; with gray side-whiskers and +chin carefully shaved. + +FRAU BEERMANN is in the late forties, though youthful looking for her +age. + +FRAU LUND. sixty-eight; a woman of impressive appearance; her manner is +energetic; her mass of white hair is carefully coiffured. + +FRAU BOLLAND. about forty-five; stout; talkative. + +DR. WASNER. a tall German professor with full blond beard; deep voiced; +wears pince-nez with black tortoise shell rim and broad black cord. + +HANS JACOB DOBLER. is a poet; he is dressed in a poor fitting cut-away +coat; unkempt mustache and Van Dyke beard. + +FRAULEIN PINNEBERG, a feminist, wears a loose fitting gown. + +DR. HAUSER. fifty; smooth shaven; wears gold rimmed spectacles, + +VON SCHMETTAU, sixty; remains stately looking with effort; military +bearing. + +MADAME DE HAUTEVILLE--indefinitely twenty; her ultra-fashionable +Parisian gowns invite the cloak and suit patrons. + + + + + + +"MORAL" + + + + +ACT I + + +FURTHER APOLOGY + + +(Card room in Beermann's house. In the background a swinging door opens +into the dining room. To the right a smaller door leads to the music +room. On the left side another door opens into the entrance hall. +To left upstage in a corner a small card table with chairs. To right +upstage a large sofa and comfortable chairs. Parallel to background down +stage, tea table with coffee service thereon; near it to right, smaller +table, on it a humidor. + +A butler is engaged at the tea table, another man servant is holding +swinging door open. [Business of getting up from table.] Many voices +and rattle of chairs are heard from dining room. Through swinging doors +enters Bolland and Frau Beermann, Beermann with Frau Bolland, Dr. Hauser +with Effie, Dr. Wasner with Fraulein Koch-Pinneberg, Dobler alone.) + +General greeting of "Mahlzeit." + +Dr. Wasner is vigorously shaking hands--going to Frau Beermann says, +"Ich wunsche Gesegnete Mahlzeit." + +The servants pass around coffee--Beermann conversing with Bolland comes +down stage ... + +BOLLAND. You will receive two thousand votes more than the Socialists. +That's certain. + +BEERMANN [skeptical]. No,--no. + +BOLLAND. If all the Liberals combine with the Conservatives, the result +cannot be in doubt. + +BEERMANN [taking coffee from the servant]. If ... + +BOLLAND. Fusion is here. It's the logical development. I am an old +politician. The time for discussion is over. Now it's a straight fight +to a finish. + +DR. WASNER [coming nearer]. The German fatherland is rallying to the +support of the national flag. + +BEERMANN. But there are controversies everywhere. I know best. I always +am told by campaign managers: don't say this and don't say that. + +BOLLAND. In what way? + +BEERMANN. For instance, I'm to speak at the Liberal Club the day after +to-morrow. You would not expect me to say the same things I told the +Conservatives last night ...? + +BOLLAND. Your details, of course, must differ. But fundamentally it +amounts to the same thing. + +BEERMANN. The same thing? Believe me, all this masking confuses me. +[Drinks.] + +EFFIE [calling across the tea table where she has been standing with +others]. Papa! Listen to Frau Bolland. She also says that the Indian +Dancer is so interesting. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Positively won--derful, Herr Bolland! You can conceive the +entire spirit of the Orient. + +EFFIE. Why haven't we gone to see her? + +FRAU BOLLAND. You surely ought to go. Professor Stohr--you know +him--told me he never in his life saw anything so gorgeous. + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. She's so picturesque in her greenish gowns. + +FRAU BOLLAND. I did not know that the Hindoos could be so charming. + +BEERMANN. We'll have a look at her some night. + +EFFIE. But to-morrow night is her last appearance. + +BEERMANN [going to the humidor]. Very well darling. Will you remind me +of it to-morrow? [Taking a box of cigars offers one to Dobler who is +standing near him.] Smoke? + +DOBLER [taking one]. Thanks. But I am not accustomed to the imported +ones. + +BEERMANN [patronizingly]. You'll get used to high living soon enough. + +BOLLAND [to Dobler]. How long have you been in the city now? + +DOBLER. Two years. + +BOLLAND. And before that you were in ... eh? + +FRAU BOLLAND. You must excuse him Herr Dobler. Why in +Unterschlettenbach, dear ... You know that! + +BOLLAND [correcting himself]. Certainly. Bit of literary history. Mighty +interesting place that Unterschlettenbach ... eh? + +DOBLER. Hardly, Herr Kommerzienrat. Poor and unsanitary. Most of its +inhabitants are miners. + +BOLLAND. Fancy that! And I never knew it. Full of miners! Tell me +though, what do you think of our set here ...? How do you like this +well-to-do circle ... the big city ... wealthy surroundings? + +DOBLER [lighting a cigar]. I like it well enough. But I think I will +always feel out of place here. + +BOLLAND. Can't get used to it? + +DOBLER. Everything is so different. It seems to me at times as though I +had suddenly entered a beautiful house while outdoors my old comrade was +awaiting me patiently--the open road. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Isn't that won--derful? So very re-a-lis-tic-ally put! I +can just picture it. Oh Herr Dobler ... I must tell you: your novel--my +husband and I talk about it all day long. + +BOLLAND. Tell me though--did you yourself experience the life of that +young man you describe? + +DOBLER. It's the story of my youth. + +BOLLAND. But it's somewhat colored by poetic imagination? + +DOBLER. N---o. + +BOLLAND. For instance, you have never actually starved? + +DOBLER. Oh, yes. There's no imagination in that. + +BOLLAND. Just the way you describe it--so that everything turned red? + +DOBLER. Everything had a pink color. On one occasion I did not eat +anything for four and one-half days. + +FRAU BEERMANN [compassionately]. You poor thing! + +FRAU BOLLAND. That's exceedingly interesting! + +BOLLAND. Do tell us all about it! Then you saw dancing fires? + +DOBLER. Yes. Everything danced before my eyes, and I saw it all through +a hazy veil, and towards the end my hearing was affected. + +BOLLAND. You don't say so? Your hearing also? + +DOBLER. When any one spoke to me it sounded as if he stood a great +distance off--a great distance. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Our set never dreams of such things. + +BEERMANN. How did it all turn out? + +DOBLER. What do you mean? + +BEERMANN. Well, in the end you got something to eat again? + +DOBLER. Finally I fainted; I was found lying in a meadow, and was taken +to the hospital. + +FRAU BEERMANN [sighing]. Are such things still possible in our day? + +FRAU BOLLAND. What can you expect--of these idealists! DR. HAUSER. They +deserve nothing better. + +BEERMANN. And after you were in the hospital--how did you get out? + +DOBLER. As soon as I got stronger. Later on I became a printer--found a +position--studied and published my book. + +BEERMANN. That's all in your novel, I know. But the part where you +describe how you were a tramp--that's not true? + +DOBLER. Yes, I "hoboed" almost a whole year. + +FRAU BOLLAND. "Hoboed!" Fancy that! How unique! + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. I can just picture it. Tramping along the +railroad tracks. + +DOBLER. Yes. You folks think you can picture it with four square meals +a day. But it's quite different, I assure you. There were three of us +at that time. We worked our way from Basel upwards--sometimes on the +left--sometimes on the right bank of the Rhine. In Worms we spent the +last of our money and we had to PEDDLE for HAND-OUTS. + +FRAU BOLLAND [not understanding him]. "Handouts?" What is that? + +DOBLER [with pathos]. To beg for something to eat, gnadige Frau, for our +daily bread. + +[They all remain silent. Only the voice of the butler who is serving +liqueur can be heard.] "Cognac monsieur! Chartreuse! Champagne?" + +BEERMANN [taking a glass]. To a man of refinement, such an existence +must have been quite unbearable. + +DOBLER [taking a glass of cognac from the butler]. Unpleasant. +[Drinking.] But you lose your sensitiveness. At first it is hard--but +one learns. In one hot day on the road ... when you get fagged out--and +with every stone hurting your feet--you'll learn. The dust blinds +you--but you've got to go on just the same. In the evening you come to +a small hamlet with smoke curling above the house-tops and the houses +themselves look cozy--then you have to hold your hat in your hand and +beg for a plate of warm soup. [A short pause.] + +DR. WASNER [deep bass voice]. Home sweet home! + +BOLLAND. The story reminds me exactly of my late father. + +FRAU BOLLAND. But, Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Indeed, I say it does! + +FRAU BOLLAND. How can you draw such a comparison? Herr Dobler has become +a celebrated poet. + +BOLLAND. My father also achieved something in life. At his funeral four +hundred employees followed the coffin. + +FRAU BOLLAND [impatiently]. We've heard that before ... Herr Dobler, did +you write poetry in those days? + +DOBLER. No, Frau Bolland. Much later. + +FRAU BOLLAND. I'll have to read your novel all over again, now that I +know it is all autobiographical. + +FRAU BEERMANN [to Dr. Wasner]. You were going to sing, Herr Professor? + +DR. WASNER. I promised ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, do, Effie will accompany you. + +DR. WASNER. If Fraulein will be so kind ... but I don't know how my +voice is to-day ... + +FRAU BOLLAND. You sing so beauti-ful-ly. + +DR. WASNER. So much campaign work. Politics corrupts even the voice. + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. Do oblige us. + +[Frau Bolland, Frau Beermann, Dr. Wasner, Fraulein Koch, Effie go out +into the music room.] + +BEERMANN. It's a pity that the professor is going to sing. We could have +started a game of skat. Have some more cognac? + +DR. HAUSER. No, thanks. + +DOBLER. Thanks. No more for me. + +[Bolland seats himself on sofa; Dr. Hauser and Dobler sit in chairs; +Beermann lights a fresh cigar. The butler goes into the music room and +as he opens the door, the sound of the piano is heard.] + +BOLLAND. As I said before Herr Dobler, your story reminded me very much +of my late father. + +DR. HAUSER. Of the well known Kommerzienrat Bolland? + +BOLLAND [sinks deep into chair; crosses legs]. Never mind he was not +always a wealthy Kommerzienrat. [Turning to Dobler.] Picture to yourself +a winter landscape--it's bitter cold--a gray sky--it is snowing +and everything is wrapped in snow. Through all this we see a youth +walking--rather staggering--along the forest road from Perleberg. A +half starved young man. [He pauses and brushes ashes from his cigar. The +butler enters from the music room to get a glass of water; then he goes +out again. While the door is open, the trembling bass baritone voice of +Prof. Wasner is heard.] + +"In deinen Augen hab ich einst gelesen Von Lieb' und--Gluck--von Lieb' +und Gluck den Schein...." + +[Footnote: (Translated):--"In thy dear eyes I once read the story Of +love and Joy--of Love, And Joy agleam...."] + +[The door closes and the sound is shut off.] + +BOLLAND [now continues his speech]. And now the snow falls faster +and faster. This poor young man had par tout nothing to eat since the +morning. He becomes very weak; sits down on a bundle of twigs and +falls asleep. Just by sheer chance it happens that a man from Perleberg +passing by sees this dejected, snowed-in figure and takes the young +fellow home with him. [He pauses.] And this young man later became my +father ... + +HAUSER. And Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. + +BOLLAND. Yes. Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. [To Dobler.] Now don't you +consider it quite remarkable? Wouldn't that make a fine novel? + +DOBLER. Yes ... Yes. + +BOLLAND. That could be worked up very nicely, couldn't it? A poor young +man--the snow covered landscape ... + +HAUSER. And that bundle of twigs. + +DOBLER. Fortune has her unique whims and likes to turn the tables. + +BOLLAND. That's it exactly. Fortune delights in turning the tables. + +HAUSER. Unique whims? No. That sort of thing happens every day. + +BOLLAND. What happens every day? + +HAUSER. The story of a poor young man who becomes a millionaire. Every +large factory boasts of a like progenitor. + +BOLLAND. Do you think so? + +HAUSER. And the poor young man grows poorer with each telling. Your son, +Herr Bolland, in his description will have his grandfather freeze to +death on the bundle of twigs. + +BOLLAND. Upon my word the story is gospel. [To Dobler.] I'd make use of +that plot ... How he founded his business and how it grew and grew ... + +[As Frau Beermann enters from the music room, the tremulous voice of +Prof. Wasner is heard.] + +"Behuet dich Gott, es hat nicht sollen sein." [Footnote: God guard thee +well, it was but a dream.] + +[The closing of the door shuts off the sound.] + +DOBLER. In one respect you are right. The character of the SELF MADE +MAN [Footnote: So in original.] has hardly been treated in contemporary +German literature. + +BOLLAND [with enthusiasm]. That's just what I claim. Always about the +poor people only. But take a man who has a large income--one who makes a +success of his business, that also is poetry. + +HAUSER. I'd have my ledger novelized, if I were you, Holland. [A maid +opens door, admitting Frau Lund.] + +FRAU BEERMANN [welcoming Frau Lund]. Mama Lund, how good of you. + +FRAU LUND [vivaciously]. Always glad to come here. Good afternoon, +gentlemen. Where is my little Effie? + +FRAU BEERMANN. In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my +daughter ... + +FRAU LUND. No, no, don't disturb her. + +BEERMANN. Permit me. [Introducing.] ... Herr Hans Jacob Dobler, our +famous poet ... + +FRAU LUND [taking his hand]. A famous poet? Delighted. + +BOLLAND. Author of "Life Story of Hans." ... + +FRAU LUND [pleasantly to Dobler]. If I were younger, Herr Dobler, I +would certainly make believe that I read your book. But at my age I find +that sort of thing too tiresome. What is the "Life Story of Hans"? + +DOBLER. It is a novel, gnadige Frau. + +BOLLAND. A masterpiece. + +FRAU LUND. Then my ignorance is unpardonable. I'll soon make reparation. + +[Frau Bolland followed by Effie, Dr. Wasner and Fraulein Koch hurry out +of the music room.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. I am off for the Arts Club. I'll be late, I fear. [To Frau +Lund.] Oh, how do you do, Frau Lund? + +EFFIE [hurries over to Frau Lund and kisses her hand]. Mama Lund! + +FRAU LUND. How is my little mischief maker? When are you coming to see +me? + +EFFIE. I would glady come ... but, I am so busy with music lessons and +Professor Stohr's lectures ... + +FRAU LUND. And this and that and your eighteen years. You are quite +right, my dear. + +FRAU BOLLAND [to Frau Beermann]. May Effie come along? They say there +are very won-der-ful paintings at the Arts Club. + +FRAU BEERMANN [turning to Frau Lund], I don't know if ... + +FRAU LUND. Of course, let her go along. She has such a pretty little +dress. Why should she be here with us old people? The gentlemen will +entertain us ... + +FRAU BOLLAND. But then we'll have to hurry. It is quite late. Goodbye, +Frau Beermann. I enjoyed myself so much. Goodbye, my dear Frau Lund. So +glad to have seen you again. Goodbye, goodbye ... Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Yes, Mother. + +FRAU BOLLAND. You won't forget the theatre tonight? At eight. The +Viennese actor is so fine. [Off to left. Followed by Effie and Fraulein +Koch. Frau Bolland in the doorway.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. Will you come with us, Herr Dobler? You can explain so +many things. + +DOBLER. I'll be glad to. [Shaking hands with Frau Beermann and bowing.] + +BEERMANN. Come soon again, Herr Poet. + +BOLLAND. And think over the story I told you. + +[Dobler goes out left, following Frau Bolland, Effie, and Fraulein +Koch.] + +FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. I'll just have a cup of coffee. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I'll tell them to make a fresh cup for you. A fresh +cup of coffee. [To the butler who is clearing the table.] Tell the +chef--[Butler goes out through the middle door. In the meantime Frau +Holland again appears through left.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Yes--wifey? + +FRAU BOLLAND. Thursday the circus comes to town, don't forget to reserve +seats. + +BOLLAND. All right! + +FRAU BOLLAND [while going out]. I'm still a child when the circus comes. + +[Frau Lund seats herself on sofa. Next to her on the right Frau +Beermann; Beermann and Bolland sit opposite in large leather chairs. +Hauser is standing behind the sofa leaning against it.] + +FRAU LUND [to Hauser]. Tell me Judge, where have you been keeping +yourself all this time? + +HAUSER. In my office, Frau Lund, only in my office. But I hear that you +were on the Riviera. + +FRAU LUND. Four weeks in Monte Carlo. Children, I gambled like an old +viveur. + +BEERMANN. What luck? + +FRAU LUND. I lost, of course--I'm too old to set the world on fire. But, +Beermann, I hear all sorts of surprises about you. You are a candidate +for the Reichstag? + +BEERMANN. Yes, they nominated me. + +FRAU LUND. Who are "they"? + +BEERMANN. The combined Liberals and Conservatives ... + +HAUSER. And the Conservatives and Liberals combined. + +FRAU LUND. Formerly these were distinct parties. + +HAUSER. Formerly,--formerly. + +BEERMANN. Now there is fusion. + +FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. You never told me that your husband was in +politics. + +FRAU BEERMANN. He never was--up to two weeks ago. + +FRAU LUND. How quickly things change! And of all the people ... you! + +BEERMANN. What's so startling in that? + +FRAU LUND. You told me that you never even read the newspapers. + +BOLLAND. We all are cordially grateful to Beermann that in an hour of +need he made this sacrifice. + +FRAU LUND. The way you talk about the "hour of need" and "sacrifice" +Herr Kommerzienrat, it seems to me that you would have been the better +candidate. + +BOLLAND. Oh, I am too pronouncedly Liberal. + +HAUSER. And that's an incurable disease! + +BOLLAND. At any rate it makes my nomination impossible. A man was needed +who was not known as a party-man. + +FRAU LUND. It would seem then that our friend Beermann has become a +politician because he ... is no politician? + +HAUSER. That's what is known as "fusion." + +BEERMANN. Allow me to ask a question. Why should I not become a +Reichstag deputy? + +HAUSER. Quite right! Frau Lund--tell him--why shouldn't he? + +BEERMANN. Because I am a novice in politics? We all have to make a +start. + +HAUSER. It's the only calling where one can start any day, Frau Lund, +without being called upon to produce qualifications. + +BOLLAND. There you can tell the lawyer. You'd like to establish a civil +service examination for members of the Reichstag? + +HAUSER. You are not afraid that it might hurt them? + +BEERMANN [with importance]. Let me tell you, Judge. What a person +achieves in real life is far greater than all your book wisdom. We have +too many lawyers anyway. It's one of our national misfortunes. + +FRAU LUND [merrily to Frau Beermann]. Look! He's beginning to debate +already. + +BOLLAND [careless pose]. As you know, I run a soap factory where I +employ four hundred and sixty-two workmen ... let me repeat it, four +hundred and sixty-two workmen. Their livelihood and welfare lies in the +palm of my hand; don't you think that requires brains? + +HAUSER. But ... + +BOLLAND [interrupting]. Do you realize what the amount of detail and the +management of the whole factory means? + +HAUSER. But friend Beermann never even worked in a soap factory. How can +that apply to him? + +BEERMANN. Oh, what's the use of discussing things if you're joking. + +HAUSER. Really, I can't see the connection. + +BEERMANN. At any rate, I'm a better candidate than the book-binder whom +the Socialists have put up against me. + +BOLLAND. Beermann has had greater experience and has a broader point of +view. + +FRAU LUND. Then there's something else I heard about Herr Beermann, that +I don't like at all. + +BEERMANN. About me? + +FRAU LUND. Yes, I bear that you are the President of the new Society for +the Suppression of Vice. What makes you do such things? That isn't nice. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I fully agree with you. + +BEERMANN. You do? For what reasons? When honest men select me as their +President, is that mere flattery? + +FRAU LUND. It is not becoming to you, and you are insincere in it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. It's as false as anything can be, and you speak about +problems which you have never understood. + +BEERMANN. Pardon me! I ought to know best what is becoming for me. + +FRAU LUND. There's no one in the world I dislike as much as a preacher. +But if a person wants to be one ... then, according to the gospel he +ought to live on bread and water. It doesn't go well with champagne and +lobster. + +BEERMANN. Do the Scriptures command that we must be poor to be +honorable? + +FRAU LUND. No, Beermann, but if I still remember, they speak of a camel +and a needle. + +BOLLAND. The ladies evidently are not acquainted with the purposes of +our new society. I am sure they would subscribe to every one of the +principles which are incorporated in our By-laws. + +FRAU LUND. I certainly would not. + +BOLLAND [feeling in his side pocket]. At least read our "Appeal to the +Public." + +FRAU LUND [refusing]. No, thank you. + +BOLLAND. Every woman will rejoice when she reads it. + +FRAU LUND. Do you think so? How exceedingly amusing your societies are! +So, cards and bowling no longer offer sufficient entertainment. You have +to moralize. + +HAUSER. I can't help thinking of the notorious starvation freak at the +circus who gets his meals on the sly everyday. + +DR. WASNER. Of course, every conviction can be made ridiculous once it's +regarded as insincere. You shouldn't accuse without proof. + +HAUSER. Herr Professor, politeness requires that each individual be +regarded as the exception--but not an entire club. + +BOLLAND. It is a pity, indeed, that a great movement like ours is +disposed of by a few trifling remarks. That embitters our task of curing +the nation of social diseases. + +FRAU LUND. Where did you get your Doctor's license to cure? + +DR. WASNER. It's sad enough that the cure is left to only a few of us. + +HAUSER. Well, I'll remain a patient. You'll need a few anyway to keep up +your business. + +BEERMANN. I consider all this a very cheap kind of humor. I used to joke +about these matters myself, but if you will only look upon this problem +from a serious point of view, when your eyes are opened to the ... + +FRAU BEERMANN.... Your newly acquired ways of talking are quite +unbearable. + +BEERMANN. Please, don't make a scene. + +FRAU BEERMANN. We have been married for twenty-six years; have been very +fortunate with our own children. Why worry about other people? + +BEERMANN. You are not logical, my love. The mere fact that I brought +up my children properly is all the more reason for my joining this +movement.... + +FRAU BEERMANN. You didn't lose much sleep about their education. + +BEERMANN. Evidently I didn't neglect anything. + +FRAU LUND. I'm afraid you pride yourselves on a degree of willpower you +never exercised. + +BEERMANN. Never exercised? My dear Frau Lund, what do you know about the +temptations which confront us men. What does a woman know about them? + +FRAU LUND. The only thing we women don't know about is the manner in +which these temptations terminate. + +BEERMANN. Our movement intends to do away with these very deceptions. We +want to protect the traditions of the home which women treasure. + +FRAU LUND. No. We, women also treasure modesty. We dislike to see men +pretend to have better morals than they actually have. + +BEERMANN. Seriously, Frau Lund. Public immorality must hurt you more. + +FRAU LUND. You are mistaken. It requires a genuine manly feeling to +sympathize with misery. + +DR. WASNER. Misery and vice are different problems. + +FRAU LUND. They're not. And that is why we will never agree. + +FRAU BEERMANN. All the more reason why my husband should not set himself +up as an example. He knows nothing of worry or care. + +BEERMANN. We can never subscribe to Frau Lund's principles. + +FRAU LUND. No principles, please! + +BOLLAND. Out of sheer opposition you will say that you hold different +ones from us. + +FRAU LUND. No. I will say that I hold none at all. + +BOLLAND. and WASNER [together]. But, gnadige Frau! + +FRAU LUND. I can't help it. I lost them some place on my journey through +life. I have learned that all your principles have loop holes through +which people can conveniently slip out and take their friends along +with them. So I had my choice of either surrendering them or dishonestly +preaching them to others. + +DR. WASNER. Real principles of life are never given up. + +HAUSER [with sarcasm]. Cheers from the gallery! + +BOLLAND. Principles of morality are the laws of nature--they are her +dictates. + +FRAU LUND. Is that the reason you have started your Society for the +Suppression of Vice? Do you imagine your by-laws are stronger than the +laws of nature? + +DR. WASNER. May I make just one remark? + +BEERMANN. What is it? + +DR. WASNER [stroking his beard]. In summing up the matter we can come to +this decision: women have a beautiful privilege. Certain facts in life +remain a closed book to them. We, men, unfortunately have to come into +contact with them. + +HAUSER. Did you say UNFORTUNATELY? + +DR. WASNER. Please don't interrupt. I maintain "unfortunately"! For the +last four years, I have been persistently following obscene literature, +and to-day I have gotten together a collection of it, which I dare +say is pretty complete. So I am speaking of matters about which I am +thoroughly informed. [With importance.] The degree of vulgarity our +people have reached is incredible. + +FRAU LUND. And you have been the "persistent collector" of this +vulgarity? + +DR. WASNER. Let me assure you that I took upon myself this task with +loathing. + +HAUSER. Herr Professor, in all my life I have never met a man who for +four years voluntarily did something which was loathsome to him. + +DR. WASNER. You have no business to make such a remark. + +HAUSER. Have you derived no satisfaction from it at all? + +DR. WASNER. Satisfaction--if you mean the satisfaction of participating +in the uplift of our people. + +FRAU LUND. Uplift? Our reformers capitalize our national lack of +good taste. Good proof of that are the moral works of art which you +patronize. + +DR. WASNER. The matter we are discussing is more serious than reforming +bad taste. + +FRAU LUND. There is nothing more serious. + +DR. WASNER [knowingly]. If you but knew, Frau Lund! + +FRAU LUND. I don't have to call and see your collection. Frankly, to me, +the most obscene picture in your gallery could not be more disgusting +than the talk you carry on in your meetings. + +BEERMANN. Oh! Oh! + +FRAU LUND. The nudity of the human body is not disgusting. It is the +nudity of your mind. No vice is as repulsive as that virtue of yours +which loudly uncovers itself in public--in market places. Vice has at +least the shame to hide itself. + +BEERMANN [to Bolland]. Can you understand her? + +BOLLAND. I must admit, I can't. + +DR. WASNER. Gnadige Frau stated that vice hides itself. But in spite of +that it exists. + +BOLLAND. Yes, she admitted that it exists. + +DR. WASNER. Shall we tolerate it merely because it crawls into dark +nooks and corners? + +FRAU LUND. You reformers! Let more sunshine into this world and vice +will not find so many dark corners and nooks to hide in. + +BOLLAND. You would not be as opposed to us if you had a son who would be +exposed to the temptations of our great cities. + +FRAU LUND. I would be ashamed of myself if for personal reasons I became +narrow-minded. + +BEERMANN. But just stop to think! Picture a healthy young man in his +prime falling into the hands of one of these abominable creatures! + +FRAU LUND. I could picture something worse than that. + +BEERMANN. Still worse? + +FRAU LUND. For instance, if he should, with all the credulity of youth, +enter into the work of your society. + +BOLLAND. Well! Well! + +BEERMANN. You don't seem to take anything seriously to-day. + +FRAU LUND. Very seriously; this young man perhaps does reach the stage +where he sincerely pities your so-called abominable creature. Then he +has really advanced in his morality. Let the pity impress itself deeply +upon him and your abominable creature has preached better to him than +all your high-sounding phrases. + +BOLLAND. I am simply dumbfounded. + +DR. WASNER. Then you even believe that our society exerts a bad +influence? + +FRAU LUND [very positively]. Yes. + +BOLLAND [with irony]. Fancy! University Professors, philanthropists and +a general who are with us in this work--they are, of course, the ones +who are likely to corrupt the morals of the younger generation. Frau +Lund, no doubt, would like to send our young men to the good Ladies of +the Pavement. + +DR. WASNER. In what way is our influence bad? + +FRAU LUND [with warmth]. The young man who joins your society does it +only to ape you and to advance his own ends and vainglory. He forever +deprives himself of understanding the meaning of life and of becoming +helpful to those who suffer. + +BOLLAND. Well what do you think of such statements? + +FRAU BEERMANN. They are splendid. I would be very thankful if my boy +would embody the ideals of Frau Lund. + +BEERMANN. Lena, I simply forbid you to say such things. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Really? + +BEERMANN. Everybody knows that Frau Lund is a radical, but I don't want +you to fall into that habit. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I don't acquire new habits as rapidly as you. + +HAUSER [to Beermann]. Don't get excited. A politician must give everyone +an opportunity to express his views. + +DR. WASNER. I teach young people and I heartily wish they'd continue +to seek their ideals among high minded men and not in the dark city +streets. + +BOLLAND. Right! And not in the dark city streets. + +FRAU LUND. Nor there, Herr Kommerzienrat, where the veil of shame is +rudely torn from inborn sensitiveness and it is shorn of every secret +charm. + +DR. WASNER. Correct! We do want to deprive it of its charm. + +FRAU LUND. You succeed in doing that; no tenderness can survive the +brutal frankness of your meetings. + +DR. WASNER. It is not a national German trait to sugar-coat sin. + +FRAU LUND. Why do you confound all lack of refinement with the national +character? + +DR. WASNER. Because it is good German to call a spade a spade. + +BEERMANN [getting up]. Why argue to no purpose? Let's start our game of +skat. + +BOLLAND. Because it appears to be a conflict of two different +philosophies. + +BEERMANN [rises, goes to card table, opens a drawer, takes out a deck +of cards and opens them]. It's always the same old story. Never start +anything with women! They must have the last word. [Sits down at card +table. Bolland gets up and sits beside him.] + +FRAU LUND [laughing]. Spoken again like a typical reformer. + +DR. WASNER [rising]. I don't want to continue this argument, but if by +any chance you have gained the impression that I regard this matter from +a prejudiced view point, I will cheerfully admit it. I do. + +BEERMANN [calling]. Oh, do come on, Herr Professor. + +DR. WASNER [turning to card table]. I'm coming. [To others.] I admit +with pride that I am prejudiced. For me there exists only one question: +How can I best serve my fatherland? + +BOLLAND. Herr Professor! + +DR. WASNER [turning to table]. Just a moment.... [To others.] Let the +sturdy qualities of our people be conserved. That stand is unassailable. +Then I will be sure that my efforts have at least ... + +BEERMANN [loudly]. But, my dear Wasner! + +WASNER [not dismayed, continuing].... at least a national scope. + +HAUSER. Wouldn't you rather play skat, professor? + +WASNER [going over to card table]. There remains only one thing for me +to say. If I have used sharp words, I want to apologize. [Takes a seat.] + +BEERMANN. You deal, Professor. + +DR. WASNER [shuffling the cards and talking at the same time]. For me +there exists but one ideal. That which Tacitus described as it once +prevailed among the old Teutons. Quamquam severa illic matrimonia nec +ullam morum partem magis laudaveris. [He lets Bolland cut and then +deals.] The most praiseworthy trait of the Teutons was the strictness +of their marriage customs. Nam prope soli Barbarorum singulis uxoribus +contenti sunt. They were almost the only barbarians to content +themselves with a single wife. + +BEERMANN [loudly]. Tournee! + +BOLLAND. I'll go you! + +BEERMANN. Twenty! + +BOLLAND. I'll better that! + +BEERMANN. Take it! Gras-Solo! + +[They play.] + +[Hauser, Frau Lund, Frau Beermann remain sitting at right.] + +FRAU LUND. At last the Fatherland is saved. + +FRAU BEERMANN. It's the only occupation for which nature intended them. +They should not tinker with national problems. + +HAUSER. Have patience. Political ambition dies out after the first +defeat. + +FRAU BEERMANN.... which I hope will happen. + +HAUSER. That's as certain as fate. Else he never would have been +nominated. + +BEERMANN [calling from the card table]. I have pretty sharp hearing! + +HAUSER. A very fine acquisition, Beermann, when you grow old. + +BOLLAND [throwing a card on the table]. Fifty-nine and four make +sixty-three! The rest you can take. + +(They throw down their cards; Bolland collects them and shuffles.) + +WASNER [half turning to Hauser], And then there is the celebrated +passage, "Ergo septa pudicitia agunt, nullis ... spectaculorum +illecebris corruptae." + +BEERMANN. I have six cards. + +BOLLAND. The bottom one belongs to the Professor. + +WASNER [as before, continuing]. So the wife lived surrounded by +tenderness and care ... and so forth, "Literarum secreta...." Secret +communications were not tolerated by either husband or wife. + +BEERMANN. Please drop that Tacitus. It's your chance to lead.... + +WASNER. I pass.... + +HOLLAND. So do I. + +BOLLAND [loudly and enthusiastically]. That's the way to get at them! +Trumps! And trumps again. + +WASNER [murmuring]. "Paucissima adulteria in tam numerosa gente...." +[Gradually lapses into silence and then continues to play with energy.] + +FRAU LUND [with a glance towards the card table]. Why do we take our +principles so seriously.... It's really ridiculous how our every +opinion soon turns into religious beliefs. + +WASNER. The matter is dead serious. + +FRAU LUND. Who will think of it to-morrow? + +HAUSER [nodding towards card table]. Not they, of course. But there are +cleverer people. The so-called thinking public in Germany must have some +national problem to solve. It finds some such, readily enough in order +to play with it. Meanwhile they take no notice that the party in power +[Footnote: Men with the brass buttons.] are lining their pockets. + +FRAU LUND. Haven't they always been doing that? + +HAUSER. Yes, but not with such ease. Here and there they were rapped +over the knuckles. But nowadays they could cart away the entire capitol. + +FRAU LUND. There's not so much left to-day. + +HAUSER. A couple of pieces anyhow to take along as keepsakes. + +FRAU LUND. In my days I saw one reform after another on the bargain +counter; but we women remain mere spectators while ideals come and go; +we can not realize how much they mean to men. + +HAUSER. My dear Frau Lund, if a real reform should effectively rise +among us some day, then you women will have to lend a helping hand. With +those [nodding towards card-table] kindergarten heroes nothing can be +accomplished. + +FRAU BEERMANN. What influence can we exert so long as men organize their +societies for the protection of women's virtue! + +HAUSER. These henpecked gentlemen always nominate themselves chastity's +guardians. + +FRAU BEERMANN. They are of importance only when they can get some one to +listen. I'd like to go to their meetings and tell them that. + +HAUSER. Their meetings--bosh! Their sort only couple their nonsense with +a few self-evident generalities which no one would really oppose. +No, first of all they must be educated and that you women alone can +accomplish. + +FRAU LUND. You say that as if we had any influence on public opinion. + +HAUSER. You do all the applauding. The whole game is played for you. If +you withdraw your applause not a single one of the peacocks of virtue +will open up his gospel feathers for exhibition. It is indeed of great +importance to you that they do not banish all refinement from our social +life. + +FRAU LUND [citing]. + + [Footnote: in original "FRAU LUND [zitierend]. + "Ja, da eur Wonnedienst noch glanzte, + Wie ganz anders, anders war es da! + Da man deine Tempel noch bekranzte.... + + DR. WASNER [hat beim Zitieren der Schillerischer Verse + heruber gehorcht und fallt nun mit tiefen Basse ein].... + Venus Amathusia."] + +"Yes, while still thy sanctuaries of pleasure Crowned this earth like in +Arcadia Joy had no penalty nor trader's measure...." + +DR. WASNER [when the citation began listened over his cards, now falls +in with deep bass]. "... Venus Amathusia." + +BOLLAND [angrily breaking in]. Man alive, why didn't you play your Ace +of Spades? If you had brought out that Ace you'd have a trump--then +you'd beat this with a trump ... and then another trum.... + +BEERMANN. Now, beloved friends and countrymen, no post-mortem speeches. +[While dealing cards.] You cut, Bolland. + +BOLLAND [cutting cards]. Make use of your trumps, Herr Professor. I am +trying to play into your hands. + +DR. WASNER. I thought ... + +BOLLAND. You didn't. If you had you'd play differently. + +BEERMANN [speaking to Frau Lund, while dealing]. How far have you gotten +with your moralizing? Have we agreed yet--[Laughing.] Yes; yes; these +women folks! + +WASNER [arranging cards in his hand]. They were citing Schiller a +moment ago. We must not forget, ladies, that it was Schiller himself who +awakened the national spirit of our race. + +HAUSER. Your national spirit unfortunately found its way into the +strangest kinds of containers. + +DR. WASNER. I decidedly protest against such a poor opinion. If the +sincere religious sentiment of the German element ... + +BOLLAND [interrupting him]. We are waiting for you, Herr Professor. Are +you finally going to announce your cards? + +DR. WASNER [continuing his pathetic tone]. I pass. + +HAUSER. The steady contact with school children keeps our educators +refreshingly naive. That man still believes in the superiority of the +Teutonic element. + +FRAU LUND. And in the stability of our special German moral standard. + +HAUSER. Until some little scandal crops up again. By the way, we shall +soon have one right in our city. + +FRAU BEERMANN [with interest]. Here? + +HAUSER. To-morrow you'll read all about it in the newspapers. The police +have made a discovery which may prove more than they bargained for. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Here? [Beerman, head sideways, listens over his cards.] + +HAUSER. Last night the police arrested a woman who kept a very open +house. She colored it by going under a fancy French name, and they say +only entertained the best of society. She kept a diary which fell into +the hands of the police. + +BEERMANN [he leaves his seat, comes forward, right]. A diary? + +BOLLAND [drops his cards and rises]. What sort of a diary? + +HAUSER. Oh! Just a naughty little inventory of all of her visitors. + +BEERMANN. What is the name of the lady? + +HAUSER. Some French name which sounds to me like rouge. + +BEERMANN. I can't understand how you could forget her name. + +BOLLAND. I can't either as long as you seem to know all about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN [to Beermann]. But, Fritz, why should you worry about it? + +BEERMANN. Well ... am I the President of the Vice Suppression Society +or, am I not ...? + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +(An office at Police Headquarters. To rear on the left stands the +Assessor's desk. To the right against the wall, the desk of Reisacher, +the police clerk. Left front is a sofa with two chairs. On the right +wall is a telephone. Side entrance left. Another entrance in the middle. +Stroebel and Reisacher are seated with their backs to one another. +Stroebel is reading a newspaper; Reisacher is writing. Short pause.) + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + +REISACHER [also turning]. Yes, Herr Assessor.[Footnote: An assessor is a +petty police official.] + +STROEBEL. Are you familiar with the expression "those higher up"? + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. What do you understand by it? + +REISACHER. Those are the folks who are something and have money +somewhere. + +STROEBEL. Is it used to express contempt or class hatred? + +REISACHER [eagerly]. Well ... well! "The higher ups" are respected. + +STROEBEL. Are you certain? + +REISACHER. Absolutely. + +[They both turn around to their former positions; Stroebel continues to +read, and Reisacher to write. Short pause.] + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + +REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. After all, it means class hatred. + +REISACHER. No, no. + +STROEBEL. Pay attention. Here it says [he reads]: "Of course, for those +higher up there are no laws." That means, I take it, that the rich are +beyond the control of the law. By "control of the law," I wish you to +understand I am attacking the humiliating and anarchistic notion that +the law does not apply equally to rich and poor. Also I want to besmirch +the rich, by designating them by a slang expression. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. Then how can you say it does not express class hatred and +contempt? + +REISACHER. Because, then again, you see, people who have money are +respected anyway. + +STROEBEL. You will never learn to think precisely, Reisacher. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +[Both resume their former positions. Short pause. Police Commissioner, +Freiherr van Simbach, enters left. Stroebel lays aside his paper, rises +and salutes. Reisacher writes hurriedly.] + +COMMISSIONER [Footnote: President of Police, in original.] 'Morning, +Herr Assessor. [To Reisacher.] Take your work outside, Reisacher, until +I have finished. [Reisacher exit through middle door.] I want to ask you +a few questions, Herr Stroebel. [Stroebel bows. The Commissioner during +the conversation takes center of stage and speaks nonchalantly and +somewhat drawingly.] I read your report. Day before yesterday, that was +on Saturday, you ordered the arrest of a certain woman. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. Well, what about her? + +STROEBEL. According to the report of Lieutenant Schmuttermaier, we have +in our hands a very dangerous person. + +COMMISSIONER. Is that so! + +STROEBEL. Within a short time she has almost demoralized our city. + +COMMISSIONER. She has been in the city about three or four years.... + +STROEBEL. She has, according to the report. + +COMMISSIONER. In what way has she been dangerous? Did bald headed +gentlemen loosen up a bit in her house or are there special charges +against her? + +STROEBEL. No special ones, but her whole behavior. She had a beautiful +apartment in the best residential district. According to the report, +the neighbors began to talk about her. She dressed in a rather fast and +fashionable manner.... + +COMMISSIONER. Then because she did not cater to the common people, you +consider her so terrible? + +STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. I thought not. Remember, please, I don't want you to get +any of the popular ideas about the corruption of our best society. Slit +skirts cause as much harm. [Stroebel bows.] What is her name? + +STROEBEL. Ninon De Hauteville. But her real name is Therese Hochstetter. + +COMMISSIONER. H-a-u-t-e V-i-l-l-e? + +STROEBEL. She comes of a good family. Her father was a Peruvian consul. +When he lost his money, she married a consular secretary. He divorced +her four years ago. + +COMMISSIONER. Indeed. So she is a person of refinement. + +STROEBEL. But she has ... + +COMMISSIONER.... A demoralizing influence. I know all about that. Tell +me, what made you arrest her? + +STROEBEL [with importance]. Eight days ago, I received a letter severely +rebuking the police because her place was tolerated.... + +COMMISSIONER. Who was the letter from? + +STROEBEL [hesitatingly']. It was ... really ... anonymous. + +COMMISSIONER. I hope that you are very careful about anonymous +communications. + +STROEBEL. Generally, I pay little attention to them. But this letter was +so full of details, I simply had to consider it. Of course, only as a +hint and I intended to get proof. I gave it to Schmuttermaier and told +him to keep the Hochstetter woman under strict surveillance. Saturday at +noon we obtained positive evidence, + +COMMISSIONER. Then? + +STROEBEL. Then I ordered Schmuttermaier to raid the place ... + +COMMISSIONER.... During which you found a diary in her apartments? + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner; a diary with the names of her visitors. The +dates and their social standing. Everything. + +COMMISSIONER. Have you finished reading it? + +STROEBEL. No, sir. I just glanced at it. I only got it from +Schmuttermaier an hour ago. I was not in the office yesterday. + +COMMISSIONER [thoughtfully]. It's too late to do anything to-day. +[Consulting his watch.] Let me see. Bring me an exact report of all +important names contained in the diary ... at ten to-morrow morning. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner, at ten o'clock. + +COMMISSIONER. And remember, it's very important that you make this +report personally. Don't let the clerk see the diary. It has not yet +been in his hands? + +STROEBEL [going to his desk]. No. It's locked up in my desk. + +COMMISSIONER. Time enough to bring it to me tomorrow morning when you +make your report. + +STROEBEL. How do you want me to get my data, Commissioner? Shall I +summon the important people involved? + +COMMISSIONER [with emphasis]. Only ... the important ... names ... +that's all. By the way, how far have you gone in the case? Have you +taken any further steps? + +STROEBEL. No. I will examine the Hochstetter woman in a little +while.... + +COMMISSIONER. And Schmuttermaier? Has he orders to make any further +raids? + +STROEBEL. Not yet. I want to read the diary first. + +COMMISSIONER. Above all, I do not want him to act without instructions. +People of no importance like to do important things. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. Your orders will be carried out. + +COMMISSIONER. Orders? I never give orders. You have your duties to +perform. I don't care to tell you what to do.... But there must be no +further raids until I have seen the diary. + +STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. At the same time, don't neglect your duty. + +STROEBEL. I will do everything necessary for the promotion of public +decency. + +COMMISSIONER [who has been pacing the room, turns suddenly.] Public +decency? Very well, very well.... [Short pause.] We occupy a most +peculiar position Do we not, Herr Stroebel? [Stroebel bows.] We know +fully the existing difference between official ... and let me say ... +personal sensitiveness, do we not? [Stroebel bows in accord.] I mention +this merely because you spoke of public decency. There is a decency +about which you and I privately might have most interesting discussions. +As far as I am concerned, such decency can be without limits. But there +is another--the public decency--which it is our business to police. +This has its very precise limits. For example, a scandal. Scandal of any +description. Am I right, Herr Assessor? + +STROEBEL [clicks his heels together]. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. That brings me to another matter. For the past few weeks, +there has been in the city, a so-called Society for the Suppression of +Vice. Have you any sympathy with these people? + +STROEBEL. I know of their aims ... + +COMMISSIONER. Their aims do not interest me a bit. I mean, do you +personally cooperate with them? + +STROEBEL. Not ... yet. + +COMMISSIONER. Not yet? ... Hem! ... This Society is likely to interest +itself in this case. If someone comes to see me, Herr Stroebel, I will +refer him to you. [Stroebel bows.] Kindly bear this one thing in mind. +These men have political ambition, and are playing to the press. On the +whole the thing shows conservative tendencies. + +STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. Welcome them with open arms. Agree gratefully to every +suggestion for the betterment of the people, et cetera. Listen with +respectful appreciation but do nothing further. + +STROEBEL [uncertain]. Nothing further? ... + +COMMISSIONER. No ... nothing further. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. These people must remain assured that they wield a great +influence. As a matter of fact, they have none at all and it's a good +thing they haven't. + +STROEBEL. So, I may ... + +COMMISSIONER.... Do everything you can be responsible for. As a matter +of principle, I do not like to give orders. You will submit that report +then [consulting his watch] at ten to-morrow? Good morning! [Goes toward +the door left, remains standing a moment, then turns around.] You have +been rather zealous in your work, I must say. [Stroebel bows slightly.] +To arrest a woman on the strength of an anonymous letter shows excessive +zeal. [Stroebel bows slightly.] I like to see my men energetic but +[clears his throat] bear in mind what I just said. Careful of a scandal! +Good morning! [Exit.] + +(Stroebel sits down and stares at ceiling. He swings his chair around, +then whistles. Reisacher comes in through middle door and seats himself +at his desk. He coughs.) + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher. + +REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. How long have you been in the police department? + +REISACHER. It will be eighteen years this fall. + +STROEBEL. You have seen many a change, no doubt? + +REISACHER. Surely. + +STROEBEL. Tell me, how long has our Commissioner been in office? + +REISACHER. The Commissioner? Oh ... it's seven. No, let me see, it's +eight years.... + +STROEBEL. Hem ... do you really suppose he wants us to keep our eyes +wide open all the time? + +REISACHER [eagerly]. Certainly. That's what he wants. + +STROEBEL. Does he? ... [Short pause.] I had an idea he didn't want us to +be too strict for fear of notoriety. + +REISACHER [eagerly]. No, no. He certainly would not like that. + +STROEBEL [turns around completely]. Listen, Reisacher, you contradict +yourself all the time. + +REISACHER [turns around likewise]. I beg your pardon, Herr Stroebel. May +I suggest ... + +STROEBEL. But you are always contradicting yourself. First you say yes, +and then you say no. + +REISACHER. I beg your pardon, Herr Assessor Stroebel. I wanted to say +that in the Police Department it is like this: Everything you do is all +right, if it turns out all right. + +STROEBEL [turns back to his desk]. You will never learn to formulate a +thought precisely. + +REISACHER [also turns]. All right, Herr Stroebel. + +(Short pause. Stroebel reads. Reisacher writes. A commotion is heard +through the middle door, which, is thrown open and Ninon De Hauteville +enters. Behind her a policeman, who holds her tightly by the arm. She +tries to free herself.) + +HAUTEVILLE. [she wears a large picture hat, and is highly perfumed]. +Keep your hands off me. I haven't killed anyone. Please, let me go. + +STROEBEL [he has risen]. What's the matter? + +POLICE OFFICER. [releasing her, stands at attention]. Have the honor +sir, to report this disreputable woman--the Hochstetter person. + +HAUTEVILLE. Please, help me, sir. I am being handled like the commonest +criminal. + +STROEBEL. Why do you keep that hat on? You are not paying us a visit? + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed not! I am not paying a visit. If I lived to be a +hundred, it would never occur to me to pay you a visit. + +STROEBEL. Don't talk so much. Do you understand? [To Reisacher.] Get +your report book ready. + +HAUTEVILLE. Is this the complaint office? I demand to know at least why +I was arrested. + +STROEBEL. Oh, here you'll find that out soon enough. [To the officer.] +You can go now. [Officer exit through middle door.] + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, Monsieur, what shameful treatment. I was locked up in a +cell with two ordinary street walkers. You will help me, won't you? + +STROEBEL [who has crossed over to Reisacher]. Please don't be so +familiar. + +HAUTEVILLE. I am so helpless. No one will listen to me. No one answers +me. An awful looking woman brought me a cup of yellow broth and a rusty +spoon--[indicating with her hand] so big. "Eat!" she said, and threw it +down and left. You will see to it, sir, that my friends are notified, +won't you? + +STROEBEL [glancing over Reisacher's shoulder]. Your friends cannot help +you here. [To Reisacher.] Don't make the margin so wide. You are wasting +good paper. [To Hauteville.] Your friends can do nothing at all for you. + +HAUTEVILLE. You think so, do you? One single word and I'll be set free. + +STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Indeed! + +HAUTEVILLE. Before the day is over everyone of you will have to +apologize to me. Yes, before this day is over. + +STROEBEL. Certainly. [To Reisacher.] The word "Assessor" has two "s" in +all cases. + +HAUTEVILLE. If you people had the least idea whom you disturbed. If you +knew whom you compelled to hide in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [turning quickly to Hauteville]. In the wardrobe? So! [To +Reisacher.] Make a note of that, Reisacher. [With emphasis.] So someone +escaped us by hiding in the wardrobe. + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, someone escaped you by hiding in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [suddenly very friendly.] Upon my word, Madame, I believe that +we understand each other fully. You are a clever woman. You will not try +to deny the facts. + +HAUTEVILLE. Not one solitary thing. I am most anxious that you should +try to find out all. + +STROEBEL. Bravo! I came near saying that I respect you for that. +[Benevolently.] You know, Hochstetter, every man is liable to make a +fool of himself now and then. + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed they are! I know best what fools men do make of +themselves. + +STROEBEL. Now and then people violate the law. But they ought not to +deny it afterwards. That's the sad part of it, because we always find +out the truth in the end. + +HAUTEVILLE. I wish you had it now. + +STROEBEL. We have a clue. But you are a woman of character, I admit. I +take off my hat to you. + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed! + +STROEBEL. I certainly do. + +HAUTEVILLE. I was afraid I had lost all refinement after spending the +last two nights in such company. + +STROEBEL [benevolently]. No doubt, it was a trifle hard. + +HAUTEVILLE. It was terrible. They really do make me pay for +discreetness. + +STROEBEL. Your patrons are the very men who make it so hard for you. +They get you into trouble and then expect you to protect them. Isn't it +so? + +HAUTEVILLE. What an experience for me! To have my apartment raided at +night and be simply dragged away myself. + +STROEBEL. That is too much. + +HAUTEVILLE. I was not even allowed to take along a change of underwear. +Then I am locked up with women who have every known variety of vermin. + +STROEBEL. And with all that they expect you to remain silent! + +HAUTEVILLE. When I want to comb my hair, the matron gives me a comb +which these women have been using a whole week. + +STROEBEL. That simply can't go on, + +HAUTEVILLE. And the air! I never knew that such odors existed on this +earth. + +STROEBEL. Still you are to shield the others! After all, you know, I +think that discreetness is just talk. + +HAUTEVILLE. Talk? + +STROEBEL. I mean if anybody ever had a moral right to give things away, +fully and freely, you are that person; ... after all you have suffered. + +HAUTEVILLE. That's right. I am that person. + +STROEBEL. Well then; did somebody escape into that wardrobe? + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, somebody did escape into that wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [eagerly]. Who? [Short pause.] + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. Who? + +STROEBEL [more sharply]. Who on Saturday night at 10 o'clock escaped the +search of the police by hiding in the wardrobe? + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. It is quite unnecessary for me to tell you +that. + +STROEBEL [sharply]. Why? + +HAUTEVILLE. You are certain to find it out ultimately. + +STROEBEL. Ultimately? + +HAUTEVILLE. Even if I wanted to I could not tell! Lord, when a person +gets strictly accustomed to never mentioning any name, it is almost +impossible to do it. I, believe that I would have to learn how first. + +STROEBEL [shouting]. And you will learn it; I promise you that. You ... + +HAUTEVILLE. Mais Monsieure! + +STROEBEL [shouting]. No "Monsieur" about it. Here you'll talk good plain +English. + +HAUTEVILLE. But why are you getting so excited? + +STROEBEL [to Reisacher]. I am nice to this person. I reason with her, +and she says that she will first have to learn how to expose her crowd. +[Shouts.] Decency is what you'll have to learn and I'll teach it to you. + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, not this very minute. + +STROEBEL. I know you. I know your sort! You want to gain time so that +you can concoct the blackest lies. + +HAUTEVILLE. [calmly]. That would be entirely superfluous. The cleverest +lie could not help me half as much as the simple truth. + +STROEBEL. Out with it! + +HAUTEVILLE. It's better if you find it out through someone else. + +STROEBEL. That's your opinion. + +HAUTEVILLE. You would only be embarrassed and I would be guilty of a +breach of confidence. + +STROEBEL [with contempt]. As though people confided in such as you. + +HAUTEVILLE. I think that they rely upon the fact that our loyalty is not +"just talk." + +STROEBEL [again calm]. Listen to me. I do not think that you entirely +understand your position. [Hauteville shrugs her shoulders.] No, I don't +think that you know at all what is involved. + +HAUTEVILLE. On the contrary it is far worse that you don't seem to +realize who is involved. + +STROEBEL [quickly]. In what? + +HAUTEVILLE. In the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL. Have you lost your senses? You are a prisoner here. Do you +want to poke fun at us? + +HAUTEVILLE. No. + +STROEBEL. Then don't consider yourself so important with those meaning +insinuations. + +HAUTEVILLE. If I did, I'd soon lose my importance after eating that +yellow broth from those rusty tin plates. + +STROEBEL. And that will continue for some time. + +HAUTEVILLE. [energetically]. No, it will not. I tell you right now +that I will not spend another night in that dirty hole. I will not be +mistreated any longer. + +STROEBEL [with sarcasm]. Of course we are going to ask you for your kind +permission. + +HAUTEVILLE. I will not remain here. If they think I will let them ruin +me, they're very much mistaken. This is an outrage and here fair play +stops. + +STROEBEL. The likes of you and fair play! + +HAUTEVILLE. [bitterly]. Yes, the likes of me. Every day we hear the +confessions of those very people who publicly show contempt for us. We +know how false are all virtuous words with which they condemn us, but we +remain silent. + +STROEBEL. Of course, you do all this out of pure sense of fair play? [He +imitates the motion of counting money.] + +HAUTEVILLE. Money? ... My dear fellow, with money our patrons pay well +for that very thing which they later on call indecent. You get as much +decency from us for money as you get from other people, but believe me, +we could shatter many illusions. + +STROEBEL. Well, make a beginning right here. + +HAUTEVILLE. It ought to be impossible here. The police have as few +illusions as we. That is, provided they are properly instructed. + +STROEBEL. That's right now, put us in the same class with yourself. + +HAUTEVILLE, Why not? We and the police could easily ruin the credit of +virtue, but neither of us do it. You--you because you regard that credit +as a good substitute for the principal, and we,--Lord, because we need +this credit as well. + +STROEBEL. Both of us? + +HAUTEVILLE. The very moment that public virtue loses its credit, the +secret vices will drop in market value. + +STROEBEL. What are you talking about anyway? + +HAUTEVILLE. I'm telling you why both of us must hush things up. + +STROEBEL. Then you are not convinced that there is a real public +morality? + +HAUTEVILLE. You mean that morality which you put on with your street +clothes? I know it well. Gentlemen take it off in my apartment and hang +it up in my wardrobe, and there I can inspect it very thoroughly. It is +truly remarkable how our respected gentlemen still make formal social +visits in costumes which have so often been patched. + +REISACHER [who up to this point apparently--without paying any +attention, has been sitting with his back toward them, turns half way +round]. Pardon me, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL [impatiently]. Now what do you want? + +REISACHER. Pardon me, Herr Assessor, shall I put all this talk into the +minutes? + +STROEBEL. No, I will dictate to you later. [To Hauteville.] You know +that you are not here to amuse yourself. + +HAUTEVILLE. I know that. + +STROEBEL. Listen to me quietly. You hinted before that if we kept you +here another night you would confess everything. Well I tell you here +and now that we will not keep you here one, but a number of nights. You +can ease your conscience at once. + +HAUTEVILLE. I would only make yours the heavier for it. + +STROEBEL. My conscience? + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, if I tell you here, there will be no possibility of a +mistake, but everything must remain a mistake. + +STROEBEL. I have patience with you, but I will not let you fool me. +Now get yourself together and consider every word. What must remain a +mistake? + +HAUTEVILLE. Everything that has happened since Saturday night. + +STROEBEL. All that must remain a mistake? + +HAUTEVILLE. It simply must not have happened. No one broke into my +apartment. No one arrested me. No one compelled anyone to hide in the +wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [shouts.] And no one ever saw such an insolent female. + +HAUTEVILLE. This browbeating. + +STROEBEL. It is meant for such as you. + +HAUTEVILLE. [indignantly stopping her ears]. It reminds one so much of +the tin plates and the comb. + +STROEBEL [angrily pacing the room]. I never heard anything like it. +Picture it! She makes insinuations as though we had something to be +afraid of. [He stops pacing and faces her.] You evidently imagine that +the whole government would run away from you. + +HAUTEVILLE. No, but it ran away from your Lieutenant. + +STROEBEL. Where? + +HAUTEVILLE. Into the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [pacing up and down]. I will bring that fellow out of your +wardrobe. I will bring him to light. Into bright daylight! [Remains +standing in front of Hauteville.] What did you say? + +HAUTEVILE. Non. + +STROEBEL [resuming his pacing']. One of those fine fellows who wallow +in the mire and then expect us to make exceptions. [Stops pacing, facing +Hauteville.] What were you saying? + +HAUTEVILLE. Nothing. + +STROEBEL. Sad enough that now and again a halfway decent person strays +into your place. + +HAUTEVILLE. He can only regret that he was disturbed. + +STROEBEL [goes quickly to desk and unlocks a drawer]. Besides, do not +deceive yourself. We do not need your disclosures. [He takes out a +rather bulky paper, a school composition book, and holds it triumphantly +in the air.] There; do you recognize this? + +HAUTEVILLE. [quietly, without a single trace of surprise]. It looks like +my diary. + +STROEBEL. It is your book. It was found in your desk. + +HAUTEVILLE. [very calm]. The desk was locked, + +STROEBEL. It was broken open. Well? What about your loyalty now? + +HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. I kept it. I haven't a fire-proof +safe. + +STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Would you by chance like to show me the name? + +HAUTEVILLE. What name? + +STROEBEL. Of the gentleman in the wardrobe. + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs]. His name really is not in it. + +STROEBEL. Do not evade but show me. + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, there are parties whose names are not in the Hotel +Register. They travel incognito. + +STROEBEL [persuadingly]. Hochstetter, I have an impression that you are +not such a stupid girl, and I believe that you would like to [pointing +to the diary] take good care of your--patrons. If you do not immediately +reveal the name of that man, I will summon the whole bunch. + +HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. That's something I cannot stop you +from doing. + +STROEBEL. What then is your belief in fair play? + +HAUTEVILLE. I never submitted that diary to you. You could not have +gotten it from me voluntarily, but it quite suits me that the officer +found it in my desk. + +STROEBEL. Why? + +HAUTEVILLE. Because he might have searched for it in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL. Now my patience is at an end. [Presses the button on his +desk.] I will have no consideration for anyone. + +HAUTEVILLE. After all, perhaps you will. For yourself. + +[Police officer enters.] + +STROEBEL. Take this woman downstairs, [The officer leaves with +Hauteville. Stroebel sits down, pushes the chair angrily to the desk, +then gets up and throws the diary and several other books on the desk, +saying to himself:] Never heard anything like it! Such impudence! + +[Reisacher looks at him with amusement. A knock at the door.] + +STROEBEL [formally]. Come in! + +BEERMANN [enters hastily from the left. He breathes heavily. He has a +handkerchief in his hand, with which he frequently mops his brow]. +Is this the proper department at last? I am being sent all around the +building. [Breathing heavily.] I hope I am finally in the proper bureau. + +STROEBEL. What do you want? + +BEERMANN. Pardon me for a moment while I catch my breath. I climbed +twice to the third floor and again down to the ground floor. The +Commissioner sent me to room 147 and there they told me to go to room +174. + +STROEBEL. Who sent you? + +BEERMANN [taking a deep breath]. The Commissioner. I really wanted to +speak to him personally, but he told me I should go to the gentleman who +has "Morality." Are you the gentleman who has all the morality? + +STROEBEL. Certainly. + +BEERMANN. At last. [Mopping his braze.] Good God? when a matter is so +urgent and so much depends on it they ought not to chase one all over +the building. I must rest a bit. All this excitement and running up and +down stairs.... So you are the gentleman who has the matter in hand. + +STROEBEL. What matter? + +BEERMANN. On Saturday night a lady was arrested. A Madam de Hauteville, +and certain papers were taken from her. Have you those papers here? + +STROEBEL. What business is that of yours? + +BEERMANN. My name is Beermann; Fritz Beermann, the banker. I am the +Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + +STROEBEL [very politely]. Oh, indeed! Pardon me! I didn't recall your +name immediately, but I was expecting you. + +BEERMANN [startled]. You--were expecting--me? + +STROEBEL. The Commissioner said that you would undoubtedly call on us. + +BEERMANN. He said that I undoubtedly would call? But he never mentioned +a word to me about that, and I saw him just a moment ago. Perhaps after +all it will be better if I go down to see him again? + +STROEBEL. That is not necessary. I have full charge of the matter. + +BEERMANN. Oh, yes, quite right; you have charge of the matter. And you +have those writings here too? + +STROEBEL. The diary? [He indicates the desk.] Here it is. + +BEERMANN [peeps anxiously over]. Then it is a regular diary? + +STROEBEL. Quite correctly kept. Gives date and names. Even little +jesting remarks about the people concerned. + +BEERMANN [shouts]. But that is an unheard of insolence! + +STROEBEL. Yes. + +BEERMANN. Why does she write such things? To what purpose? Can't she +herself realize how dangerous it is? Fancy, a woman whose whole stock in +trade is secrecy, keeping an address hook of her patrons. Confound her! + +STROEBEL. But to us as evidence it is priceless. + +BEERMANN. I ask you--why does she record such things? + +STROEBEL. We can only be glad of it, Herr Beermann. + +BEERMANN. We? + +STROEBEL. She'd lie. I tell you she'd deny everything, and that puts an +end to the case. [Holding the diary in the air.] But here we have the +whole bunch. + +BEERMANN. As though she wanted to turn State's evidence ... + +STROEBEL. Let her just come to court with her confounded fine talk. +[Imitating Hauteville's manners.] "It simply must not have happened." I +will drive her to the wall with what happened. We will simply bring up +those fellows, one after the other. + +BEERMANN [dismayed]. To court! + +STROEBEL. Certainly, and that means; hand on the Bible and swear. Then +we shall see if "no one compelled anyone to hide in the wardrobe." + +BEERMANN. How? + +STROEBEL. They will not commit perjury. + +BEERMANN. That's utterly impossible! + +STROEBEL. I will make it quite warm for that man, in any event. + +BEERMANN. But, Counselor! + +STROEBEL [clinking heels]. Assessor Stroebel. + +BEERMANN. But, Assessor, that is simply impossible. You do not want to +ruin the family life of the entire city, do you? + +STROEBEL. In what way? + +BEERMANN. Do you expect a respectable gentleman to appear in court and +in the presence of all people to say, yes; it is true that I ... and so +forth? + +STROEBEL. Why not? + +BEERMANN [shouting]. But they are all respectable fathers of families! + +STROEBEL. But, my dear Herr Beermann, what difference does that make to +me? + +BEERMANN. It must make a difference. It makes a difference to everybody +at all times. + +STROEBEL. I assure you that I am not a bit sentimental. + +BEERMANN [glancing over to Reisacher]. Could we have a few words +together, alone? + +STROEBEL. If you wish it. Reisacher, finish your police report in the +outer office. + +REISACHER. Certainly, Herr Assessor. + +(Takes several sheets of paper and goes out through the middle door.) + +STROEBEL. Do have a seat, Herr Beermann. + +(Beermann sits down on the sofa. Stroebel does likewise.) + +BEERMANN [mopping his brow]. A personal question, Herr Assessor, are you +married? + +STROEBEL. No. + +BEERMANN. I thought not. If you had a family you would not speak in that +fashion of sentimentality. + +STROEBEL. If I had a family, I would not, to begin with, be involved in +this. + +BEERMANN. But ... + +STROEBEL. My name would not appear in the diary of Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. You never can tell. + +STROEBEL. Excuse me. What is there left of family life when such things +happen? + +BEERMANN. What do you mean? If nobody finds it out? + +STROEBEL. But such a man must live constantly under a deception. + +BEERMANN. My dear Assessor. If the white lie ceases in married life, the +couple drifts apart. + +STROEBEL. I cannot believe that! + +BEERMANN [persuadingly]. Take my word for it. In every happy marriage +the parties lie to each other to keep their affection from cooling. + +STROEBEL. But both of them remain faithful. + +BEERMANN. Not in the least. + +STROEBEL. Don't say that! + +BEERMANN. Not in the least; anyhow not to the very letter. A husband is +true to his wife even if he ... and so forth. + +STROEBEL. Your views surprise me. + +BEERMANN. This is what I mean. He is true in his own fashion. He remains +kind to his wife, takes a good care of his family, and that is the +principal thing. That other which you have in mind is only an ideal. + +STROEBEL. Ideals are lived up to. + +BEERMANN. Well, yes. But if we don't live up to them, we at least +respect them. + +STROEBEL. Herr Beermann, I am astounded. You are the President of the +Society for the Suppression of Vice? + +BEERMANN. Can I help it that I was elected? + +STROEBEL. But at least you represent the views of your Society. I +thought you came here for that reason. + +BEERMANN. For what reason? + +STROEBEL. To express your satisfaction at our discovery of the business +of this person. + +BEERMANN. You thought I came here on that account? + +STROEBEL. Didn't you? + +BEERMANN [mopping his brow with his handkerchief]. You'll have to pardon +me, Herr Assessor; I am still affected by that running up and down +stairs. + +STROEBEL. Perhaps our conversation tires you? + +BEERMANN. Don't mention it. I simply cannot follow you so quickly, A +moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn't you? + +STROEBEL. Of this Hauteville woman.--Yes. + +BEERMANN. Have you been through this diary? + +STROEBEL. No. I have not had time yet. + +BEERMANN. But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it. + +STROEBEL. Only those I noticed in glancing through it. + +BEERMANN [relieved]. Ah! + +STROEBEL. Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the contents of +this book must remain a secret to you. My orders are not to show it to +anyone. + +BEERMANN. No, no. I don't want to know anything about it. + +STROEBEL. You will find out everything later when the matter comes up in +court. + +BEERMANN [dismayed]. Will it be read there? + +STROEBEL. Certainly. To-day I can only tell you that we will proceed +vigorously. You can satisfy your society on that point. + +BEERMANN [rising]. But that doesn't satisfy me at all. Think of the +consequences. + +STROEBEL [rising also]. What do you care about the consequences. Your +society has its very high aims. Your propaganda states that you will +prosecute the outcast of society with iron energy and now you see your +ideals realized. + +BEERMANN. Our propaganda states that we will intervene from national, +moral and social viewpoints, to protect the marriage vows. If this +scandal becomes public the marriage relationship will be undermined. + +STROEBEL. What sort of moral viewpoint do you call that? + +BEERMANN. It is the Society's. Don't you understand that the influential +class of society will be involved! + +STROEBEL. Then that class will have only itself to blame. + +BEERMANN. That's out of the question. We must find a loop-hole. + +STROEBEL. Within the scope of the law there are no loop-holes. + +BEERMANN. Don't tell ME that. Well then, go around the law. + +STROEBEL [surprised]. Herr Beermann! + +BEERMANN. Of course! I have lived long enough to know that. + +STROEBEL. I shall do my duty. + +BEERMANN. Am I interfering with your duty? I belong to that class of +people who respect the police only because the police respect our social +position. + +STROEBEL. I appreciate that. + +BEERMANN. I also take part in political life. I am a candidate for the +Reichstag and as such I have a decided opinion about these matters. + +STROEBEL. Without doubt, Herr Beermann. + +BEERMANN. Well then, there are, in extreme cases, ways around the law, +and there must be. + +STROEBEL. I am of a different opinion. + +BEERMANN. God knows, it is not the business of the police to provoke +this enormous scandal. All authority will be destroyed. It will shatter +the respect of the masses for the people higher up. + +STROEBEL. But this scandal was provoked--[knocking on the diary with his +finger]--by these very people. + +BEERMANN. If a man once in a while goes into a certain room--that is no +scandal. It only becomes a scandal when the story is made known to every +Tom, Dick and Harry. That's what must be prevented! + +STROEBEL. I value the humane motive which evidently is prompting you, +Herr Beermann. But you must admit that we are acting entirely in accord +with the views of the classes you mention. + +BEERMANN. You are not! + +STROEBEL. Yes, we are. Two weeks ago the good people here founded a +Society because they felt it was necessary to proceed more severely +against public immorality ... + +BEERMANN.... Against immorality in the lower strata where it easily +degenerates into licentiousness. As the President of this Society, I, at +least ought to know what was intended. + +STROEBEL. Even Frau Hochstetter belongs to the lower strata. If we are +now stepping on anybody's corns, I am very sorry.... + +BEERMANN. The police have no business to do anything they will be sorry +for later on. Good Lord, had the Commissioner only listened to me. An +affair like this should not be treated in such a purely business-like +way. + +STROEBEL. The Commissioner can only tell you the same thing. He cannot +change the law. + +BEERMANN. Anything can be done. + +STROEBEL. Not at this stage. We could probably have prevented it had we +known that this case would have such far-reaching consequences, but now +here are the proofs. [Pointing to the diary.] No one in the world can +destroy them, not even the Commissioner. + +BEERMANN. Then what do you propose to do with them? + +STROEBEL. They are going down to the District Attorney's office. The +avalanche is on its way. + +BEERMANN. And we have simply to wait and watch what it hits? (Telephone +bell rings.) + +STROEBEL. Pardon me a moment. + +(Goes to the right to the telephone. While Stroebel is answering the +telephone, and has his back to Beermann the latter crosses to the desk +and tries to look into the diary. Timidly he opens it several times but +shuts it again quickly, when he fears that Stroebel will turn around.) + +STROEBEL [answering the telephone]. Police Department.... Assessor +Stroebel speaking. Who is this please ... yes, this is Assessor +Stroebel.... Yes, Commissioner ... [pause] I understand you, I will +remain in the office ... Yes, I examined the Hochstetter woman.... Yes, +this Madame Hauteville [pause] I will remain in the office until you +call.... Yes, Commissioner. Good-bye. [He hangs up the receiver.] + +BEERMANN [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear +indifferent.] + +STROEBEL. Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the Commissioner +himself is following up this matter. He wants to have another conference +with me about it to-day. + +BEERMANN. Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens? + +STROEBEL. You must be consistent.... + +BEERMANN. It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or +relatives are involved ... + +STROEBEL. You must remain consistent. Doesn't this splendidly justify +the founding of your Society? + +BEERMANN [in a rage]. Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice Society. +Are we not all human, after all! + +STROEBEL. I do not understand you. + +BEERMANN. Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer? Last +night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen, all these +family misfortunes, I asked myself this question: What really is +morality? And ... I could not find the answer. + +STROEBEL. Although you are ... + +BEERMANN. Although I am Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of +Vice, yes, sir. Then I asked myself this: which is the more important: +that we are moral, or that we seem moral? + +STROEBEL. Have you found the answer? + +BEERMANN. I have. I have become fully convinced that it is far more +important for the people to believe in our morality. + +STROEBEL. But you didn't need a Society for that. + +BEERMANN. Yes, we did. Just to be moral is something that I can +accomplish in my room by myself, but that has no educational value. The +important thing is to ally one's self publicly with moral issues. This +has a beneficial effect on the family and state. + +STROEBEL. I daresay that this side of the question has not occurred to +me. + +BEERMANN. Just consider. Morality holds exactly the same position as +religion. We must always create the impression that there is such a +thing and we must make each other believe that each of us have it. Do +you suppose for one moment that religion would last if the church dealt +publicly with our sins? But she forgives them quietly. The State ought +to be just as shrewd. + +STROEBEL. Many a thing you say seems quite true. + +BEERMANN. It is true, you can depend upon it. + +STROEBEL. Theoretically perhaps. But that does not change it one bit. +As long as the law prescribes it, these offenses [pointing to the diary] +must be dealt with publicly. + +BEERMANN. Although you know that thus public decency will be undermined. +[Stroebel shrugs his shoulders.] Although the State will suffer by it? + +STROEBEL [again shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + +BEERMANN. The Administration knows very well the sort of conservative +element there is in the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + +STROEBEL. Yes, and values it highly. + +BEERMANN. Let us suppose--I do not know if it be so--but let us just +suppose that only one member of the Society once had a weak little +moment and his name were in this book ... + +STROEBEL [energetically]. Then he would be summoned to court without +regard or mercy. + +BEERMANN. And the whole Society would be made ridiculous and would go up +in the air. + +STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + +BEERMANN [shouts]. That is the height of folly, I tell you! + +STROEBEL [instructively]. It is the fulfilment of our duty. You are a +layman. With you sentiments play an important part. We, the police, on +the other hand are compelled to sacrifice our feelings to our duty. + +BEERMANN [holding his hands to his ears]. Oh, stop that! + +STROEBEL. Official duty blocks our way. + +BEERMANN [angrily]. But even a jackass can jump over blocks. + +STROEBEL [offended]. Her? Beermann, I did not hear that remark. + +BEERMANN. Let me tell you something! Do you know what we have been doing +for the past three weeks? ... Talking ourselves hoarse in order to bring +about an election friendly to the present administration. For the +past three weeks it has been nothing but Fatherland, and the state and +religion! And this is your gratitude! In the devil's own name--just +picture it to yourself--a man who has been fighting the opposition in +thirty different political meetings might be involved in this. + +STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. What can I do? + +BEERMANN. Is the Administration going to deliver him over to his +opponents? + +STROEBEL. We would be very sorry for him, but we would have to summon +him to court. + +BEERMANN. Without regard or mercy--? [Telephone bell rings loudly.] + +STROEBEL. Pardon me for a moment. [Stroebel goes to the telephone +and this time he turns completely around so that his back is toward +Beermann.] Police Department ... yes ... Commissioner; this is Stroebel +at the telephone.... [Short pause.] When she was arrested? ... When +she was arrested there was Lieutenant Schmuttermaier and an officer.... +[Short pause.] Just one policeman ... [Pause.] ... Yes, Commissioner +[short pause] I should tell that Lieutenant [short interruption] jackass +Schmuttermaier to come over to the office immediately.... [Short +pause.] I shall wait for you until you come.... Yes, Commissioner. +(During this telephone conversation Beermann steps near to the desk. +With a shaking hand he takes up the diary but quickly puts it down +again. Then he picks it up again and with a rapid and energetic movement +puts it into his breast pocket. Stroebel with a rebuked demeanor goes +from the telephone to the desk. Beermann turns around so that Stroebel +cannot see his face. He is disturbed and coughs in order to hide his +embarrassment. Stroebel presses a button on Reisacher's desk.) + +BEERMANN [while coughing]. I realize now that nothing more can be done. +I shan't take up your time. + +STROEBEL [anxiously]. No, no, please remain. The Commissioner himself +will be here in a moment. Then you may talk to him. + +BEERMANN. But you just told me that there was no use waiting.... +[Reisacher enters through center door.] + +STROEBEL [urgently to Reisacher]. Reisacher, go and look for Lieutenant +Schmuttermaier immediately. If he is not in the building, send to +his home or telephone for him. Leave word that he must come over +immediately. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +[Goes out quickly through center door.] + +BEERMANN. You said yourself that there would be no use. I guess I'd +better go. + +STROEBEL [perturbed]. But do wait for the Commissioner. + +BEERMANN. There is no use in my waiting. I ... I did all I could ... +there seems to be no use ... well then.... Good-bye! + +[About to go through door on left but the door is quickly opened and +the Commissioner appears with Baron Schmettau. The former holds the door +open for the Baron. After they have come in, he shuts the door.] + +COMMISSIONER [to the Baron]. If you please, Herr Baron.... [To +Beermann]. Ah ... here is our President of the Society for the +Suppression of Vice. [Beermann bows slightly--Commissioner continuing +contemptuously.] Well, have you accomplished your mission? [Beermann +nods.] Are you satisfied with this arrest or would you like to have us +do more? [Angrily.] Once for all, Sir, I forbid you to meddle with the +affairs of this office. You can preach your principles wherever else +you like, but here I will stand for no interference. [Beermann timidly +creeps along the wall, and bows himself out.] [Commissioner to Baron +Schmettau.] Whenever the police bungle anything, look for reformers. + +SCHMETTAU. [with a glance at Stroebel]. Will you introduce me? + +COMMISSIONER. Assessor Stroebel,--Freiherr von Schmettau, Adjutant to +his Highness, Prince Emil. [Stroebel clicks his heels together and bows +deeply. Schmettau thanks him curtly.] + +COMMISSIONER [sharply]. Herr Assessor, I have asked Herr Baron Schmettau +to come with me in order that in his presence I might correct a pitiable +lack of tact, which to my regret, and contrary to all my intentions, was +perpetrated by Lieutenant Schmuttermaier. + +SCHMETTAU. It was abominable. + +COMMISSIONER. What orders did that man have? + +STROEBEL [nervously]. Do you mean in the case of Hochstetter, +Commissioner? + +COMMISSIONER. Yes, sir, Madame de Hauteville, Who made the raid on her +apartment? + +STROEBEL. The raid? + +COMMISSIONER. I hope before you arrested her you informed yourself +exactly with whom you were dealing. + +STROEBEL. Certainly ... + +COMMISSIONER.... And the result? + +STROEBEL. I ascertained that this woman was violating public decency. + +COMMISSIONER. I am going to ask you, Assessor, as my inferior in +office, to confine yourself to more direct answers, PLEASE. What did the +investigation disclose? + +STROEBEL. That she received questionable visits from gentlemen. + +COMMISSIONER. Questionable? Then does Schmuttermaier know who these +gentlemen were? + +STROEBEL. He does not ... + +COMMISSIONER. No? Didn't he investigate a matter which seemed so +questionable to him? + +STROEBEL. He just wanted to ascertain that these visits were meant for +Hauteville. + +COMMISSIONER. So--? I have some truly competent officials. And who and +what it was did not bother the man at all? + +STROEBEL. I myself thought that that would be found out later. + +COMMISSIONER. There are certain things in the world you would not be +likely to look for and less likely to find. You have been treating this +thing as though you were dealing with a common ordinary pickpocket. [To +Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I told you ... the man did +not have the slightest idea.... [To Stroebel.] Did this fellow, +Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat or did he hear if anyone was +there? + +STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER [to Baron Schmettau]. It is just as I told you.... + +STROEBEL. Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody in the +apartment. + +COMMISSIONER [quickly]. Who? + +STROEBEL. That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville made +several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a wardrobe. + +COMMISSIONER.[to Baron Schmettau]. To be sure--someone--was--To my +profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince Emil. + +STROEBEL [crushed]. I ... didn't have the slightest idea ... + +COMMISSIONER. You people ought to have an idea once in a while. If this +Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened. But it is +the old story, not a trace of independent ability and tact. + +STROEBEL. I don't know what apology I can offer. + +COMMISSIONER. Neither do I. Besides Herr Baron Schmettau himself was +obliged to go through this very unpleasant incident. + +SCHMETTAU. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight emphasis +on his s.] I was completely dumfounded. I cannot understand how it could +happen. Just picture it ... Lord knows ... I was and am of the opinion +that our young Highness must learn to know life. Faith, it is not my +business to act as his pastor.... + +COMMISSIONER. If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying.... + +SCHMETTAU. That of course is merely my opinion. I am a man of the world +and of affairs. I consider it fitting that his Highness should learn to +know life.... + +COMMISSIONER. But I entirely share your opinion. + +SCHMETTAU. A moment ago the word "decency" was used. In my position I +can listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside of the church I +deem them entirely out of place. + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You used that expression. + +SCHMETTAU. If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a proper one, +he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand. + +STROEBEL. I did not think that the word would offend you. + +SCHMETTAU. It did offend me. Such expressions are fitting in an asylum +for feeble-minded people. They should never be used to characterize the +recreation of Cavaliers. + +COMMISSIONER. May I put in a good word for my Assessor? It certainly was +not his intention to offend you. + +SCHMETTAU. It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I will +assume that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his heels.] I am +somewhat nettled but you cannot be surprised at that. You can imagine +with what care I undertook this task. This Madame de Hauteville was +recommended to me by reliable parties. She has good manners and does not +talk. + +COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent person. + +SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness +must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the +Commissioner.] We understand each other? + +COMMISSIONER. Certainly. + +SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top. +Now picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this +inconceivably awful scandal happens. + +COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact. + +SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in your +business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help me one bit. +The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told that such things +should not have happened. That is an unheard of business. + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame. + +SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would have +informed you. + +COMMISSIONER. If you only had! + +SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for granted +that the police first of all respect protection! + +STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams did I +think of an occurrence like this. + +SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to think? + +COMMISSIONER. That's just what I say. If a man knows his work thoroughly +these things come to him. But people who are interested in the uplift +movements are always in the clouds. + +SCHMETTAU. This Lieutenant or whatever that fellow was, behaved as +though he was collecting material for a socialist newspaper. His +Highness was hardly in the house five minutes when there was a loud +ringing. Then, someone in heavy shoes ran up against the door like a +drunken sailor. Madame de Hauteville breaks into the room and cries, +"Your Highness, how unfortunate I am. The police are here," she says. +"Leave them alone," I say, "they will go away presently." "Impossible," +she says, "I can never permit His Highness to be found by the police in +my place. I will take the blame upon myself entirely." Fancy the tact of +that woman! "Impossible," she says, "that His Highness should be caught +in my place." + +COMMISSIONER. Really, very decent! + +SCHMETTAU. Indeed it is. Immediately it dawns on me that she is right. +The situation is getting terrible. That policeman is likely to demand +His Highness' identification. What shall we do? Madame says, "For +Heaven's sake hide in the wardrobe!" Outside, that fool is making +quite a rumpus. He knocks, rings, shouts and barks. The neighborhood is +getting aroused and heads are popping out from right and left and in the +midst of this terrible commotion, there we stand--Highness and I. What +shall we do? A few moments later, His Highness is cramped beside me in +the wardrobe, in between different pieces of woman's apparel. With great +difficulty we are able to draw our breath. + +STROEBEL. If I had only had an inkling about it. + +COMMISSIONER [angrily]. The police are expected to grasp conditions. + +SCHMETTAU. Then what followed? In heavy-nailed shoes the men go from +room to room. Doors are opened and slammed. The fellows use loud and +coarse language, and three or four times they stand in front of the +wardrobe. Upon my word, I actually feel how His Highness is perspiring. +Just picture to yourself the situation if that brute had opened the +closet! Just picture that and you can realize how much courage I had! + +COMMISSIONER. You must have suffered terribly. + +SCHMETTAU. What I suffered does not matter. In such moments one does not +think of anything else but Highness. What an outrage! Finally the steps +disappear. Madame Hauteville, who throughout behaved most decently and +whose conduct was above reproach, is led away and Highness and I can +leave the wardrobe where we spent an entire twenty minutes. And now I +ask again, "How can such mistakes happen?" + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You shall find the answer to this. + +SCHMETTAU. Upstairs the woman is still in her cell. The newspapers are +full of the scandal, and Highness suffers agonies when he realizes the +possibilities which can develop at any moment. + +COMMISSIONER. Herr Baron, you need not worry any longer. Now I am taking +the matter entirely into my hands. [Consulting his watch, he speaks with +affected calmness.] It is now a quarter to one. This evening at eight +o'clock Madame de Hauteville will be set free and everything will be so +arranged that her discharge will arouse no suspicion. + +STROEBEL. But how are you going to do it ...? + +COMMISSIONER. The details of this arrangement are your affair. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +(Beermann's library. Elegantly furnished. A desk is backed up against a +large bay-window on the right. Opposite is a large book-case, and next +to this a sofa. A long double door with small French panes somewhat +to the left. On the left of stage a small table and a few comfortable +leather chairs. On the right a simple door. + +Beermann enters through the middle door. He goes to the desk, unlocks a +drawer and takes out the diary of Hauteville. He looks carefully about +him, then picks out a volume of an encyclopedia from the book-case, +opens it quickly and places the diary inside. He seats himself and +begins to read. At this moment the center door is opened slowly, and +Frau Beermann stands on the threshold.) + +FRAU BEERMANN. Are you alone, Fritz? + +BEERMANN [frightened, slams the book so that the diary is concealed in +it]. Goodness, you did frighten me! + +FRAU BEERMANN. I did not know how nervous you were until yesterday. + +BEERMANN. Oh, what, nervous? I am over-worked and irritable. Every +single day, I have to prepare a new speech. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Is it in that work that I disturbed you? Pardon me. + +BEERMANN. Do you want anything? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I just wanted to have a few serious words with you. + +BEERMANN. But not necessarily at this moment. To-morrow or ... + +EFFIE. [opening the glass door, calls in]. Oh, papa, did you forget? + +BEERMANN [uneasily]. Forget what? + +EFFIE. [entering]. Weren't we to see the Indian dancer to-day? + +BEERMANN. Well, it can't be done to-day. + +EFFIE. That's a shame; I wanted so much to see her and to-night is her +last appearance. + +BEERMANN. Then we will wait until the next one comes along. + +EFFIE. I don't see why just we have to have this bad luck. + +BEERMANN [with emphasis]. Because I have more important things to do +than to watch your hop, skip and jump. + +EFFIE. [jolly]. Oh, aren't you cranky? + +BEERMANN. I am not at all disposed for such nonsense. + +EFFIE. [going over to the desk, picks up the volume of the +encyclopedia.] All this comes from your politics; now I will simply +confiscate your ammunition. + +BEERMANN [excited]. Give me that book. + +EFFIE. [jumping away]. No, no, papa, you will only get sick. + +BEERMANN [shouts]. I forbid these stupid jokes. Put that book down. + +FRAU BEERMANN. What is the matter? + +BEERMANN. I never could tolerate disobedient children, that's all. + +EFFIE. [placing the book on the desk]. Oh, pardon me, papa. + +BEERMANN [grasps the volume tightly and places it in the book-case]. All +fooling has its limits; don't forget that. + +EFFIE. Now I suppose as a punishment, we can't see the dancer. + +BEERMANN. Really I would rather go with you than--sit here, but it is +absolutely impossible. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Go now, darling; I must talk to papa alone. + +BEERMANN. But I haven't the time. + +FRAU BEERMANN [positively]. That much of it you have. + +EFFIE. Good-bye, papa dear. [Goes out.] + +FRAU BEERMANN [Seats herself on the sofa next to the book-case. Beermann +stands leaning with his back against the desk. Through the large window +the evening sun can be seen so that Beermann's face is in its light, +while Frau Beermann sits in the half-dusk.] + +BEERMANN. Lena dear, do we really have ...? + +FRAU BEERMANN. We do. + +BEERMANN. Can't it be postponed? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I have postponed it many a year, but now it is high time. + +BEERMANN. [disturbed]. Many a year? What are you referring to? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I have a request to make to you. + +BEERMANN. With pleasure.... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing-stock of your family. + +BEERMANN. In what way? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing stock of your family, I beg you. + +BEERMANN. Please don't talk in riddles. + +FRAU BEERMANN. These are not very great riddles to you. + +BEERMANN. Speak plainly, won't you? + +FRAU BEERMANN. No. I am not going to speak more plainly. + +BEERMANN. As your husband, I demand it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. N-no. + +BEERMANN. That is very sad. There should be no secrets at all between +husband and wife. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Is this a principle again? Fancy all these great secrets! +[Beermann shrugs his shoulders.] No. Now take it for granted that I know +a thing or two about you. + +BEERMANN [with anxiety]. You? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Several things. Some which you must know only too well. +After all, that principle of yours has not been violated. There remain +no secrets whatever between us. + +BEERMANN. I assure you I shall not rack my brains about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Nor would I want you to regard me as sitting in judgment +on your acts. + +BEERMANN [with a false pathos]. Instead of telling me freely and frankly +of the gossip you have heard about me; then I could defend myself. + +FRAU BEERMANN. That is just what I want to avoid. To me it appears +somewhat childish when a man tries to justify ... + +BEERMANN [just as before]. In this manner, the lowest gossip can destroy +the happiness of any family. + +FRAU BEERMANN [seriously]. Fritz, really, there is no one listening to +us just now. + +BEERMANN. You are not taking me in earnest. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, and it is our good fortune that I am not. At least, +my good fortune. + +BEERMANN. You call that good fortune? I might have expected something +different from you. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, sir, you did not. If you will be honest with me, you +will admit that. This many a year, we have been playing a common farce. +You acted the true Christian head of the family and I the all-believing +audience. + +BEERMANN. How nice! + +FRAU BEERMANN. Not nice but it's true. Perhaps the fault is not entirely +ours, for we learned it from our parents. You men are supposed to +impress us with your greatness and we women are to stand by and admire. + +BEERMANN. Do you find that impossible? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Even the best Christian family principles must have some +foundation. What was I supposed to admire? + +BEERMANN. You ask that now? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Perhaps I gave it up sooner than others. But that is due +to our relationship. We were always together. Where is a man to get pose +and character enough to last him for twenty-four hours every day? + +BEERMANN. So that is about your conception of our married life? + +FRAU BEERMANN. That is it exactly. + +BEERMANN. And after all the years ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. I acquired it rather early. + +BEERMANN. Now, after twenty-six years you declare that you are unhappy. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, Fritz, it has not led us to unhappiness. There has +been no sudden shattering of an ideal. Our marriage was not an ideal +and ... don't feel offended ... your personality was never so immaculate, +that one stain more or less would spoil the effect. + +BEERMANN [excited]. But there must be some sort of reason back of all +these reproaches? + +FRAU BEERMANN. If you think them reproaches, then we do not understand +each other. + +BEERMANN. What else are they? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I meant it merely as a request. Do not bring your family +into ridicule. + +BEERMANN. You are playing hide and seek all the time. In what way am I +likely to do that? + +FRAU BEERMANN. With your moral priesthood to which you have absolutely +no right. + +BEERMANN. No right? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Not the slightest one. But you are creating enemies who +will make a laughing-stock of us all, if they find out certain things. +Those things can be found out whether we like it or not. + +BEERMANN [forced laughter]. Lena dear, I believe you are jealous. + +FRAU BEERMANN [quietly]. Jealous, of what? [Short pause.] I hope that +you credit me with at least good taste enough not to be jealous of my +so-called right, and ... otherwise what can I lose? No, Fritz, I am not +jealous. [Short pause, it is getting darker.] I had to get accustomed +to it; that's true. This secrecy, the petty lies and the false gravity +irritated me a little bit too much at first, but I made an effort so +that I could still retain a feeling of comradeship. I overcame it daily, +because--well because I never really took you seriously. [Pause.] + +BEERMANN [with, a false pathos]. Lena, dear, do you realize what things +you are saying? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, fully. + +BEERMANN [as above]. That is dreadful. Every word is a ... catastrophe! +I have until today, I have until this hour, believed in our established +quiet happiness. Now shall all this pass away? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Nothing but your confidence in my blindness shall pass +away. + +BEERMANN. Think it over. There can be no real family life after people +lose faith in each other. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Oh, a person gets used even to that. + +BEERMANN. No. Lena, listen. Someone has been telling you tales and I +cannot defend myself, because I don't know what I am accused of. You +must tell me everything right now. I demand it of you. + +FRAU BEERMANN. If I wanted to do that, I would have to begin "many, many +years ago ..." + +BEERMANN. Well, why didn't you do it then? + +FRAU BEERMANN. You can well understand, I had my reasons. + +BEERMANN. For such silence there can be no reasons. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I could shut my eyes and remain silent. That was my +privilege. But if I had spoken out and permitted you to appease me ... +no, that was something beyond me. To do that I would have been obliged +to lie and for that I, for one, have not the ability. [Beermann makes a +motion.] No, do not interrupt me. These things will have no consequences +as long as I do not wish them to, but if I should name them, then they +would have. + +BEERMANN. Then shall I let this suspicion rest upon me? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes. + +BEERMANN. How coldly you speak. If what you suspect were true, you could +not be so indifferent about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Do the by-laws of your society prescribe that in cases +like these the wife shall be unhappy? + +BEERMANN. Imagine! The many years that you and I have lived together and +you had these suspicions right along and never said a word about them. +Why do you speak today? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Because you have reached the point where our friendship +for one another may break. Everything I see and hear from you now hurts +me. You speak in a tone of strictness, which must be unpleasant even to +you. For weeks past there has been nothing around me but lies. What you +say to me, all that you say to the children, and what you preached here +publicly last night. Every word hurts my ears and urges me to contradict +you; I am silent and by doing that I endorse your lies. + +BEERMANN. But, Lena ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Finally when your every glance is artificial, each motion +of yours is a pose. Then it is unbearable. Add to that my anxiety for +our children. How shall they still retain faith in us, if through an +accident their eyes are opened? I had remained silent all this time for +their sake and now you are inviting the whole world to speak. I cannot +continue to live this life of worry and hypocrisy. All that I have +already overcome awakens again and appears to me more ugly than ever +before. I do not know if I can still believe in your good fellowship and +remain your friend. [She rises and goes slowly to the door.] + +BEERMANN. I do not seem to know you any more. During our entire married +life, you have not spoken as seriously as in the last fifteen minutes. + +FRAU BEERMANN. That perhaps was my great mistake. But I have paid for +it. [She opens the door.] + +BEERMANN. Lena dear, have you nothing further to tell me? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I just beg of you; do not bring your family into +ridicule. [Exit.] + +BEERMANN [For a while remains standing; lost in thought; then he turns +on the electric light, sighing, goes over to the bookcase, takes out the +volume of the encyclopedia wherein the diary of Madams de Hauteville is +hidden, opens it and reads standing. A knock on the door. Frightened, he +quickly hides the diary in his side pocket.] + +BEERMANN. Come in. [Justizrat Hauser enters on the left.] + +HAUSER. Lord; good evening. + +BEERMANN [hurrying toward him]. Lord; how glad I am that you have come. + +HAUSER. Has anything happened? + +BEERMANN. N ... no. + +HAUSER. I received your message that you must see me tonight without +fail. + +BEERMANN. Yes, I was at your house twice. + +HAUSER. Unfortunately, I was not there. [He has taken off his overcoat +and is laying it on a chair.] Tell me, you seem to me all upset. + +BEERMANN. I am upset. + +HAUSER. I suppose that is why you sent for me. Well, then, what is it? + +BEERMANN. Have a seat, please. [They sit down to the left on the sofa.] +I must begin a little way back.... Have a cigar? [He goes over to the +humidor, takes out a box of cigars and offers it to Hauser, who takes +one.] I must begin a little way back ... Can you remember the subject we +discussed last night? + +HAUSER. The genuinely righteous moral life? [He lights his cigar.] Of +course, I remember it. Such sermons are not easily forgotten. + +BEERMANN. Do you know I got the impression that you have a rather +liberal viewpoint. + +HAUSER. Liberal? + +BEERMANN. I mean that you are not a prude. + +HAUSER. I am an old lawyer, you know, and just out of sheer habit +contradict people. I made myself blacker than I actually am. So, if you +have scruples on my account ... + +BEERMANN. I merely mentioned it because you understand life and I +must speak to someone who judges more liberally than our narrow minded +bourgeois. + +HAUSER. More liberally than you judged last night? + +BEERMANN. I was overzealous, but don't let us talk about it. I want +to ask you for advice. [Short pause.] You lawyers are bound to respect +professional secrets? + +HAUSER. We must respect them. + +BEERMANN. What I am about to tell you, you will probably find most +astounding, but it is to be considered absolutely confidential. Even +though your client confesses a crime, you are not permitted to divulge +the information? + +HAUSER. What a careful criminal you are! + +BEERMANN. It is possible that you will find this information most +unpleasant. + +HAUSER [Bends and talks in a low voice]. Now don't worry about me, +Beermann. I will know how to protect your interests. The law gives me +the right to remain silent in any event. + +BEERMANN. Well then ... [nervously runs his fingers through his hair] +I really have to begin a little way back. The last few days I have been +thinking a great deal about monogamy. I am surely the last person to +doubt the high moral value of the marriage vow, but there is something +to be said on the other side. It is indeed a very ticklish theme to +discuss. + +HAUSER. Suppose then that we skip the prologue and the few opening +chapters and start at once with the affair of Madame Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. How do you know ...? + +HAUSER. I suspected. You probably are not the first one who has come to +confess to me. Since last night many consciences have been jolted. So +you, too, belong to that crowd? + +BEERMANN. You ask yourself how such things are possible? + +HAUSER. No, sir, I never ask myself such stupid questions. + +BEERMANN. You have always believed that an undisturbed happiness +prevailed in my family. + +HAUSER [quickly]. Beermann, I resent that! Do not try to make yourself +interesting. + +BEERMANN. Don't take it the wrong way. I am not blaming anybody. I just +want to ... + +HAUSER. You even want to find moral justification for your immorality. + +BEERMANN. I know well enough that it is unjustifiable. I have been +saying that to myself a hundred thousand times. Do not think that I +overcame my principles so easily. + +HAUSER. All you had to overcome was your timidity. + +BEERMANN [sighing deeply]. If you only knew. + +HAUSER. Of course you did not land on the primrose path with both feet, +but you climbed carefully over the fence--just as befits a man of your +embonpoint. + +BEERMANN. I expected something better from you than mere mocking. + +HAUSER. What do you want me to do? Shall I weep because you have sinned? +Why? What good would it do you? That is the way of your kind. As long +as no one has proofs against you, your virtue must always be under the +spotlight, but the very minute you trip up, some peculiar background +of justification ought to be invented for the smallest sin. No, my dear +friend. The world's moral system will not go to pieces just because you +slipped and broke your nose. + +BEERMANN. You cannot realize what suffering you are inflicting upon me +right now. + +HAUSER. Now please don't make long speeches. You did not call me here to +grant you absolution. You want me to help you to quash this affair. + +BEERMANN [jumps up quickly from his chair]. Yes, you must do that. Good +Lord, I beg you. I am in a terrible position. You have not the slightest +idea how nervous I am. + +HAUSER. Will you please sit down and stop exaggerating? + +BEERMANN [sits down]. No man living can have sufficient imagination to +enlarge on this. Imagine it! Any moment the police are likely to come +here and arrest me. + +HAUSER [seriously]. Have you been carrying on so badly at Hauteville's? + +BEERMANN. No. Not there. That is not worth while mentioning. + +HAUSER. Why then do you fear the police? That's all nonsense. Now just +consider everything quietly and calmly. By the way, has your wife any +suspicions ...? + +BEERMANN. Of this affair? I don't think so. She has just a general +one ... but what's the use of bothering with trifles! You know that this +stupid woman kept a diary, and that they found it in her apartment. + +HAUSER. Assuredly I know it. Without that diary we would not have so +many penitents in the City. + +BEERMANN. Imagine my position. I know positively that my name is in that +book. It means that I am simply done for by the cursed thing. + +HAUSER. Is it so certain that your name is in the book? + +BEERMANN [loudly]. Yes, sir. + +HAUSER. It may be possible that ... + +BEERMANN. It is not at all possible. My name is there. Shall I quietly +sit and wait until I am ruined? You know that I would be ruined if +it became public. Fancy, I, the candidate for the Reichstag; I, the +President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice! All the papers +would be full of it. + +HAUSER. Oh, yes, it would be quite interesting. + +BEERMANN. Then think of the consequences here in the City! In the +family! Why, I would be killed outright! Lord, how I tried to hammer it +into the head of that stupid man in the Police Department so he could +understand what terrible mischief this will make. + +HAUSER [frightened]. You went to Police Headquarters? + +BEERMANN. Of course, I was there. + +HAUSER. Did you confess? + +BEERMANN. How can you suppose that? [Sits down again.] I spoke for +the others. I explained to the official that he is showing up the +influential element; that he is injuring the established order of +society,--but [he touches his forehead with his palm] that fellow has +nothing but police ordinances in his head. + +HAUSER. Shouting will not help us a bit. Remain cool and collected. One +thing is important, at this moment. Has the diary reached the District +Attorney's office? + +BEERMANN. No, it has not. + +HAUSER. Well, as long as it remains in the Police Department there are +still possibilities. + +BEERMANN. It is not in the Police Department either. + +HAUSER. Of course it is there. Where else should it be? + +BEERMANN [indicating his side pocket]. Here. + +HAUSER [amazed]. What? + +BEERMANN [takes the diary out of his side pocket and places it on the +table]. Here it is. + +HAUSER. So, this is the celebrated diary of Madame Hauteville. [Beermann +nods.] Who gave it to you? + +BEERMANN. Nobody. I just took it. + +HAUSER. You mean; you sto ... + +BEERMANN.... Stole it, yes, sir. + +HAUSER [pulls back his chair and breaks into a loud laugh]. You did +that! [He laughs.] ... Say, that's pretty good. Now I am beginning to +respect you. Confound it, I would never have given you credit for a +stunt like this. [He laughs and slaps his knee.] + +BEERMANN. Laugh, while I am dying of fright. + +HAUSER. Don't spoil my good impression of you! I am on the point of +admiring you. [He laughs again.] Let me apologize. I always held you as +a wishy-washy bourgeois and now you go and pull this thing off. + +BEERMANN. You had better give me some advice. I have not had a quiet +moment since I took the book. I want to destroy it but how can I? If I +tear it up the pieces will be found. + +HAUSER. Burn it. + +BEERMANN. Where? There is no fire in the house, except in the kitchen +range. If I hide it, I shall always have to run to and fro to see if it +is there, and I feel less safe if I have it on my person. Then I have +always a feeling as though that thing were bulging out my pocket; and +the police must be missing it by this time. + +HAUSER. Oh, tear out the page on which your name appears and send it +back anonymously. + +BEERMANN. Impossible. My name appears on almost every second page. + +HAUSER. Oh ... so. + +BEERMANN. What shall I do when the police ask me for the book? + +HAUSER. There is only one way; you know nothing about it. + +BEERMANN. But they will be dead certain that I have it. + +HAUSER. Remain firm. For Heaven's sake don't fall into the trap that by +confessing you will improve this fine job. [A loud and prolonged ringing +of the electric bell is heard.] + +BEERMANN [frightened, exclaims]. There, do you hear that? + +HAUSER. Some visitor, I suppose. + +BEERMANN. This is no time to make visits. [Anxiously picking up the +diary.] What shall I do with the damned thing? [Takes out a volume of +the encyclopedia and wants to hide the diary in it but hesitates, and +then puts the volume back on the shelf.] Lord, where shall I put it? + +HAUSER. Come, give it to me. + +BEERMANN [Gives him the book and Hauser puts it in his side pocket.] + +HAUSER. No one will search me for it. + +BEERMANN. Stay here with me ... please. + +HAUSER. If it gives you any pleasure, yes; but man alive, pull yourself +together. Suppose it really were the police; you are trembling all over. +[A knock on the door.] + +BEERMANN [crouching]. Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty comes +in from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.] + +BETTY. The gentleman says it is very urgent. + +BEERMANN [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting card and +reads]. Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says with forced +vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.] + +BEERMANN. And this has been my state of mind for the past six hours. + +HAUSER [offering him his hand]. Now be brave, my dear friend, and even +if they should come to you, just deny it outright. You'll know how to +lie. A man of such rare abilities.... Good night. [Goes out on the +left. In the doorway, he almost collides with Professor Wasner. They +greet each other.] + +WASNER [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his right +shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand. His hair is disheveled. +His flaxen beard falls on his chest]. I am here in regard to the most +remarkable matter a man ever came to consult another about. + +BEERMANN [very nervous]. Must it be today, Herr Professor? + +WASNER. The situation permits of no delay. + +BEERMANN. But it is getting so late. + +WASNER. I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make visits. +Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats himself at +the desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it against his +forehead. Wasner remains standing and continues.] For many years, as +you well know, I undertook the task of collecting all publications which +have been undermining public morals. I daresay today, that my collection +is most complete and that I have unquestionably proven the harm of +pornographic literature. What corrupting influence this temptation +has through suggestion and imagination can today no longer be doubted, +because--[an impressive pause; Wasner lowers his voice]--I myself fell a +victim to it. [Beermann remains in his apathetic attitude. Pause.] I can +well understand that you lack words. I, too, became, on account of it, +much disgusted with my character. I asked myself if I still have the +right to participate in the moral salvation of our people and I have +decided affirmatively only after a thorough examination. [Pause.] + +BEERMANN [absentmindedly]. Yes ... yes ... Herr Professor. + +WASNER. You are entitled to know everything. Only spare me the details. +Briefly stated, one day I could not view my collection as objectively as +usual and thru a friend I was induced to make a most damnable visit. I +assure you that I simply loathe that fellow. + +BEERMANN. But just why are you telling me all this? + +WASNER. Because together we have fought against immorality shoulder to +shoulder. I ask you if you still deem me worthy to strive for our common +ideal. + +BEERMANN. For my part, go as far as you like, I won't stop you. + +WASNER. Then you will not deny me your assistance? + +BEERMANN. Suppose we discuss all this tomorrow, Herr Professor? + +WASNER. Tomorrow will be too late. [Beermann falls back into his chair +in an attitude of apathy.] After my false step I became convinced that +it is my duty to protect others from this temptation. My feeling of duty +became stronger until finally I wrote a letter to be exact--an anonymous +letter--to the police, wherein I demanded emphatically that they put an +end to the misconduct of this person. + +BEERMANN [now attentive.] Really that was not nice. + +WASNER. I wanted to assure myself that within I still had the right to +belong to the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + +BEERMANN. I consider that rather mean. You should always be grateful. + +WASNER. This very feeling would have made me feel still more guilty. +[Beermann shrugs his shoulders nervously.] But now I come to the reason +for my being here. My information had results ... This creature was +arrested and today after dinner my false friend comes to tell me that he +had not been careful, had mentioned to her my name, and I am certainly +indexed in the book she kept. This book was found in her place by the +police. + +BEERMANN [jumping up]. What's her name? + +WASNER. Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. So, it is you to whom we are indebted for this scandal. +[Angrily.] Do you fully realize what you have accomplished? How many +respectable fathers of families you have brought to the very verge of +despair? + +WASNER. I know it. + +BEERMANN. You don't. + +WASNER. I came here for that very reason. + +BEERMANN [not understanding him]. What? + +WASNER. I came here to request you on behalf of the others to call +tonight, a meeting of the Executive Committee. The Society must do +everything in its power to keep this case out of court. + +BEERMANN. Why the devil did you write that anonymous letter? + +WASNER. Listen to me, I beg of you. Someone is involved in this who is +very dear to you. As soon as I received the information, I hastened to +Police Headquarters immediately and wanted to intervene there as the +representative of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. But when I +mentioned that name I was very formally thrown out. On the steps, whom +do you think I met but our mutual friend, Kommerzienrat Bolland! He too +had been in the Commissioner's office and had the same bad luck. I told +him my troubles and he admitted to me that he also had been lured into +the den of this Siren. + +BEERMANN. Kommerzienrat! + +WASNER. Unfortunately. But that is something I can't at all account for. +He hardly could have been led into temptation through a collection of +documentary exhibits. + +BEERMANN. And what do you want of me now? + +WASNER. Our friend sends me to you. He would have come himself but +the shock threw him into a sickbed. He entreats you urgently to call +a meeting of the Executive Committee, immediately. We have very +influential people in our midst who must bring pressure to bear on the +Department of the Interior in order to hush up this affair. + +BEERMANN. If only you had not written that anonymous letter. + +WASNER. I felt a moral duty to do it. + +BEERMANN. And now it is our moral duty to patch up this matter. [Betty +enters on the left.] + +BETTY [hands Beermann a calling card]. The gentleman says it is very +urgent. + +BEERMANN [reads]. "Assessor Stroebel." [Frightened; to Betty.] Tell him +I am out of town. [Betty about to leave.] No, tell him I am sick--or, +Betty, show the gentleman up. [Betty goes out.] + +WASNER. At what time shall the Executive Committee meet? + +BEERMANN [excited]. Oh, leave me alone with your Executive Committee. + +WASNER. You must not desert us in our hour of peril. A leader's fate is +bound up with his followers according to German tradition. + +BEERMANN [as before]. It is all your fault anyway. + +WASNER. Shall I then tell our sick friend that we cannot count on your +support? + +BEERMANN. If I am so situated that I can, I will be over to see him in +an hour. I can't promise you more now. [Assessor Stroebel enters on left +and remains standing in the doorway.] + +STROEBEL [very seriously.] Herr Beermann, I must speak to you privately. + +BEERMANN [confused]. You--with me? Well, since you must, I suppose you +must. + +WASNER. Well, I am going. [Wasner exit left.] [Stroebel enters. Wasner +remains standing on the threshold.] The Executive Committee will be +called to the sick bed of our friend. We shall await our chairman. [He +goes. Stroebel and Beermann remain standing, silent, facing each other.] + +STROEBEL. You are surprised, I presume, that I come here at this unusual +hour. + +BEERMANN. Why should I be surprised? + +STROEBEL. You will have to pardon me. The matter which brings me here is +unusual and urgent. + +BEERMANN. Oh, don't mention it. [A short pause. They both clear their +throats.] + +STROEBEL. You were in my office this morning ... + +BEERMANN. Was I? + +STROEBEL. Why, of course you were in my office this morning. + +BEERMANN. Oh, yes, yes. I remember we had a short conference. I must ask +you to excuse me, Herr Assessor. I am suffering with an awful ringing in +the ears. It makes me so forgetful. + +STROEBEL. But I hope you still remember what we spoke about. + +BEERMANN. Very dimly. If you would remind me of it perhaps it will not +be so difficult. + +STROEBEL. You came on account of the Hauteville case. + +BEERMANN. So-o? + +STROEBEL. Or the Hochstetter ... + +BEERMANN. Well, since you say so, it must be so. + +STROEBEL. First I thought you came to express your satisfaction that we +had caught this person ... + +BEERMANN. No, that was not my purpose. + +STROEBEL. I am sure it wasn't. I was quite surprised that you were not +satisfied with her arrest. + +BEERMANN. Why shouldn't I not be satisfied with her arrest? + +STROEBEL [nervously]. But, Herr Beermann, you will recollect how we +discussed the diary. + +BEERMANN [quickly]. A diary? I know nothing about it. + +STROEBEL. You even became quite excited about it. + +BEERMANN. I know nothing whatever of any diary. You never showed me any +book at all. Of that I am very positive. + +STROEBEL [in despair]. It is just my confounded luck to find you in this +predicament. You are evidently suffering. + +BEERMANN. An awful ringing in my ears-- + +STROEBEL. I would leave you at once if the least delay were possible. +But I simply must speak to you about it tonight. Can't you get relief by +taking medicine? + +BEERMANN. No medicine can help me. I can only tell you that I do not +know anything about any diary. + +STROEBEL. Lord, Lord, leave the diary out of it altogether. It is +absolutely of no importance. + +BEERMANN. It is of no importance? + +STROEBEL. Of course, it is safely locked in my desk ... + +BEERMANN. Is that so? Well, then I can't understand why you hurried to +see me tonight. + +STROEBEL [very embarrassed]. But that is exactly what I wanted to +explain to you. But how shall I do it? You scarcely remember any more +than that you were in my office this morning. It is incredible how +misfortune has been persecuting me since noon. + +BEERMANN [greatly relieved]. Well, calm yourself, Herr Assessor. It will +come out right in the end. + +STROEBEL [downcast]. No, it can never come out right. + +BEERMANN [soothingly]. Sit down nicely in this chair--so! I'll sit next +to you here--so! ... And now let us see about it. [They seat themselves +on the left, upstage.] Do you know, I am beginning to feel much better +already. So the diary is in your desk. + +STROEBEL. For my part, let it be buried a thousand feet deep. For God's +sake, don't talk of it any more. It takes us away from my subject. + +BEERMANN. That's right. We shan't talk of it any more. Now let me see, I +called on you about the Hauteville case.... + +STROEBEL. And on this occasion you demanded that the police suppress the +matter. + +BEERMANN. Quite true, I did that. + +STROEBEL. There you are! And that's why I thought you were mostly +interested in avoiding scandal. BEERMANN. In what way? + +STROEBEL. Not personally, but from a wholly humanitarian or civic +standpoint. You even told me that just because of your position as +President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, you regarded it as +your duty to keep this matter out of the courts. + +BEERMANN. Only for the common welfare. + +STROEBEL. And out of consideration for public opinion. I had the +impression that these considerations were of great importance to you. + +BEERMANN. And still are. Do you think I change my views? I repeat to +you, that I would consider this court trial a misfortune because it +would be contrary to the established order of Society. + +STROEBEL. Then we are agreed in our principles! + +BEERMANN. You too? + +STROEBEL. Absolutely. + +BEERMANN. I thought that you had ... this forenoon ... + +STROEBEL. And I was also mistaken because you didn't seem to remember. +But at any rate we agree in our principles. [They shake hands.] Although +that does not accomplish anything still it is a great relief to me that +we understand each other. I am coming now to the real purpose of my +visit. [He clears his throat.] Herr Beermann, I must demand your word of +honor that not a syllable of what I tell you will ever pass your lips. + +BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + +STROEBEL. These are official secrets, perhaps even State secrets, and a +single careless word might have tremendous consequences. + +BEERMANN. You can depend on me. + +STROEBEL. Not even to your family. + +BEERMANN. Not a breath. + +STROEBEL. To tell you: Since you were at my office this morning there +were most remarkable developments, quite unique in their way. But I have +your word of honor--have I not? + +BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + +STROEBEL [bends low and protects his mouth with his hand and whispers]. +That very night when Madame Hauteville's apartment was raided, without +our knowledge a very distinguished person was hidden there. + +BEERMANN. I can imagine. + +STROEBEL [loudly]. You can't imagine it at all. [Whispering.] Our young +heir, Prince Emil, was there himself. + +BEERMANN [surprised, slapping his thigh]. Now what do you think of that! + +STROEBEL [loudly]. You can understand that I am not telling you this as +a mere bit of gossip, but certain important reasons compel me to. That +which you mentioned before about the reasons of state was fulfilled. +Fulfilled to the very letter. All possibilities of prosecuting this +person at present have simply gone up in the air. + +BEERMANN [starting from his seat]. Then everything is all right. + +STROEBEL. There's nothing "all right" about it. Keep your seat, Herr +Beermann. Of course our desire to prosecute has disappeared, but the +lady in question is still at headquarters and we don't know how to get +rid of her. + +BEERMANN. Madame Hauteville? [Stroebel nods.] Just forget to lock the +door and she'll vanish. + +STROEBEL [shaking his head]. No, ... for a great many reasons. Do you +think I did not try hard to find a solution? First, if we openly permit +her to escape, the whole city will know it tomorrow; the press will take +it up and there will be a far greater scandal than the court proceedings +would cause. No, sir, at least the letter of the law must be carried +out. Madame Hauteville must give a bond. She will be set free and then +she must escape. That's the only way we can protect ourselves from +criticism. Do you understand me? + +BEERMANN. You mean ... about the bail? + +STROEBEL. Yes, sir, the bail first of all. But if it were only the bail! +Just think! She doesn't want to go at all. + +BEERMANN. She does not want to ...? + +STROEBEL. No. I gave her another hearing this afternoon and told her +that we don't care to bother with her any more. "Listen," I said to her, +"you are lucky. Give bail of Five Thousand Marks, and you will be free +in ten minutes. There is a ten o'clock train for Brussels tomorrow +morning." [The bell in the hall rings.] What do you suppose she said? +She laughed. She knows very well why we are so humane, but she will not +give a bond of five marks, even if by luck she had it. She says that she +has already prepared for a trial. I talked to her politely, then rudely. +She will not budge. She laughs and laughs and that's all. [Knock at the +door. Maid enters with a visiting card.] + +BEERMANN [to the maid]. What does it all mean to-night, at this hour? +This is not a hotel. [Takes the card and reads.] Freiherr Bodo von +Schmettau, Herr auf Zirnberg? + +STROEBEL. Do receive this gentleman, please. + +BEERMANN. Now, while we are conferring? + +STROEBEL. Yes, now, if you please. + +BEERMANN [to the maid]. Ask the gentleman to come in. [Betty exit.] + +STROEBEL. He is Adjutant to the young Prince. I told him I was going to +see you, and you can realize how upset he is. + +BEERMANN. If it affords you pleasure. + +STROEBEL. It does. The entire responsibility rests on me and I at least +must show that I have left nothing undone. [Knock on the door.] + +BEERMANN. Come in. [Schmettau enters.] + +SCHMETTAU. Good evening. + +STROEBEL [rising. Beermann rises also]. May I introduce you gentlemen? +Herr Beermann, the banker--Herr Baron Schmettau. + +SCHMETTAU. We have already had a glimpse of each other today. + +BEERMANN. Yes, I remember. + +SCHMETTAU. You are the President of the Local Morality Club. Before we +go further I must tell you that I do not at all agree with those +views ... + +STROEBEL [interrupting with anxiety]. Herr Baron, may I call your +attention to the fact that Herr Beermann, personally, is far above these +narrow theories. + +SCHMETTAU. I am glad to hear it. Besides as theories they're not so bad. + +BEERMANN. As theories! That's what I say. + +SCHMETTAU. Well, there you are! + +STROEBEL. Herr Beermann is also the candidate of the local +Conservative-Liberal Coalition. + +SCHMETTAU. Then he is certainly no stickler for high-flown notions. I +should be right glad if we understood each other. And how far are you, +gentlemen? + +STROEBEL. In principles we are agreed. + +BEERMANN. Absolutely. + +SCHMETTAU. Then we shall have no difficulty in finding the right +solution. + +STROEBEL. I have taken Herr Beermann into our confidence. + +SCHMETTAU. That was a very disagreeable mishap, was it not? Very bad. +Whoever has any patriotism can realize it. + +BEERMANN. Herr Baron was also ... + +SCHMETTAU. Locked in the closet. + +STROEBEL. Permit me to revert to the facts. I was just telling Herr +Beermann that this Hauteville woman refuses to leave. She boasts that +she has not the bail and even if she had it, she would not pay it. + +SCHMETTAU. Confound her! She controls the situation. + +STROEBEL. Now we come to the most difficult part of it. She says that +if she is compelled to leave the city and is deprived of her livelihood, +she wants proper damages for it. Of course I told the woman that this, +to say the least, was an extortionate demand. Well then, she says, we +will have a trial in court. + +BEERMANN. The fox! She knows well that's out of the question. + +SCHMETTAU. I am very grateful to you for these sentiments. + +STROEBEL. I asked what she considered proper damages. "Ten thousand +marks," she says. I almost lost my senses. With the necessary bail that +would make Fifteen thousand marks. + +SCHMETTAU. In the end perhaps that is not so gigantic. + +STROEBEL. Who is going to pay it? + +SCHMETTAU. Not we, of course. Our state is a poor paymaster. + +STROEBEL. Here is a fine mess, which I cannot solve--at least not I. +Herr Beermann, you said yourself that your Society for the Suppression +of Vice is vitally interested in the undisturbed maintenance of the +popular belief in morality. For the members of your Society, it ought to +be quite easy to collect that sum. I know of no other way. + +BEERMANN [with folded hands he stands in a pensive mood]. The Executive +Committee is expecting its chairman. And I know of a professor who alone +ought to pay an extra thousand for a letter he wrote. [To the others.] +Gentlemen, briefly speaking, I will do it. On behalf of the society, I +pledge this sum. + +SCHMETTAU. Herr von Beermann, I can only say that you have acted +honorably. The House of Emil the Benevolent knows on whom to confer an +order. [He offers his hand.] + +BEERMANN. But let me assure you, Herr Baron, I did not do it expecting a +reward. + +CURTAIN + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Moral, by Ludwig Thoma + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + +***** This file should be named 4963.txt or 4963.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/9/6/4963/ + +Produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola and the Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + +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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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Moral + +Author: Ludwig Thoma + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4963] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 5, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + +Moral + + +Ludwig Thoma + + + + + + +INTRODUCTION + +Dr. Ludwig Thoma, perhaps better known to his Bavarian countrymen +as Peter Schlemiehl, was born in Oberammergau on January 21, 1867. +After graduating from a gymnasium in Munich, he studied at the +School of Forestry at Aschauffenburg. He did not finish his course +there, but entered the University at Munich and received his +degree as Doctor Juris in 1893. + +A year later Dr. Thoma began to practice law; but he abandoned +that pursuit in 1899 to follow a career for which his inclinations +and talents so happily fitted him. + +He had been writing humorous verses for Simplicissimus for several +years under the pen name of Pete Schlemiehl, with such success +that the paper almost became identified by that name. These poems +were later published in book form under the title--Grobheiten. + +His prose writings in Bavarian dialect as well as his boyhood +experiences entitled, Lausbubengeschichten, won a large and warm +audience. In 1899 he became the editor of Simplicissimus. From +then on his renown grew. The foremost critics of German letters +began to take notice of this "Bavarian Aristophanes" and to +compare him to Heine and the classics. + +When Moral and Lottchen's Birthday appeared, while the reviewers +shook their heads and stated that Dr. Thoma was shocking (so in +original) they concluded that their author was "casting a long +shadow." To-day Dr. Thoma is a recognized figure in Germany. Prof. +Robert F. Arnold in "Das Moderne Drama" (Strassburg, 1908) ranks +him next to Hauptmann. His writings are numerous. A vein, +satirical and humorous, with a conception of the pathetic, makes +him more than an equal to Mark Twain. In addition he is possessed +of a message, which he delivers in the Moral. + +First produced in 1908 the play soon became a part and parcel of +the repertoire of the leading theatres in Germany. It was put on +for the first time in New York, in German, at the Irving Place +Theatre in the spring of 1914, through the efforts of the late +Heinrich Matthias and the writer. Mr. Matthias then played the +part of Beermann. Mr. Christians, the director, repeated the +performance a number of times that season, each performance +meeting with a warm response. + +The late Percival Pollard was the first American critic to +emphasize the importance of Dr. Thoma's work in his excellent +resume of contemporary German literature: Masks and Minstrels of +Modern Germany. He pointed out "that no country where hypocrisy or +puritanism prevail as factors in the social and municipal conduct +should be spared the corrective acid of this play." + +H. L. Mencken and George Jean Nathan for many years have sung +praises of the Moral in the Smart Set. But its production on the +English speaking stage still remains an event eagerly to be +awaited. Briefly, the play is a polemic against the "men higher +up," churchmen, reformers, and social hypocrites. + +The translation follows the text implicitly. Four different +versions were made all varying in a degree from the original, and +although Dr. Thoma wrote to the writer "bin auch damit +einverstanden dass Sie in der Ubersetzung meines Schauspieles +'Moral' etwaige Aenderungen oder Adaptiereungen, die durch die +englisch-amerikanischen Verhaltnisse und den Geschmack des +amerikanischen Theatrepublikums geboten erscheinen, in +entsprechender Weise vornehmen ..." it was deemed best for +purposes of publication to try to preserve the original atmosphere +without an attempt to even transpose such phrases as Gnadige Frau, +or Herr Kommerzienrat. + +CHARLES RECHT. + +New York, October, 1916. + + + + +PERSONS OF THE PLAY + + + FRITZ BEERMANN, a wealthy landowner and banker. + + LENA BEERMANN, his wife. + + EFFIE BEERMANN, their daughter. + + KOMMERZIENRAT ADOLPH BOLLAND, capitalist and manufacturer + + CLARA BOLLAND, his wife. + + DR. HAUSER, an ex-judge. + + FRAU LUND, an old lady. + + HANS JACOB DOBLER, a poet. + + FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG, an artiste. + + PRIVATDOZENT DR. WASNER, a gymnasium professor. + + FREIHERR VON SIMBACH, the Police Commissioner of the Duchy. + + ASSESSOR OSCAR STROEBEL, a police official. + + MADAME NINON DE HAUTEVILLE, a lady of leisure. + + FREIHERR GENERAL BOTHO VON SCHMETTAU, also known as Zurnberg, + A Gentleman-in-waiting and Adjutant to His Highness, the + Duke. + + JOSEPH REISACHER, a clerk of the Police Department. + + BETTY, a maid at Beersmann's. + + Two man-servants and a policeman. + + + + +THE PRESUMPTION + + +The esteemed, sensitive public will assume that the action takes +place in Emilsburg, the capital of the Duchy of Gerlestein. The +first and third acts occur in the house of Herr Fritz Beermann; +the second act, in the Police Headquarters. It all happens between +Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. + +To be free from blame, the producers will please note that: + +BEERMANN is in the fifties; jovial; lively; with gray side- +whiskers and chin carefully shaved. + +FRAU BEERMANN is in the late forties, though youthful looking for +her age. + +FRAU LUND. sixty-eight; a woman of impressive appearance; her +manner is energetic; her mass of white hair is carefully +coiffured. + +FRAU BOLLAND. about forty-five; stout; talkative. + +DR. WASNER. a tall German professor with full blond beard; deep +voiced; wears pince-nez with black tortoise shell rim and broad +black cord. + +HANS JACOB DOBLER. is a poet; he is dressed in a poor fitting cut- +away coat; unkempt mustache and Van Dyke beard. + +FRAULEIN PINNEBERG, a feminist, wears a loose fitting gown. + +DR. HAUSER. fifty; smooth shaven; wears gold rimmed spectacles, + +VON SCHMETTAU, sixty; remains stately looking with effort; +military bearing. + +MADAME DE HAUTEVILLE--indefinitely twenty; her ultra-fashionable +Parisian gowns invite the cloak and suit patrons. + + + + + + +"MORAL" + +ACT I + +FURTHER APOLOGY + + +(Card room in Beermann's house. In the background a swinging door +opens into the dining room. To the right a smaller door leads to +the music room. On the left side another door opens into the +entrance hall. To left upstage in a corner a small card table with +chairs. To right upstage a large sofa and comfortable chairs. +Parallel to background down stage, tea table with coffee service +thereon; near it to right, smaller table, on it a humidor. + +A butler is engaged at the tea table, another man servant is +holding swinging door open. [Business of getting up from table.] +Many voices and rattle of chairs are heard from dining room. +Through swinging doors enters Bolland and Frau Beermann, Beermann +with Frau Bolland, Dr. Hauser with Effie, Dr. Wasner with Fraulein +Koch-Pinneberg, Dobler alone.) + +General greeting of "Mahlzeit." + +Dr. Wasner is vigorously shaking hands--going to Frau Beermann +says, "Ich wunsche Gesegnete Mahlzeit." + +The servants pass around coffee--Beermann conversing with Bolland +comes down stage ... + +BOLLAND. You will receive two thousand votes more than the +Socialists. That's certain. + +BEERMANN [skeptical]. No,--no. + +BOLLAND. If all the Liberals combine with the Conservatives, the +result cannot be in doubt. + +BEERMANN [taking coffee from the servant]. If ... + +BOLLAND. Fusion is here. It's the logical development. I am an old +politician. The time for discussion is over. Now it's a straight +fight to a finish. + +DR. WASNER [coming nearer]. The German fatherland is rallying to +the support of the national flag. + +BEERMANN. But there are controversies everywhere. I know best. I +always am told by campaign managers: don't say this and don't say +that. + +BOLLAND. In what way? + +BEERMANN. For instance, I'm to speak at the Liberal Club the day +after to-morrow. You would not expect me to say the same things I +told the Conservatives last night ...? + +BOLLAND. Your details, of course, must differ. But fundamentally +it amounts to the same thing. + +BEERMANN. The same thing? Believe me, all this masking confuses +me. [Drinks.] + +EFFIE [calling across the tea table where she has been standing +with others]. Papa! Listen to Frau Bolland. She also says that the +Indian Dancer is so interesting. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Positively won--derful, Herr Bolland! You can +conceive the entire spirit of the Orient, + +EFFIE. Why haven't we gone to see her? + +FRAU BOLLAND. You surely ought to go. Professor Stohr--you know +him--told me he never in his life saw anything so gorgeous. + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. She's so picturesque in her greenish +gowns. + +FRAU BOLLAND. I did not know that the Hindoos could be so +charming. + +BEERMANN. We'll have a look at her some night. + +EFFIE. But to-morrow night is her last appearance. + +BEERMANN [going to the humidor]. Very well darling. Will you +remind me of it to-morrow? [Taking a box of cigars offers one to +Dobler who is standing near him.] Smoke? + +DOBLER [taking one]. Thanks. But I am not accustomed to the +imported ones. + +BEERMANN [patronizingly]. You'll get used to high living soon +enough. + +BOLLAND [to Dobler]. How long have you been in the city now? + +DOBLER. Two years. + +BOLLAND. And before that you were in ... eh? + +FRAU BOLLAND. You must excuse him Herr Dobler. Why in +Unterschlettenbach, dear ... You know that! + +BOLLAND [correcting himself]. Certainly. Bit of literary history. +Mighty interesting place that Unterschlettenbach ... eh? + +DOBLER. Hardly, Herr Kommerzienrat. Poor and unsanitary. Most of +its inhabitants are miners. + +BOLLAND. Fancy that! And I never knew it. Full of miners! Tell me +though, what do you think of our set here ...? How do you like +this well-to-do circle ... the big city ... wealthy surroundings? + +DOBLER [lighting a cigar]. I like it well enough. But I think I +will always feel out of place here. + +BOLLAND. Can't get used to it? + +DOBLER. Everything is so different. It seems to me at times as +though I had suddenly entered a beautiful house while outdoors my +old comrade was awaiting me patiently--the open road. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Isn't that won--derful? So very re-a-lis-tic-ally +put! I can just picture it. Oh Herr Dobler ... I must tell you: +your novel--my husband and I talk about it all day long. + +BOLLAND. Tell me though--did you yourself experience the life of +that young man you describe? + +DOBLER. It's the story of my youth. + +BOLLAND. But it's somewhat colored by poetic imagination? + +DOBLER. N---o. + +BOLLAND. For instance, you have never actually starved? + +DOBLER. Oh, yes. There's no imagination in that. + +BOLLAND. Just the way you describe it--so that everything turned +red? + +DOBLER. Everything had a pink color. On one occasion I did not eat +anything for four and one-half days. + +FRAU BEERMANN [compassionately]. You poor thing! + +FRAU BOLLAND. That's exceedingly interesting! + +BOLLAND. Do tell us all about it! Then you saw dancing fires? + +DOBLER. Yes. Everything danced before my eyes, and I saw it all +through a hazy veil, and towards the end my hearing was affected. + +BOLLAND. You don't say so? Your hearing also? + +DOBLER. When any one spoke to me it sounded as if he stood a great +distance off--a great distance. + +FRAU BOLLAND. Our set never dreams of such things. + +BEERMANN. How did it all turn out? + +DOBLER. What do you mean? + +BEERMANN. Well, in the end you got something to eat again? + +DOBLER. Finally I fainted; I was found lying in a meadow, and was +taken to the hospital. + +FRAU BEERMANN [sighing]. Are such things still possible in our +day? + +FRAU BOLLAND. What can you expect--of these idealists! DR. HAUSER. +They deserve nothing better. + +BEERMANN. And after you were in the hospital--how did you get +out? + +DOBLER. As soon as I got stronger. Later on I became a printer-- +found a position--studied and published my book. + +BEERMANN. That's all in your novel, I know. But the part where you +describe how you were a tramp--that's not true? + +DOBLER. Yes, I "hoboed" almost a whole year. + +FRAU BOLLAND. "Hoboed!" Fancy that! How unique! + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. I can just picture it. Tramping along the +railroad tracks. + +DOBLER. Yes. You folks think you can picture it with four square +meals a day. But it's quite different, I assure you. There were +three of us at that time. We worked our way from Basel upwards-- +sometimes on the left--sometimes on the right bank of the Rhine. +In Worms we spent the last of our money and we had to PEDDLE for +HAND-OUTS. + +FRAU BOLLAND [not understanding him]. "Handouts?" What is that? + +DOBLER [with pathos]. To beg for something to eat, gnadige Frau, +for our daily bread. + +[They all remain silent. Only the voice of the butler who is +serving liqueur can be heard.] "Cognac monsieur! Chartreuse! +Champagne?" + +BEERMANN [taking a glass]. To a man of refinement, such an +existence must have been quite unbearable. + +DOBLER [taking a glass of cognac from the butler]. Unpleasant. +[Drinking.] But you lose your sensitiveness. At first it is hard-- +but one learns. In one hot day on the road ... when you get fagged +out--and with every stone hurting your feet--you'll learn. The +dust blinds you--but you've got to go on just the same. In the +evening you come to a small hamlet with smoke curling above the +house-tops and the houses themselves look cozy--then you have to +hold your hat in your hand and beg for a plate of warm soup. [A +short pause.] + +DR. WASNER [deep bass voice]. Home sweet home! + +BOLLAND. The story reminds me exactly of my late father. + +FRAU BOLLAND. But, Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Indeed, I say it does! + +FRAU BOLLAND. How can you draw such a comparison? Herr Dobler has +become a celebrated poet. + +BOLLAND. My father also achieved something in life. At his funeral +four hundred employees followed the coffin. + +FRAU BOLLAND [impatiently]. We've heard that before ... Herr +Dobler, did you write poetry in those days? + +DOBLER. No, Frau Bolland. Much later. + +FRAU BOLLAND. I'll have to read your novel all over again, now +that I know it is all autobiographical. + +FRAU BEERMANN [to Dr. Wasner]. You were going to sing, Herr +Professor? + +DR. WASNER. I promised ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, do, Effie will accompany you. + +DR. WASNER. If Fraulein will be so kind ... but I don't know how +my voice is to-day ... + +FRAU BOLLAND. You sing so beauti-ful-ly. + +DR. WASNER. So much campaign work. Politics corrupts even the +voice. + +FRAULEIN KOCH-PINNEBERG. Do oblige us. + +[Frau Bolland, Frau Beermann, Dr. Wasner, Fraulein Koch, Effie go +out into the music room.] + +BEERMANN. It's a pity that the professor is going to sing. We +could have started a game of skat. Have some more cognac? + +DR. HAUSER. No, thanks. + +DOBLER. Thanks. No more for me. + +[Bolland seats himself on sofa; Dr. Hauser and Dobler sit in +chairs; Beermann lights a fresh cigar. The butler goes into the +music room and as he opens the door, the sound of the piano is +heard.] + +BOLLAND. As I said before Herr Dobler, your story reminded me very +much of my late father. + +DR. HAUSER. Of the well known Kommerzienrat Bolland? + +BOLLAND [sinks deep into chair; crosses legs]. Never mind he was +not always a wealthy Kommerzienrat. [Turning to Dobler.] Picture +to yourself a winter landscape--it's bitter cold--a gray sky--it +is snowing and everything is wrapped in snow. Through all this we +see a youth walking--rather staggering--along the forest road +from Perleberg. A half starved young man. [He pauses and brushes +ashes from his cigar. The butler enters from the music room to get +a glass of water; then he goes out again. While the door is open, +the trembling bass baritone voice of Prof. Wasner is heard.] + +"In deinen Augen hab ich einst gelesen Von Lieb' und--Gluck--von +Lieb' und Gluck den Schein...." + +[Footnote: (Translated):--"In thy dear eyes I once read the story +Of love and Joy--of Love, And Joy agleam...."] + +[The door closes and the sound is shut off.] + +BOLLAND [now continues his speech]. And now the snow falls faster +and faster. This poor young man had par tout nothing to eat since +the morning. He becomes very weak; sits down on a bundle of twigs +and falls asleep. Just by sheer chance it happens that a man from +Perleberg passing by sees this dejected, snowed-in figure and +takes the young fellow home with him. [He pauses.] And this young +man later became my father ... + +HAUSER. And Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. + +BOLLAND. Yes. Herr Kommerzienrat Bolland. [To Dobler.] Now don't +you consider it quite remarkable? Wouldn't that make a fine novel? + +DOBLER. Yes ... Yes. + +BOLLAND. That could be worked up very nicely, couldn't it? A poor +young man--the snow covered landscape ... + +HAUSER. And that bundle of twigs. + +DOBLER. Fortune has her unique whims and likes to turn the tables. + +BOLLAND. That's it exactly. Fortune delights in turning the +tables. + +HAUSER. Unique whims? No. That sort of thing happens every day. + +BOLLAND. What happens every day? + +HAUSER. The story of a poor young man who becomes a millionaire. +Every large factory boasts of a like progenitor. + +BOLLAND. Do you think so? + +HAUSER. And the poor young man grows poorer with each telling. +Your son, Herr Bolland, in his description will have his +grandfather freeze to death on the bundle of twigs. + +BOLLAND. Upon my word the story is gospel. [To Dobler.] I'd make +use of that plot ... How he founded his business and how it grew +and grew ... + +[As Frau Beermann enters from the music room, the tremulous voice +of Prof. Wasner is heard.] + +"Behuet dich Gott, es hat nicht sollen sein." [Footnote: God guard +thee well, it was but a dream.] + +[The closing of the door shuts off the sound.] + +DOBLER. In one respect you are right. The character of the SELF +MADE MAN [Footnote: So in original.] has hardly been treated in +contemporary German literature. + +BOLLAND [with enthusiasm]. That's just what I claim. Always about +the poor people only. But take a man who has a large income--one +who makes a success of his business, that also is poetry. + +HAUSER. I'd have my ledger novelized, if I were you, Holland. [A +maid opens door, admitting Frau Lund.] + +FRAU BEERMANN [welcoming Frau Lund]. Mama Lund, how good of you. + +FRAU LUND [vivaciously]. Always glad to come here. Good afternoon, +gentlemen. Where is my little Effie? + +FRAU BEERMANN. In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my +daughter ... + +FRAU LUND. No, no, don't disturb her. + +BEERMANN. Permit me. [Introducing.] ... Herr Hans Jacob Dobler, +our famous poet ... + +FRAU LUND [taking his hand]. A famous poet? Delighted. + +BOLLAND. Author of "Life Story of Hans." ... + +FRAU LUND [pleasantly to Dobler]. If I were younger, Herr Dobler, +I would certainly make believe that I read your book. But at my +age I find that sort of thing too tiresome. What is the "Life +Story of Hans"? + +DOBLER. It is a novel, gnadige Frau. + +BOLLAND. A masterpiece. + +FRAU LUND. Then my ignorance is unpardonable. I'll soon make +reparation. + +[Frau Bolland followed by Effie, Dr. Wasner and Fraulein Koch +hurry out of the music room.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. I am off for the Arts Club. I'll be late, I fear. +[To Frau Lund.] Oh, how do you do, Frau Lund? + +EFFIE [hurries over to Frau Lund and kisses her hand]. Mama Lund! + +FRAU LUND. How is my little mischief maker? When are you coming to +see me? + +EFFIE. I would glady come ... but, I am so busy with music lessons +and Professor Stohr's lectures ... + +FRAU LUND. And this and that and your eighteen years. You are +quite right, my dear. + +FRAU BOLLAND [to Frau Beermann]. May Effie come along? They say +there are very won-der-ful paintings at the Arts Club. + +FRAU BEERMANN [turning to Frau Lund], I don't know if ... + +FRAU LUND. Of course, let her go along. She has such a pretty +little dress. Why should she be here with us old people? The +gentlemen will entertain us ... + +FRAU BOLLAND. But then we'll have to hurry. It is quite late. +Goodbye, Frau Beermann. I enjoyed myself so much. Goodbye, my dear +Frau Lund. So glad to have seen you again. Goodbye, goodbye ... +Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Yes, Mother. + +FRAU BOLLAND. You won't forget the theatre tonight? At eight. The +Viennese actor is so fine. [Off to left. Followed by Effie and +Fraulein Koch. Frau Bolland in the doorway.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. Will you come with us, Herr Dobler? You can explain +so many things. + +DOBLER. I'll be glad to. [Shaking hands with Frau Beermann and +bowing.] + +BEERMANN. Come soon again, Herr Poet. + +BOLLAND. And think over the story I told you. + +[Dobler goes out left, following Frau Bolland, Effie, and Fraulein +Koch.] + +FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. I'll just have a cup of coffee. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I'll tell them to make a fresh cup for you. A fresh +cup of coffee. [To the butler who is clearing the table.] Tell the +chef--[Butler goes out through the middle door. In the meantime +Frau Holland again appears through left.] + +FRAU BOLLAND. Adolph! + +BOLLAND. Yes--wifey? + +FRAU BOLLAND. Thursday the circus comes to town, don't forget to +reserve seats. + +BOLLAND. All right! + +FRAU BOLLAND [while going out]. I'm still a child when the circus +comes. + +[Frau Lund seats herself on sofa. Next to her on the right Frau +Beermann; Beermann and Bolland sit opposite in large leather +chairs. Hauser is standing behind the sofa leaning against it.] + +FRAU LUND [to Hauser]. Tell me Judge, where have you been keeping +yourself all this time? + +HAUSER. In my office, Frau Lund, only in my office. But I hear +that you were on the Riviera. + +FRAU LUND. Four weeks in Monte Carlo. Children, I gambled like an +old viveur. + +BEERMANN. What luck? + +FRAU LUND. I lost, of course--I'm too old to set the world on +fire. But, Beermann, I hear all sorts of surprises about you. You +are a candidate for the Reichstag? + +BEERMANN. Yes, they nominated me. + +FRAU LUND. Who are "they"? + +BEERMANN. The combined Liberals and Conservatives ... + +HAUSER. And the Conservatives and Liberals combined. + +FRAU LUND. Formerly these were distinct parties. + +HAUSER. Formerly,--formerly. + +BEERMANN. Now there is fusion. + +FRAU LUND [to Frau Beermann]. You never told me that your husband +was in politics. + +FRAU BEERMANN. He never was--up to two weeks ago. + +FRAU LUND. How quickly things change! And of all the people ... +you! + +BEERMANN. What's so startling in that? + +FRAU LUND. You told me that you never even read the newspapers. + +BOLLAND. We all are cordially grateful to Beermann that in an hour +of need he made this sacrifice. + +FRAU LUND. The way you talk about the "hour of need" and +"sacrifice" Herr Kommerzienrat, it seems to me that you would have +been the better candidate. + +BOLLAND. Oh, I am too pronouncedly Liberal. + +HAUSER. And that's an incurable disease! + +BOLLAND. At any rate it makes my nomination impossible. A man was +needed who was not known as a party-man. + +FRAU LUND. It would seem then that our friend Beermann has become +a politician because he ... is no politician? + +HAUSER. That's what is known as "fusion." + +BEERMANN. Allow me to ask a question. Why should I not become a +Reichstag deputy? + +HAUSER. Quite right! Frau Lund--tell him--why shouldn't he? + +BEERMANN. Because I am a novice in politics? We all have to make a +start. + +HAUSER. It's the only calling where one can start any day, Frau +Lund, without being called upon to produce qualifications. + +BOLLAND. There you can tell the lawyer. You'd like to establish a +civil service examination for members of the Reichstag? + +HAUSER. You are not afraid that it might hurt them? + +BEERMANN [with importance]. Let me tell you, Judge. What a person +achieves in real life is far greater than all your book wisdom. We +have too many lawyers anyway. It's one of our national +misfortunes. + +FRAU LUND [merrily to Frau Beermann]. Look! He's beginning to +debate already. + +BOLLAND [careless pose]. As you know, I run a soap factory where I +employ four hundred and sixty-two workmen ... let me repeat it, +four hundred and sixty-two workmen. Their livelihood and welfare +lies in the palm of my hand; don't you think that requires brains? + +HAUSER. But ... + +BOLLAND [interrupting]. Do you realize what the amount of detail +and the management of the whole factory means? + +HAUSER. But friend Beermann never even worked in a soap factory. +How can that apply to him? + +BEERMANN. Oh, what's the use of discussing things if you're +joking. + +HAUSER. Really, I can't see the connection. + +BEERMANN. At any rate, I'm a better candidate than the book-binder +whom the Socialists have put up against me. + +BOLLAND. Beermann has had greater experience and has a broader +point of view. + +FRAU LUND. Then there's something else I heard about Herr +Beermann, that I don't like at all. + +BEERMANN. About me? + +FRAU LUND. Yes, I bear that you are the President of the new +Society for the Suppression of Vice. What makes you do such +things? That isn't nice. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I fully agree with you. + +BEERMANN. You do? For what reasons? When honest men select me as +their President, is that mere flattery? + +FRAU LUND. It is not becoming to you, and you are insincere in it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. It's as false as anything can be, and you speak +about problems which you have never understood. + +BEERMANN. Pardon me! I ought to know best what is becoming for me. + +FRAU LUND. There's no one in the world I dislike as much as a +preacher. But if a person wants to be one ... then, according to +the gospel he ought to live on bread and water. It doesn't go well +with champagne and lobster. + +BEERMANN. Do the Scriptures command that we must be poor to be +honorable? + +FRAU LUND. No, Beermann, but if I still remember, they speak of a +camel and a needle. + +BOLLAND. The ladies evidently are not acquainted with the purposes +of our new society. I am sure they would subscribe to every one of +the principles which are incorporated in our By-laws. + +FRAU LUND. I certainly would not. + +BOLLAND [feeling in his side pocket]. At least read our "Appeal to +the Public." + +FRAU LUND [refusing]. No, thank you. + +BOLLAND. Every woman will rejoice when she reads it. + +FRAU LUND. Do you think so? How exceedingly amusing your societies +are! So, cards and bowling no longer offer sufficient +entertainment. You have to moralize. + +HAUSER. I can't help thinking of the notorious starvation freak at +the circus who gets his meals on the sly everyday. + +DR. WASNER. Of course, every conviction can be made ridiculous +once it's regarded as insincere. You shouldn't accuse without +proof. + +HAUSER. Herr Professor, politeness requires that each individual +be regarded as the exception--but not an entire club. + +BOLLAND. It is a pity, indeed, that a great movement like ours is +disposed of by a few trifling remarks. That embitters our task of +curing the nation of social diseases. + +FRAU LUND. Where did you get your Doctor's license to cure? + +DR. WASNER. It's sad enough that the cure is left to only a few of +us. + +HAUSER. Well, I'll remain a patient. You'll need a few anyway to +keep up your business. + +BEERMANN. I consider all this a very cheap kind of humor. I used +to joke about these matters myself, but if you will only look upon +this problem from a serious point of view, when your eyes are +opened to the ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. ... Your newly acquired ways of talking are quite +unbearable. + +BEERMANN. Please, don't make a scene. + +FRAU BEERMANN. We have been married for twenty-six years; have +been very fortunate with our own children. Why worry about other +people? + +BEERMANN. You are not logical, my love. The mere fact that I +brought up my children properly is all the more reason for my +joining this movement. ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. You didn't lose much sleep about their education. + +BEERMANN. Evidently I didn't neglect anything. + +FRAU LUND. I'm afraid you pride yourselves on a degree of +willpower you never exercised. + +BEERMANN. Never exercised? My dear Frau Lund, what do you know +about the temptations which confront us men. What does a woman +know about them? + +FRAU LUND. The only thing we women don't know about is the manner +in which these temptations terminate. + +BEERMANN. Our movement intends to do away with these very +deceptions. We want to protect the traditions of the home which +women treasure. + +FRAU LUND. No. We, women also treasure modesty. We dislike to see +men pretend to have better morals than they actually have. + +BEERMANN. Seriously, Frau Lund. Public immorality must hurt you +more. + +FRAU LUND. You arc mistaken. It requires a genuine manly feeling +to sympathize with misery. + +DR. WASNER. Misery and vice are different problems. + +FRAU LUND. They're not. And that is why we will never agree. + +FRAU BEERMANN. All the more reason why my husband should not set +himself up as an example. He knows nothing of worry or care. + +BEERMANN. We can never subscribe to Frau Lund's principles. + +FRAU LUND. No principles, please! + +BOLLAND. Out of sheer opposition you will say that you hold +different ones from us. + +FRAU LUND. No. I will say that I hold none at all. + +BOLLAND. and WASNER [together]. But, gnadige Frau! + +FRAU LUND. I can't help it. I lost them some place on my journey +through life. I have learned that all your principles have loop +holes through which people can conveniently slip out and take +their friends along with them. So I had my choice of either +surrendering them or dishonestly preaching them to others. + +DR. WASNER. Real principles of life are never given up. + +HAUSER [with sarcasm]. Cheers from the gallery! + +BOLLAND. Principles of morality are the laws of nature--they are +her dictates. + +FRAU LUND. Is that the reason you have started your Society for +the Suppression of Vice? Do you imagine your by-laws are stronger +than the laws of nature? + +DR. WASNER. May I make just one remark? + +BEERMANN. What is it? + +DR. WASNER [stroking his beard]. In summing up the matter we can +come to this decision: women have a beautiful privilege. Certain +facts in life remain a closed book to them. We, men, unfortunately +have to come into contact with them. + +HAUSER. Did you say UNFORTUNATELY? + +DR. WASNER. Please don't interrupt. I maintain "unfortunately"! +For the last four years, I have been persistently following +obscene literature, and to-day I have gotten together a collection +of it, which I dare say is pretty complete. So I am speaking of +matters about which I am thoroughly informed. [With importance.] +The degree of vulgarity our people have reached is incredible. + +FRAU LUND. And you have been the "persistent collector" of this +vulgarity? + +DR. WASNER. Let me assure you that I took upon myself this task +with loathing. + +HAUSER. Herr Professor, in all my life I have never met a man who +for four years voluntarily did something which was loathsome to +him. + +DR. WASNER. You have no business to make such a remark. + +HAUSER. Have you derived no satisfaction from it at all? + +DR. WASNER. Satisfaction--if you mean the satisfaction of +participating in the uplift of our people. + +FRAU LUND. Uplift? Our reformers capitalize our national lack of +good taste. Good proof of that are the moral works of art which +you patronize. + +DR. WASNER. The matter we are discussing is more serious than +reforming bad taste. + +FRAU LUND. There is nothing more serious. + +DR. WASNER [knowingly]. If you but knew, Frau Lund! + +FRAU LUND. I don't have to call and see your collection. Frankly, +to me, the most obscene picture in your gallery could not be more +disgusting than the talk you carry on in your meetings. + +BEERMANN. Oh! Oh! + +FRAU LUND. The nudity of the human body is not disgusting. It is +the nudity of your mind. No vice is as repulsive as that virtue of +yours which loudly uncovers itself in public--in market places. +Vice has at least the shame to hide itself. + +BEERMANN [to Bolland]. Can you understand her? + +BOLLAND. I must admit, I can't. + +DR. WASNER. Gnadige Frau stated that vice hides itself. But in +spite of that it exists. + +BOLLAND. Yes, she admitted that it exists. + +DR. WASNER. Shall we tolerate it merely because it crawls into +dark nooks and corners? + +FRAU LUND. You reformers! Let more sunshine into this world and +vice will not find so many dark corners and nooks to hide in. + +BOLLAND. You would not be as opposed to us if you had a son who +would be exposed to the temptations of our great cities. + +FRAU LUND. I would be ashamed of myself if for personal reasons I +became narrow-minded. + +BEERMANN. But just stop to think! Picture a healthy young man in +his prime falling into the hands of one of these abominable +creatures! + +FRAU LUND. I could picture something worse than that. + +BEERMANN. Still worse? + +FRAU LUND. For instance, if he should, with all the credulity of +youth, enter into the work of your society. + +BOLLAND. Well! Well! + +BEERMANN. You don't seem to take anything seriously to-day. + +FRAU LUND. Very seriously; this young man perhaps does reach the +stage where he sincerely pities your so-called abominable +creature. Then he has really advanced in his morality. Let the +pity impress itself deeply upon him and your abominable creature +has preached better to him than all your high-sounding phrases. + +BOLLAND. I am simply dumbfounded. + +DR. WASNER. Then you even believe that our society exerts a bad +influence? + +FRAU LUND [very positively]. Yes. + +BOLLAND [with irony]. Fancy! University Professors, +philanthropists and a general who are with us in this work--they +are, of course, the ones who are likely to corrupt the morals of +the younger generation. Frau Lund, no doubt, would like to send +our young men to the good Ladies of the Pavement. + +DR. WASNER. In what way is our influence bad? + +FRAU LUND [with warmth]. The young man who joins your society does +it only to ape you and to advance his own ends and vainglory. He +forever deprives himself of understanding the meaning of life and +of becoming helpful to those who suffer. + +BOLLAND. Well what do you think of such statements? + +FRAU BEERMANN. They are splendid. I would be very thankful if my +boy would embody the ideals of Frau Lund. + +BEERMANN. Lena, I simply forbid you to say such things. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Really? + +BEERMANN. Everybody knows that Frau Lund is a radical, but I don't +want you to fall into that habit. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I don't acquire new habits as rapidly as you. + +HAUSER [to Beermann]. Don't get excited. A politician must give +everyone an opportunity to express his views. + +DR. WASNER. I teach young people and I heartily wish they'd +continue to seek their ideals among high minded men and not in the +dark city streets. + +BOLLAND. Right! And not in the dark city streets. + +FRAU LUND. Nor there, Herr Kommerzienrat, where the veil of shame +is rudely torn from inborn sensitiveness and it is shorn of every +secret charm. + +DR. WASNER. Correct! We do want to deprive it of its charm. + +FRAU LUND. You succeed in doing that; no tenderness can survive +the brutal frankness of your meetings. + +DR. WASNER. It is not a national German trait to sugar-coat sin. + +FRAU LUND. Why do you confound all lack of refinement with the +national character? + +DR. WASNER. Because it is good German to call a spade a spade. + +BEERMANN [getting up]. Why argue to no purpose? Let's start our +game of skat. + +BOLLAND. Because it appears to be a conflict of two different +philosophies. + +BEERMANN [rises, goes to card table, opens a drawer, takes out a +deck of cards and opens them]. It's always the same old story. +Never start anything with women! They must have the last word. +[Sits down at card table. Bolland gets up and sits beside him.] + +FRAU LUND [laughing]. Spoken again like a typical reformer. + +DR. WASNER [rising]. I don't want to continue this argument, but +if by any chance you have gained the impression that I regard this +matter from a prejudiced view point, I will cheerfully admit it. I +do. + +BEERMANN [calling]. Oh, do come on, Herr Professor. + +DR. WASNER [turning to card table]. I'm coming. [To others.] I +admit with pride that I am prejudiced. For me there exists only +one question: How can I best serve my fatherland? + +BOLLAND. Herr Professor! + +DR. WASNER [turning to table]. Just a moment. ... [To others.] Let +the sturdy qualities of our people be conserved. That stand is +unassailable. Then I will be sure that my efforts have at least +... + +BEERMANN [loudly]. But, my dear Wasner! + +WASNER [not dismayed, continuing]. ... at least a national scope. + +HAUSER. Wouldn't you rather play skat, professor? + +WASNER [going over to card table]. There remains only one thing +for me to say. If I have used sharp words, I want to apologize. +[Takes a seat.] + +BEERMANN. You deal, Professor. + +DR. WASNER [shuffling the cards and talking at the same time]. For +me there exists but one ideal. That which Tacitus described as it +once prevailed among the old Teutons. Quamquam severa illic +matrimonia nec ullam morum partem magis laudaveris. [He lets +Bolland cut and then deals.] The most praiseworthy trait of the +Teutons was the strictness of their marriage customs. Nam prope +soli Barbarorum singulis uxoribus contenti sunt. They were almost +the only barbarians to content themselves with a single wife. + +BEERMANN [loudly]. Tournee! + +BOLLAND. I'll go you! + +BEERMANN. Twenty! + +BOLLAND. I'll better that! + +BEERMANN. Take it! Gras-Solo! + +[They play.] + +[Hauser, Frau Lund, Frau Beermann remain sitting at right.] + +FRAU LUND. At last the Fatherland is saved. + +FRAU BEERMANN. It's the only occupation for which nature intended +them. They should not tinker with national problems. + +HAUSER. Have patience. Political ambition dies out after the first +defeat. + +FRAU BEERMANN. ... which I hope will happen. + +HAUSER. That's as certain as fate. Else he never would have been +nominated. + +BEERMANN [calling from the card table]. I have pretty sharp +hearing! + +HAUSER. A very fine acquisition, Beermann, when you grow old. + +BOLLAND [throwing a card on the table]. Fifty-nine and four make +sixty-three! The rest you can take. + +(They throw down their cards; Bolland collects them and shuffles.) + +WASNER [half turning to Hauser], And then there is the celebrated +passage, "Ergo septa pudicitia agunt, nullis ... spectaculorum +illecebris corruptae." + +BEERMANN. I have six cards. + +BOLLAND. The bottom one belongs to the Professor. + +WASNER [as before, continuing]. So the wife lived surrounded by +tenderness and care ... and so forth, "Literarum secreta. ..." +Secret communications were not tolerated by either husband or +wife. + +BEERMANN. Please drop that Tacitus. It's your chance to lead. ... + +WASNER. I pass. ... + +HOLLAND. So do I. + +BOLLAND [loudly and enthusiastically]. That's the way to get at +them! Trumps! And trumps again. + +WASNER [murmuring]. "Paucissima adulteria in tam numerosa gente. +..." [Gradually lapses into silence and then continues to play +with energy.] + +FRAU LUND [with a glance towards the card table]. Why do we take +our principles so seriously. ... It's really ridiculous how our +every opinion soon turns into religious beliefs. + +WASNER. The matter is dead serious. + +FRAU LUND. Who will think of it to-morrow? + +HAUSER [nodding towards card table]. Not they, of course. But +there are cleverer people. The so-called thinking public in +Germany must have some national problem to solve. It finds some +such, readily enough in order to play with it. Meanwhile they take +no notice that the party in power [Footnote: Men with the brass +buttons.] are lining their pockets. + +FRAU LUND. Haven't they always been doing that? + +HAUSER. Yes, but not with such. ease. Here and there they were +rapped over the knuckles. But nowadays they could cart away the +entire capitol. + +FRAU LUND. There's not so much left to-day. + +HAUSER. A couple of pieces anyhow to take along as keepsakes. + +FRAU LUND. In my days I saw one reform after another on the +bargain counter; but we women remain mere spectators while ideals +come and go; we can not realize how much they mean to men. + +HAUSER. My dear Frau Lund, if a real reform should effectively +rise among us some day, then you women will have to lend a helping +hand. With those [nodding towards card-table] kindergarten heroes +nothing can be accomplished. + +FRAU BEERMANN. What influence can we exert so long as men organize +their societies for the protection of women's virtue! + +HAUSER. These henpecked gentlemen always nominate themselves +chastity's guardians. + +FRAU BEERMANN. They are of importance only when they can get some +one to listen. I'd like to go to their meetings and tell them +that. + +HAUSER. Their meetings--bosh! Their sort only couple their +nonsense with a few self-evident generalities which no one would +really oppose. No, first of all they must be educated and that you +women alone can accomplish. + +FRAU LUND. You say that as if we had any influence on public +opinion. + +HAUSER. You do all the applauding. The whole game is played for +you. If you withdraw your applause not a single one of the +peacocks of virtue will open up his gospel feathers for +exhibition. It is indeed of great importance to you that they do +not banish all refinement from our social life. + +FRAU LUND [citing]. + + [Footnote: in original "FRAU LUND [zitierend]. + "Ja, da eur Wonnedienst noch glanzte, + Wie ganz anders, anders war es da! + Da man deine Tempel noch bekranzte. ... + + DR. WASNER [hat beim Zitieren der Schillerischer Verse + heruber gehorcht und fallt nun mit tiefen Basse ein]. ... + Venus Amathusia."] + +"Yes, while still thy sanctuaries of pleasure +Crowned this earth like in Arcadia +Joy had no penalty nor trader's measure. ..." + +DR. WASNER [when the citation began listened over his cards, now +falls in with deep bass]. "... Venus Amathusia." + +BOLLAND [angrily breaking in]. Man alive, why didn't you play your +Ace of Spades? If you had brought out that Ace you'd have a trump- +-then you'd beat this with a trump ... and then another trum. ... + +BEERMANN. Now, beloved friends and countrymen, no post-mortem +speeches. [While dealing cards.] You cut, Bolland. + +BOLLAND [cutting cards]. Make use of your trumps, Herr Professor. +I am trying to play into your hands. + +DR. WASNER. I thought ... + +BOLLAND. You didn't. If you had you'd play differently. + +BEERMANN [speaking to Frau Lund, while dealing]. How far have you +gotten with your moralizing? Have we agreed yet--[Laughing.] Yes; +yes; these women folks! + +WASNER [arranging cards in his hand]. They were citing Schiller a +moment ago. We must not forget, ladies, that it was Schiller +himself who awakened the national spirit of our race. + +HAUSER. Your national spirit unfortunately found its way into the +strangest kinds of containers. + +DR. WASNER. I decidedly protest against such a poor opinion. If +the sincere religious sentiment of the German element ... + +BOLLAND [interrupting him]. We are waiting for you, Herr +Professor. Are you finally going to announce your cards? + +DR. WASNER [continuing his pathetic tone]. I pass. + +HAUSER. The steady contact with school children keeps our +educators refreshingly naive. That man still believes in the +superiority of the Teutonic element. + +FRAU LUND. And in the stability of our special German moral +standard. + +HAUSER. Until some little scandal crops up again. By the way, we +shall soon have one right in our city. + +FRAU BEERMANN [with interest]. Here? + +HAUSER. To-morrow you'll read all about it in the newspapers. The +police have made a discovery which may prove more than they +bargained for. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Here? [Beerman, head sideways, listens over his +cards.] + +HAUSER. Last night the police arrested a woman who kept a very +open house. She colored it by going under a fancy French name, and +they say only entertained the best of society. She kept a diary +which fell into the hands of the police. + +BEERMANN [he leaves his seat, comes forward, right]. A diary? + +BOLLAND [drops his cards and rises]. What sort of a diary? + +HAUSER. Oh! Just a naughty little inventory of all of her +visitors. + +BEERMANN. What is the name of the lady? + +HAUSER. Some French name which sounds to me like rouge. + +BEERMANN. I can't understand how you could forget her name. + +BOLLAND. I can't either as long as you seem to know all about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN [to Beermann]. But, Fritz, why should you worry +about it? + +BEERMANN. Well ... am I the President of the Vice Suppression +Society or, am I not ...? + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT II + + +(An office at Police Headquarters. To rear on the left stands the +Assessor's desk. To the right against the wall, the desk of +Reisacher, the police clerk. Left front is a sofa with two chairs. +On the right wall is a telephone. Side entrance left. Another +entrance in the middle. Stroebel and Reisacher are seated with +their backs to one another. Stroebel is reading a newspaper; +Reisacher is writing. Short pause.) + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + +REISACHER [also turning]. Yes, Herr Assessor.[Footnote: An +assessor is a petty police official.] + +STROEBEL. Are you familiar with the expression "those higher up"? + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. What do you understand by it? + +REISACHER. Those are the folks who are something and have money +somewhere. + +STROEBEL. Is it used to express contempt or class hatred? + +REISACHER [eagerly]. Well ... well! "The higher ups" are +respected. + +STROEBEL. Are you certain? + +REISACHER. Absolutely. + +[They both turn around to their former positions; Stroebel +continues to read, and Reisacher to write. Short pause.] + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher! + +REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. After all, it means class hatred. + +REISACHER. No, no. + +STROEBEL. Pay attention. Here it says [he reads]: "Of course, for +those higher up there are no laws." That means, I take it, that +the rich are beyond the control of the law. By "control of the +law," I wish you to understand I am attacking the humiliating and +anarchistic notion that the law does not apply equally to rich and +poor. Also I want to besmirch the rich, by designating them by a +slang expression. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. Then how can you say it does not express class hatred +and contempt? + +REISACHER. Because, then again, you see, people who have money are +respected anyway. + +STROEBEL. You will never learn to think precisely, Reisacher. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +[Both resume their former positions. Short pause. Police +Commissioner, Freiherr van Simbach, enters left. Stroebel lays +aside his paper, rises and salutes. Reisacher writes hurriedly.] + +COMMISSIONER [Footnote: President of Police, in original.] +'Morning, Herr Assessor. [To Reisacher.] Take your work outside, +Reisacher, until I have finished. [Reisacher exit through middle +door.] I want to ask you a few questions, Herr Stroebel. [Stroebel +bows. The Commissioner during the conversation takes center of +stage and speaks nonchalantly and somewhat drawingly.] I read your +report. Day before yesterday, that was on Saturday, you ordered +the arrest of a certain woman. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. Well, what about her? + +STROEBEL. According to the report of Lieutenant Schmuttermaier, we +have in our hands a very dangerous person. + +COMMISSIONER. Is that so! + +STROEBEL. Within a short time she has almost demoralized our city. + +COMMISSIONER. She has been in the city about three or four years. ... + +STROEBEL. She has, according to the report. + +COMMISSIONER. In what way has she been dangerous? Did bald headed +gentlemen loosen up a bit in her house or are there special +charges against her? + +STROEBEL. No special ones, but her whole behavior. She had a +beautiful apartment in the best residential district. According to +the report, the neighbors began to talk about her. She dressed in +a rather fast and fashionable manner. ... + +COMMISSIONER. Then because she did not cater to the common people, +you consider her so terrible? + +STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. I thought not. Remember, please, I don't want you to +get any of the popular ideas about the corruption of our best +society. Slit skirts cause as much harm. [Stroebel bows.] What is +her name? + +STROEBEL. Ninon De Hauteville. But her real name is Therese +Hochstetter. + +COMMISSIONER. H-a-u-t-e V-i-l-l-e? + +STROEBEL. She comes of a good family. Her father was a Peruvian +consul. When he lost his money, she married a consular secretary. +He divorced her four years ago. + +COMMISSIONER. Indeed. So she is a person of refinement. + +STROEBEL. But she has ... + +COMMISSIONER. ... A demoralizing influence. I know all about that. +Tell me, what made you arrest her? + +STROEBEL [with importance]. Eight days ago, I received a letter +severely rebuking the police because her place was tolerated. ... + +COMMISSIONER. Who was the letter from? + +STROEBEL [hesitatingly']. It was ... really ... anonymous. + +COMMISSIONER. I hope that you are very careful about anonymous +communications. + +STROEBEL. Generally, I pay little attention to them. But this +letter was so full of details, I simply had to consider it. Of +course, only as a hint and I intended to get proof. I gave it to +Schmuttermaier and told him to keep the Hochstetter woman under +strict surveillance. Saturday at noon we obtained positive +evidence, + +COMMISSIONER. Then? + +STROEBEL. Then I ordered Schmuttermaier to raid the place ... + +COMMISSIONER. ... During which you found a diary in her +apartments? + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner; a diary with the names of her +visitors. The dates and their social standing. Everything. + +COMMISSIONER. Have you finished reading it? + +STROEBEL. No, sir. I just glanced at it. I only got it from +Schmuttermaier an hour ago. I was not in the office yesterday. + +COMMISSIONER [thoughtfully]. It's too late to do anything to-day. +[Consulting his watch.] Let me see. Bring me an exact report of +all important names contained in the diary ... at ten to-morrow +morning. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner, at ten o'clock. + +COMMISSIONER. And remember, it's very important that you make this +report personally. Don't let the clerk see the diary. It has not +yet been in his hands? + +STROEBEL [going to his desk]. No. It's locked up in my desk. + +COMMISSIONER. Time enough to bring it to me tomorrow morning when +you make your report. + +STROEBEL. How do you want me to get my data, Commissioner? Shall I +summon the important people involved? + +COMMISSIONER [with emphasis]. Only ... the important ... names ... +that's all. By the way, how far have you gone in the case? Have +you taken any further steps? + +STROEBEL. No. I will examine the Hochstetter woman in a little +while. ... + +COMMISSIONER. And Schmuttermaier? Has he orders to make any +further raids? + +STROEBEL. Not yet. I want to read the diary first. + +COMMISSIONER. Above all, I do not want him to act without +instructions. People of no importance like to do important things. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. Your orders will be carried out. + +COMMISSIONER. Orders? I never give orders. You have your duties to +perform. I don't care to tell you what to do. ... But there must +be no further raids until I have seen the diary. + +STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. At the same time, don't neglect your duty. + +STROEBEL. I will do everything necessary for the promotion of +public decency. + +COMMISSIONER [who has been pacing the room, turns suddenly.] +Public decency? Very well, very well. ... [Short pause.] We occupy +a most peculiar position Do we not, Herr Stroebel? [Stroebel +bows.] We know fully the existing difference between official ... +and let me say ... personal sensitiveness, do we not? [Stroebel +bows in accord.] I mention this merely because you spoke of public +decency. There is a decency about which you and I privately might +have most interesting discussions. As far as I am concerned, such +decency can be without limits. But there is another--the public +decency--which it is our business to police. This has its very +precise limits. For example, a scandal. Scandal of any +description. Am I right, Herr Assessor? + +STROEBEL [clicks his heels together]. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. That brings me to another matter. For the past few +weeks, there has been in the city, a so-called Society for the +Suppression of Vice. Have you any sympathy with these people? + +STROEBEL. I know of their aims ... + +COMMISSIONER. Their aims do not interest me a bit. I mean, do you +personally cooperate with them? + +STROEBEL. Not ... yet. + +COMMISSIONER. Not yet? ... Hem! ... This Society is likely to +interest itself in this case. If someone comes to see me, Herr +Stroebel, I will refer him to you. [Stroebel bows.] Kindly bear +this one thing in mind. These men have political ambition, and are +playing to the press. On the whole the thing shows conservative +tendencies. + +STROEBEL. Certainly, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. Welcome them with open arms. Agree gratefully to +every suggestion for the betterment of the people, et cetera. +Listen with respectful appreciation but do nothing further. + +STROEBEL [uncertain]. Nothing further? ... + +COMMISSIONER. No ... nothing further. + +STROEBEL. Yes, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER. These people must remain assured that they wield a +great influence. As a matter of fact, they have none at all and +it's a good thing they haven't. + +STROEBEL. So, I may ... + +COMMISSIONER. ... Do everything you can be responsible for. As a +matter of principle, I do not like to give orders. You will submit +that report then [consulting his watch] at ten to-morrow? Good +morning! [Goes toward the door left, remains standing a moment, +then turns around.] You have been rather zealous in your work, I +must say. [Stroebel bows slightly.] To arrest a woman on the +strength of an anonymous letter shows excessive zeal. [Stroebel +bows slightly.] I like to see my men energetic but [clears his +throat] bear in mind what I just said. Careful of a scandal! Good +morning! [Exit.] + +(Stroebel sits down and stares at ceiling. He swings his chair +around, then whistles. Reisacher comes in through middle door and +seats himself at his desk. He coughs.) + +STROEBEL [half turning]. Reisacher. + +REISACHER [does likewise]. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL. How long have you been in the police department? + +REISACHER. It will be eighteen years this fall. + +STROEBEL. You have seen many a change, no doubt? + +REISACHER. Surely. + +STROEBEL. Tell me, how long has our Commissioner been in office? + +REISACHER. The Commissioner? Oh ... it's seven. No, let me see, +it's eight years. ... + +STROEBEL. Hem ... do you really suppose he wants us to keep our +eyes wide open all the time? + +REISACHER [eagerly]. Certainly. That's what he wants. + +STROEBEL. Does he? ... [Short pause.] I had an idea he didn't want +us to be too strict for fear of notoriety. + +REISACHER [eagerly]. No, no. He certainly would not like that. + +STROEBEL [turns around completely]. Listen, Reisacher, you +contradict yourself all the time. + +REISACHER [turns around likewise]. I beg your pardon, Herr +Stroebel. May I suggest ... + +STROEBEL. But you are always contradicting yourself. First you say +yes, and then you say no. + +REISACHER. I beg your pardon, Herr Assessor Stroebel. I wanted to +say that in the Police Department it is like this: Everything you +do is all right, if it turns out all right. + +STROEBEL [turns back to his desk]. You will never learn to +formulate a thought precisely. + +REISACHER [also turns]. All right, Herr Stroebel. + +(Short pause. Stroebel reads. Reisacher writes. A commotion is +heard through the middle door, which, is thrown open and Ninon De +Hauteville enters. Behind her a policeman, who holds her tightly +by the arm. She tries to free herself.) + +HAUTEVILLE. [she wears a large picture hat, and is highly +perfumed]. Keep your hands off me. I haven't killed anyone. +Please, let me go. + +STROEBEL [he has risen]. What's the matter? + +POLICE OFFICER. [releasing her, stands at attention]. Have the +honor sir, to report this disreputable woman--the Hochstetter +person. + +HAUTEVILLE. Please, help me, sir. I am being handled like the +commonest criminal. + +STROEBEL. Why do you keep that hat on? You are not paying us a +visit? + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed not! I am not paying a visit. If I lived to be +a hundred, it would never occur to me to pay you a visit. + +STROEBEL. Don't talk so much. Do you understand? [To Reisacher.] +Get your report book ready. + +HAUTEVILLE. Is this the complaint office? I demand to know at +least why I was arrested. + +STROEBEL. Oh, here you'll find that out soon enough. [To the +officer.] You can go now. [Officer exit through middle door.] + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, Monsieur, what shameful treatment. I was locked up +in a cell with two ordinary street walkers. You will help me, +won't you? + +STROEBEL [who has crossed over to Reisacher]. Please don't be so +familiar. + +HAUTEVILLE. I am so helpless. No one will listen to me. No one +answers me. An awful looking woman brought me a cup of yellow +broth and a rusty spoon--[indicating with her hand] so big. "Eat!" +she said, and threw it down and left. You will see to it, sir, +that my friends are notified, won't you? + +STROEBEL [glancing over Reisacher's shoulder]. Your friends cannot +help you here. [To Reisacher.] Don't make the margin so wide. You +are wasting good paper. [To Hauteville.] Your friends can do +nothing at all for you. + +HAUTEVILLE. You think so, do you? One single word and I'll be set +free. + +STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Indeed! + +HAUTEVILLE. Before the day is over everyone of you will have to +apologize to me. Yes, before this day is over. + +STROEBEL. Certainly. [To Reisacher.] The word "Assessor" has two +"s" in all cases. + +HAUTEVILLE. If you people had the least idea whom you disturbed. +If you knew whom you compelled to hide in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [turning quickly to Hauteville]. In the wardrobe? So! [To +Reisacher.] Make a note of that, Reisacher. [With emphasis.] So +someone escaped us by hiding in the wardrobe. + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, someone escaped you by hiding in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [suddenly very friendly.] Upon my word, Madame, I believe +that we understand each other fully. You are a clever woman. You +will not try to deny the facts. + +HAUTEVILLE. Not one solitary thing. I am most anxious that you +should try to find out all. + +STROEBEL. Bravo! I came near saying that I respect you for that. +[Benevolently.] You know, Hochstetter, every man is liable to make +a fool of himself now and then. + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed they are! I know best what fools men do make of +themselves. + +STROEBEL. Now and then people violate the law. But they ought not +to deny it afterwards. That's the sad part of it, because we +always find out the truth in the end. + +HAUTEVILLE. I wish you had it now. + +STROEBEL. We have a clue. But you are a woman of character, I +admit. I take off my hat to you. + +HAUTEVILLE. Indeed! + +STROEBEL. I certainly do. + +HAUTEVILLE. I was afraid I had lost all refinement after spending +the last two nights in such company. + +STROEBEL [benevolently]. No doubt, it was a trifle hard. + +HAUTEVILLE. It was terrible. They really do make me pay for +discreetness. + +STROEBEL. Your patrons are the very men who make it so hard for +you. They get you into trouble and then expect you to protect +them. Isn't it so? + +HAUTEVILLE. What an experience for me! To have my apartment raided +at night and be simply dragged away myself. + +STROEBEL. That is too much. + +HAUTEVILLE. I was not even allowed to take along a change of +underwear. Then I am locked up with women who have every known +variety of vermin. + +STROEBEL. And with all that they expect you to remain silent! + +HAUTEVILLE. When I want to comb my hair, the matron gives me a +comb which these women have been using a whole week. + +STROEBEL. That simply can't go on, + +HAUTEVILLE. And the air! I never knew that such odors existed on +this earth. + +STROEBEL. Still you are to shield the others! After all, you know, +I think that discreetness is just talk. + +HAUTEVILLE. Talk? + +STROEBEL. I mean if anybody ever had a moral right to give things +away, fully and freely, you are that person; ... after all you +have suffered. + +HAUTEVILLE. That's right. I am that person. + +STROEBEL. Well then; did somebody escape into that wardrobe? + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, somebody did escape into that wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [eagerly]. Who? [Short pause.] + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. Who? + +STROEBEL [more sharply]. Who on Saturday night at 10 o'clock +escaped the search of the police by hiding in the wardrobe? + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs curtly]. It is quite unnecessary for me to +tell you that. + +STROEBEL [sharply]. Why? + +HAUTEVILLE. You are certain to find it out ultimately. + +STROEBEL. Ultimately? + +HAUTEVILLE. Even if I wanted to I could not tell! Lord, when a +person gets strictly accustomed to never mentioning any name, it +is almost impossible to do it. I, believe that I would have to +learn how first. + +STROEBEL [shouting]. And you will learn it; I promise you that. +You ... + +HAUTEVILLE. Mais Monsieure! + +STROEBEL [shouting]. No "Monsieur" about it. Here you'll talk good +plain English. + +HAUTEVILLE. But why are you getting so excited? + +STROEBEL [to Reisacher]. I am nice to this person. I reason with +her, and she says that she will first have to learn how to expose +her crowd. [Shouts.] Decency is what you'll have to learn and I'll +teach it to you. + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, not this very minute. + +STROEBEL. I know you. I know your sort! You want to gain time so +that you can concoct the blackest lies. + +HAUTEVILLE. [calmly]. That would be entirely superfluous. The +cleverest lie could not help me half as much as the simple truth. + +STROEBEL. Out with it! + +HAUTEVILLE. It's better if you find it out through someone else. + +STROEBEL. That's your opinion. + +HAUTEVILLE. You would only be embarrassed and I would be guilty of +a breach of confidence. + +STROEBEL [with contempt]. As though people confided in such as +you. + +HAUTEVILLE. I think that they rely upon the fact that our loyalty +is not "just talk." + +STROEBEL [again calm]. Listen to me. I do not think that you +entirely understand your position. [Hauteville shrugs her +shoulders.] No, I don't think that you know at all what is +involved. + +HAUTEVILLE. On the contrary it is far worse that you don't seem to +realize who is involved. + +STROEBEL [quickly]. In what? + +HAUTEVILLE. In the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL. Have you lost your senses? You are a prisoner here. Do +you want to poke fun at us? + +HAUTEVILLE. No. + +STROEBEL. Then don't consider yourself so important with those +meaning insinuations. + +HAUTEVILLE. If I did, I'd soon lose my importance after eating +that yellow broth from those rusty tin plates. + +STROEBEL. And that will continue for some time. + +HAUTEVILLE. [energetically]. No, it will not. I tell you right now +that I will not spend another night in that dirty hole. I will not +be mistreated any longer. + +STROEBEL [with sarcasm]. Of course we are going to ask you for +your kind permission. + +HAUTEVILLE. I will not remain here. If they think I will let them +ruin me, they're very much mistaken. This is an outrage and here +fair play stops. + +STROEBEL. The likes of you and fair play! + +HAUTEVILLE. [bitterly]. Yes, the likes of me. Every day we hear +the confessions of those very people who publicly show contempt +for us. We know how false are all virtuous words with which they +condemn us, but we remain silent. + +STROEBEL. Of course, you do all this out of pure sense of fair +play? [He imitates the motion of counting money.] + +HAUTEVILLE. Money? ... My dear fellow, with money our patrons pay +well for that very thing which they later on call indecent. You +get as much decency from us for money as you get from other +people, but believe me, we could shatter many illusions. + +STROEBEL. Well, make a beginning right here. + +HAUTEVILLE. It ought to be impossible here. The police have as few +illusions as we. That is, provided they are properly instructed. + +STROEBEL. That's right now, put us in the same class with +yourself. + +HAUTEVILLE, Why not? We and the police could easily ruin the +credit of virtue, but neither of us do it. You--you because you +regard that credit as a good substitute for the principal, and +we,--Lord, because we need this credit as well. + +STROEBEL. Both of us? + +HAUTEVILLE. The very moment that public virtue loses its credit, +the secret vices will drop in market value. + +STROEBEL. What are you talking about anyway? + +HAUTEVILLE. I'm telling you why both of us must hush things up. + +STROEBEL. Then you are not convinced that there is a real public +morality? + +HAUTEVILLE. You mean that morality which you put on with your +street clothes? I know it well. Gentlemen take it off in my +apartment and hang it up in my wardrobe, and there I can inspect +it very thoroughly. It is truly remarkable how our respected +gentlemen still make formal social visits in costumes which have +so often been patched. + +REISACHER [who up to this point apparently--without paying any +attention, has been sitting with his back toward them, turns half +way round]. Pardon me, Herr Assessor. + +STROEBEL [impatiently]. Now what do you want? + +REISACHER. Pardon me, Herr Assessor, shall I put all this talk +into the minutes? + +STROEBEL. No, I will dictate to you later. [To Hauteville.] You +know that you are not here to amuse yourself. + +HAUTEVILLE. I know that. + +STROEBEL. Listen to me quietly. You hinted before that if we kept +you here another night you would confess everything. Well I tell +you here and now that we will not keep you here one, but a number +of nights. You can ease your conscience at once. + +HAUTEVILLE. I would only make yours the heavier for it. + +STROEBEL. My conscience? + +HAUTEVILLE. Yes, if I tell you here, there will be no possibility +of a mistake, but everything must remain a mistake. + +STROEBEL. I have patience with you, but I will not let you fool +me. Now get yourself together and consider every word. What must +remain a mistake? + +HAUTEVILLE. Everything that has happened since Saturday night. + +STROEBEL. All that must remain a mistake? + +HAUTEVILLE. It simply must not have happened. No one broke into my +apartment. No one arrested me. No one compelled anyone to hide in +the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [shouts.] And no one ever saw such an insolent female. + +HAUTEVILLE. This browbeating. + +STROEBEL. It is meant for such as you. + +HAUTEVILLE. [indignantly stopping her ears]. It reminds one so +much of the tin plates and the comb. + +STROEBEL [angrily pacing the room]. I never heard anything like +it. Picture it! She makes insinuations as though we had something +to be afraid of. [He stops pacing and faces her.] You evidently +imagine that the whole government would run away from you. + +HAUTEVILLE. No, but it ran away from your Lieutenant. + +STROEBEL. Where? + +HAUTEVILLE. Into the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL [pacing up and down]. I will bring that fellow out of +your wardrobe. I will bring him to light. Into bright daylight! +[Remains standing in front of Hauteville.] What did you say? + +HAUTEVILE. Non. + +STROEBEL [resuming his pacing']. One of those fine fellows who +wallow in the mire and then expect us to make exceptions. [Stops +pacing, facing Hauteville.] What were you saying? + +HAUTEVILLE. Nothing. + +STROEBEL. Sad enough that now and again a halfway decent person +strays into your place. + +HAUTEVILLE. He can only regret that he was disturbed. + +STROEBEL [goes quickly to desk and unlocks a drawer]. Besides, do +not deceive yourself. We do not need your disclosures. [He takes +out a rather bulky paper, a school composition book, and holds it +triumphantly in the air.] There; do you recognize this? + +HAUTEVILLE. [quietly, without a single trace of surprise]. It +looks like my diary. + +STROEBEL. It is your book. It was found in your desk. + +HAUTEVILLE. [very calm]. The desk was locked, + +STROEBEL. It was broken open. Well? What about your loyalty now? + +HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. I kept it. I haven't a fire- +proof safe. + +STROEBEL [contemptuously]. Would you by chance like to show me the +name? + +HAUTEVILLE. What name? + +STROEBEL. Of the gentleman in the wardrobe. + +HAUTEVILLE. [laughs]. His name really is not in it. + +STROEBEL. Do not evade but show me. + +HAUTEVILLE. Oh, there are parties whose names are not in the Hotel +Register. They travel incognito. + +STROEBEL [persuadingly]. Hochstetter, I have an impression that +you are not such a stupid girl, and I believe that you would like +to [pointing to the diary] take good care of your--patrons. If you +do not immediately reveal the name of that man, I will summon the +whole bunch. + +HAUTEVILLE. [shrugs her shoulders]. That's something I cannot stop +you from doing. + +STROEBEL. What then is your belief in fair play? + +HAUTEVILLE. I never submitted that diary to you. You could not +have gotten it from me voluntarily, but it quite suits me that the +officer found it in my desk. + +STROEBEL. Why? + +HAUTEVILLE. Because he might have searched for it in the wardrobe. + +STROEBEL. Now my patience is at an end. [Presses the button on his +desk.] I will have no consideration for anyone. + +HAUTEVILLE. After all, perhaps you will. For yourself. + +[Police officer enters.] + +STROEBEL. Take this woman downstairs, [The officer leaves with +Hauteville. Stroebel sits down, pushes the chair angrily to the +desk, then gets up and throws the diary and several other books on +the desk, saying to himself:] Never heard anything like it! Such +impudence! + +[Reisacher looks at him with amusement. A knock at the door.] + +STROEBEL [formally]. Come in! + +BEERMANN [enters hastily from the left. He breathes heavily. He +has a handkerchief in his hand, with which he frequently mops his +brow]. Is this the proper department at last? I am being sent all +around the building. [Breathing heavily.] I hope I am finally in +the proper bureau. + +STROEBEL. What do you want? + +BEERMANN. Pardon me for a moment while I catch my breath. I +climbed twice to the third floor and again down to the ground +floor. The Commissioner sent me to room 147 and there they told me +to go to room 174. + +STROEBEL. Who sent you? + +BEERMANN [taking a deep breath]. The Commissioner. I really wanted +to speak to him personally, but he told me I should go to the +gentleman who has "Morality." Are you the gentleman who has all +the morality? + +STROEBEL. Certainly. + +BEERMANN. At last. [Mopping his braze.] Good God? when a matter is +so urgent and so much depends on it they ought not to chase one +all over the building. I must rest a bit. All this excitement and +running up and down stairs. ... So you are the gentleman who has +the matter in hand. + +STROEBEL. What matter? + +BEERMANN. On Saturday night a lady was arrested. A Madam de +Hauteville, and certain papers were taken from her. Have you those +papers here? + +STROEBEL. What business is that of yours? + +BEERMANN. My name is Beermann; Fritz Beermann, the banker. I am +the Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + +STROEBEL [very politely]. Oh, indeed! Pardon me! I didn't recall +your name immediately, but I was expecting you. + +BEERMANN [startled]. You--were expecting--me? + +STROEBEL. The Commissioner said that you would undoubtedly call on +us. + +BEERMANN. He said that I undoubtedly would call? But he never +mentioned a word to me about that, and I saw him just a moment +ago. Perhaps after all it will be better if I go down to see him +again? + +STROEBEL. That is not necessary. I have full charge of the matter. + +BEERMANN. Oh, yes, quite right; you have charge of the matter. And +you have those writings here too? + +STROEBEL. The diary? [He indicates the desk.] Here it is. + +BEERMANN [peeps anxiously over]. Then it is a regular diary? + +STROEBEL. Quite correctly kept. Gives date and names. Even little +jesting remarks about the people concerned. + +BEERMANN [shouts]. But that is an unheard of insolence! + +STROEBEL. Yes. + +BEERMANN. Why does she write such things? To what purpose? Can't +she herself realize how dangerous it is? Fancy, a woman whose +whole stock in trade is secrecy, keeping an address hook of her +patrons. Confound her! + +STROEBEL. But to us as evidence it is priceless. + +BEERMANN. I ask you--why does she record such things? + +STROEBEL. We can only be glad of it, Herr Beermann. + +BEERMANN. We? + +STROEBEL. She'd lie. I tell you she'd deny everything, and that +puts an end to the case. [Holding the diary in the air.] But here +we have the whole bunch. + +BEERMANN. As though she wanted to turn State's evidence ... + +STROEBEL. Let her just come to court with her confounded fine +talk. [Imitating Hauteville's manners.] "It simply must not have +happened." I will drive her to the wall with what happened. We +will simply bring up those fellows, one after the other. + +BEERMANN [dismayed]. To court! + +STROEBEL. Certainly, and that means; hand on the Bible and swear. +Then we shall see if "no one compelled anyone to hide in the +wardrobe." + +BEERMANN. How? + +STROEBEL. They will not commit perjury. + +BEERMANN. That's utterly impossible! + +STROEBEL. I will make it quite warm for that man, in any event. + +BEERMANN. But, Counselor! + +STROEBEL [clinking heels]. Assessor Stroebel. + +BEERMANN. But, Assessor, that is simply impossible. You do not +want to ruin the family life of the entire city, do you? + +STROEBEL. In what way? + +BEERMANN. Do you expect a respectable gentleman to appear in court +and in the presence of all people to say, yes; it is true that I +... and so forth? + +STROEBEL. Why not? + +BEERMANN [shouting]. But they are all respectable fathers of +families! + +STROEBEL. But, my dear Herr Beermann, what difference does that +make to me? + +BEERMANN. It must make a difference. It makes a difference to +everybody at all times. + +STROEBEL. I assure you that I am not a bit sentimental. + +BEERMANN [glancing over to Reisacher]. Could we have a few words +together, alone? + +STROEBEL. If you wish it. Reisacher, finish your police report in +the outer office. + +REISACHER. Certainly, Herr Assessor. + +(Takes several sheets of paper and goes out through the middle +door.) + +STROEBEL. Do have a seat, Herr Beermann. + +(Beermann sits down on the sofa. Stroebel does likewise.) + +BEERMANN [mopping his brow]. A personal question, Herr Assessor, +are you married? + +STROEBEL. No. + +BEERMANN. I thought not. If you had a family you would not speak +in that fashion of sentimentality. + +STROEBEL. If I had a family, I would not, to begin with, be +involved in this. + +BEERMANN. But ... + +STROEBEL. My name would not appear in the diary of Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. You never can tell. + +STROEBEL. Excuse me. What is there left of family life when such +things happen? + +BEERMANN. What do you mean? If nobody finds it out? + +STROEBEL. But such a man must live constantly under a deception. + +BEERMANN. My dear Assessor. If the white lie ceases in married +life, the couple drifts apart. + +STROEBEL. I cannot believe that! + +BEERMANN [persuadingly]. Take my word for it. In every happy +marriage the parties lie to each other to keep their affection +from cooling. + +STROEBEL. But both of them remain faithful. + +BEERMANN. Not in the least. + +STROEBEL. Don't say that! + +BEERMANN. Not in the least; anyhow not to the very letter. A +husband is true to his wife even if he ... and so forth. + +STROEBEL. Your views surprise me. + +BEERMANN. This is what I mean. He is true in his own fashion. He +remains kind to his wife, takes a good care of his family, and +that is the principal thing. That other which you have in mind is +only an ideal. + +STROEBEL. Ideals are lived up to. + +BEERMANN. Well, yes. But if we don't live up to them, we at least +respect them. + +STROEBEL. Herr Beermann, I am astounded. You are the President of +the Society for the Suppression of Vice? + +BEERMANN. Can I help it that I was elected? + +STROEBEL. But at least you represent the views of your Society. I +thought you came here for that reason. + +BEERMANN. For what reason? + +STROEBEL. To express your satisfaction at our discovery of the +business of this person. + +BEERMANN. You thought I came here on that account? + +STROEBEL. Didn't you? + +BEERMANN [mopping his brow with his handkerchief]. You'll have to +pardon me, Herr Assessor; I am still affected by that running up +and down stairs. + +STROEBEL. Perhaps our conversation tires you? + +BEERMANN. Don't mention it. I simply cannot follow you so quickly, +A moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn't you? + +STROEBEL. Of this Hauteville woman.--Yes. + +BEERMANN. Have you been through this diary? + +STROEBEL. No. I have not had time yet. + +BEERMANN. But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it. + +STROEBEL. Only those I noticed in glancing through it. + +BEERMANN [relieved]. Ah! + +STROEBEL. Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the +contents of this book must remain a secret to you. My orders are +not to show it to anyone. + +BEERMANN. No, no. I don't want to know anything about it. + +STROEBEL. You will find out everything later when the matter comes +up in court. + +BEERMANN [dismayed]. Will it be read there? + +STROEBEL. Certainly. To-day I can only tell you that we will +proceed vigorously. You can satisfy your society on that point. + +BEERMANN [rising]. But that doesn't satisfy me at all. Think of +the consequences. + +STROEBEL [rising also]. What do you care about the consequences. +Your society has its very high aims. Your propaganda states that +you will prosecute the outcast of society with iron energy and now +you see your ideals realized. + +BEERMANN. Our propaganda states that we will intervene from +national, moral and social viewpoints, to protect the marriage +vows. If this scandal becomes public the marriage relationship +will be undermined. + +STROEBEL. What sort of moral viewpoint do you call that? + +BEERMANN. It is the Society's. Don't you understand that the +influential class of society will be involved! + +STROEBEL. Then that class will have only itself to blame. + +BEERMANN. That's out of the question. We must find a loop-hole. + +STROEBEL. Within the scope of the law there are no loop-holes. + +BEERMANN. Don't tell ME that. Well then, go around the law. + +STROEBEL [surprised]. Herr Beermann! + +BEERMANN. Of course! I have lived long enough to know that. + +STROEBEL. I shall do my duty. + +BEERMANN. Am I interfering with your duty? I belong to that class +of people who respect the police only because the police respect +our social position. + +STROEBEL. I appreciate that. + +BEERMANN. I also take part in political life. I am a candidate for +the Reichstag and as such I have a decided opinion about these +matters. + +STROEBEL. Without doubt, Herr Beermann. + +BEERMANN. Well then, there are, in extreme cases, ways around the +law, and there must be. + +STROEBEL. I am of a different opinion. + +BEERMANN. God knows, it is not the business of the police to +provoke this enormous scandal. All authority will be destroyed. It +will shatter the respect of the masses for the people higher up. + +STROEBEL. But this scandal was provoked--[knocking on the diary +with his finger]--by these very people. + +BEERMANN. If a man once in a while goes into a certain room--that +is no scandal. It only becomes a scandal when the story is made +known to every Tom, Dick and Harry. That's what must be prevented! + +STROEBEL. I value the humane motive which evidently is prompting +you, Herr Beermann. But you must admit that we are acting entirely +in accord with the views of the classes you mention. + +BEERMANN. You are not! + +STROEBEL. Yes, we are. Two weeks ago the good people here founded +a Society because they felt it was necessary to proceed more +severely against public immorality ... + +BEERMANN. ... Against immorality in the lower strata where it +easily degenerates into licentiousness. As the President of this +Society, I, at least ought to know what was intended. + +STROEBEL. Even Frau Hochstetter belongs to the lower strata. If we +are now stepping on anybody's corns, I am very sorry. ... + +BEERMANN. The police have no business to do anything they will be +sorry for later on. Good Lord, had the Commissioner only listened +to me. An affair like this should not be treated in such a purely +business-like way. + +STROEBEL. The Commissioner can only tell you the same thing. He +cannot change the law. + +BEERMANN. Anything can be done. + +STROEBEL. Not at this stage. We could probably have prevented it +had we known that this case would have such far-reaching +consequences, but now here are the proofs. [Pointing to the +diary.] No one in the world can destroy them, not even the +Commissioner. + +BEERMANN. Then what do you propose to do with them? + +STROEBEL. They are going down to the District Attorney's office. +The avalanche is on its way. + +BEERMANN. And we have simply to wait and watch what it hits? +(Telephone bell rings.) + +STROEBEL. Pardon me a moment. + +(Goes to the right to the telephone. While Stroebel is answering +the telephone, and has his back to Beermann the latter crosses to +the desk and tries to look into the diary. Timidly he opens it +several times but shuts it again quickly, when he fears that +Stroebel will turn around.) + +STROEBEL [answering the telephone]. Police Department. ... +Assessor Stroebel speaking. Who is this please ... yes, this is +Assessor Stroebel. ... Yes, Commissioner ... [pause] I understand +you, I will remain in the office ... Yes, I examined the +Hochstetter woman. ... Yes, this Madame Hauteville [pause] I will +remain in the office until you call. ... Yes, Commissioner. Good- +bye. [He hangs up the receiver.] + +BEERMANN [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear +indifferent.] + +STROEBEL. Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the +Commissioner himself is following up this matter. He wants to have +another conference with me about it to-day. + +BEERMANN. Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens? + +STROEBEL. You must be consistent. ... + +BEERMANN. It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or +relatives are involved ... + +STROEBEL. You must remain consistent. Doesn't this splendidly +justify the founding of your Society? + +BEERMANN [in a rage]. Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice +Society. Are we not all human, after all! + +STROEBEL. I do not understand you. + +BEERMANN. Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer? +Last night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen, +all these family misfortunes, I asked myself this question: What +really is morality? And ... I could not find the answer. + +STROEBEL. Although you are ... + +BEERMANN. Although I am Chairman of the Society for the +Suppression of Vice, yes, sir. Then I asked myself this: which is +the more important: that we are moral, or that we seem moral? + +STROEBEL. Have you found the answer? + +BEERMANN. I have. I have become fully convinced that it is far +more important for the people to believe in our morality. + +STROEBEL. But you didn't need a Society for that. + +BEERMANN. Yes, we did. Just to be moral is something that I can +accomplish in my room by myself, but that has no educational +value. The important thing is to ally one's self publicly with +moral issues. This has a beneficial effect on the family and +state. + +STROEBEL. I daresay that this side of the question has not +occurred to me. + +BEERMANN. Just consider. Morality holds exactly the same position +as religion. We must always create the impression that there is +such a thing and we must make each other believe that each of us +have it. Do you suppose for one moment that religion would last if +the church dealt publicly with our sins? But she forgives them +quietly. The State ought to be just as shrewd. + +STROEBEL. Many a thing you say seems quite true. + +BEERMANN. It is true, you can depend upon it. + +STROEBEL. Theoretically perhaps. But that docs not change it one +bit. As long as the law prescribes it, these offenses [pointing to +the diary] must be dealt with publicly. + +BEERMANN. Although you know that thus public decency will be +undermined. [Stroebel shrugs his shoulders.] Although the State +will suffer by it? + +STROEBEL [again shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + +BEERMANN. The Administration knows very well the sort of +conservative element there is in the Society for the Suppression +of Vice. + +STROEBEL. Yes, and values it highly. + +BEERMANN. Let us suppose--I do not know if it be so--but let us +just suppose that only one member of the Society once had a weak +little moment and his name were in this book ... + +STROEBEL [energetically]. Then he would be summoned to court +without regard or mercy. + +BEERMANN. And the whole Society would be made ridiculous and would +go up in the air. + +STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. Well ... + +BEERMANN [shouts]. That is the height of folly, I tell you! + +STROEBEL [instructively]. It is the fulfilment of our duty. You +are a layman. With you sentiments play an important part. We, the +police, on the other hand are compelled to sacrifice our feelings +to our duty. + +BEERMANN [holding his hands to his ears]. Oh, stop that! + +STROEBEL. Official duty blocks our way. + +BEERMANN [angrily]. But even a jackass can jump over blocks. + +STROEBEL [offended]. Her? Beermann, I did not hear that remark. + +BEERMANN. Let me tell you something! Do you know what we have been +doing for the past three weeks? ... Talking ourselves hoarse in +order to bring about an election friendly to the present +administration. For the past three weeks it has been nothing but +Fatherland, and the state and religion! And this is your +gratitude! In the devil's own name--just picture it to yourself--a +man who has been fighting the opposition in thirty different +political meetings might be involved in this. + +STROEBEL [shrugs his shoulders]. What can I do? + +BEERMANN. Is the Administration going to deliver him over to his +opponents? + +STROEBEL. We would be very sorry for him, but we would have to +summon him to court. + +BEERMANN. Without regard or mercy--? [Telephone bell rings +loudly.] + +STROEBEL. Pardon me for a moment. [Stroebel goes to the telephone +and this time he turns completely around so that his back is +toward Beermann.] Police Department ... yes ... Commissioner; this +is Stroebel at the telephone. ... [Short pause.] When she was +arrested? ... When she was arrested there was Lieutenant +Schmuttermaier and an officer. ... [Short pause.] Just one +policeman ... [Pause.] ... Yes, Commissioner [short pause] I +should tell that Lieutenant [short interruption] jackass +Schmuttermaier to come over to the office immediately. ... [Short +pause.] I shall wait for you until you come. ... Yes, +Commissioner. (During this telephone conversation Beermann steps +near to the desk. With a shaking hand he takes up the diary but +quickly puts it down again. Then he picks it up again and with a +rapid and energetic movement puts it into his breast pocket. +Stroebel with a rebuked demeanor goes from the telephone to the +desk. Beermann turns around so that Stroebel cannot see his face. +He is disturbed and coughs in order to hide his embarrassment. +Stroebel presses a button on Reisacher's desk.) + +BEERMANN [while coughing]. I realize now that nothing more can be +done. I shan't take up your time. + +STROEBEL [anxiously]. No, no, please remain. The Commissioner +himself will be here in a moment. Then you may talk to him. + +BEERMANN. But you just told me that there was no use waiting. ... +[Reisacher enters through center door.] + +STROEBEL [urgently to Reisacher]. Reisacher, go and look for +Lieutenant Schmuttermaier immediately. If he is not in the +building, send to his home or telephone for him. Leave word that +he must come over immediately. + +REISACHER. Yes, Herr Assessor. + +[Goes out quickly through center door.] + +BEERMANN. You said yourself that there would be no use. I guess +I'd better go. + +STROEBEL [perturbed]. But do wait for the Commissioner. + +BEERMANN. There is no use in my waiting. I ... I did all I could +... there seems to be no use ... well then. ... Good-bye! + +[About to go through door on left but the door is quickly opened +and the Commissioner appears with Baron Schmettau. The former +holds the door open for the Baron. After they have come in, he +shuts the door.] + +COMMISSIONER [to the Baron]. If you please, Herr Baron. ... [To +Beermann]. Ah ... here is our President of the Society for the +Suppression of Vice. [Beermann bows slightly--Commissioner +continuing contemptuously.] Well, have you accomplished your +mission? [Beermann nods.] Are you satisfied with this arrest or +would you like to have us do more? [Angrily.] Once for all, Sir, I +forbid you to meddle with the affairs of this office. You can +preach your principles wherever else you like, but here I will +stand for no interference. [Beermann timidly creeps along the +wall, and bows himself out.] [Commissioner to Baron Schmettau.] +Whenever the police bungle anything, look for reformers. + +SCHMETTAU. [with a glance at Stroebel]. Will you introduce me? + +COMMISSIONER. Assessor Stroebel,--Freiherr von Schmettau, Adjutant +to his Highness, Prince Emil. [Stroebel clicks his heels together +and bows deeply. Schmettau thanks him curtly.] + +COMMISSIONER [sharply]. Herr Assessor, I have asked Herr Baron +Schmettau to come with me in order that in his presence I might +correct a pitiable lack of tact, which to my regret, and contrary +to all my intentions, was perpetrated by Lieutenant +Schmuttermaier. + +SCHMETTAU. It was abominable. + +COMMISSIONER. What orders did that man have? + +STROEBEL [nervously]. Do you mean in the case of Hochstetter, +Commissioner? + +COMMISSIONER. Yes, sir, Madame de Hauteville, Who made the raid on +her apartment? + +STROEBEL. The raid? + +COMMISSIONER. I hope before you arrested her you informed yourself +exactly with whom you were dealing. + +STROEBEL. Certainly ... + +COMMISSIONER. ... And the result? + +STROEBEL. I ascertained that this woman was violating public +decency. + +COMMISSIONER. I am going to ask you, Assessor, as my inferior in +office, to confine yourself to more direct answers, PLEASE. What +did the investigation disclose? + +STROEBEL. That she received questionable visits from gentlemen. + +COMMISSIONER. Questionable? Then does Schmuttermaier know who +these gentlemen were? + +STROEBEL. He does not ... + +COMMISSIONER. No? Didn't he investigate a matter which seemed so +questionable to him? + +STROEBEL. He just wanted to ascertain that these visits were meant +for Hauteville. + +COMMISSIONER. So--? I have some truly competent officials. And who +and what it was did not bother the man at all? + +STROEBEL. I myself thought that that would be found out later. + +COMMISSIONER. There are certain things in the world you would not +be likely to look for and less likely to find. You have been +treating this thing as though you were dealing with a common +ordinary pickpocket. [To Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I +told you ... the man did not have the slightest idea. ... [To +Stroebel.] Did this fellow, Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat +or did he hear if anyone was there? + +STROEBEL. No, Commissioner. + +COMMISSIONER [to Baron Schmettau]. It is just as I told you. ... + +STROEBEL. Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody +in the apartment. + +COMMISSIONER [quickly]. Who? + +STROEBEL. That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville +made several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a +wardrobe. + +COMMISSIONER.[to Baron Schmettau]. To be sure--someone--was--To +my profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince +Emil. + +STROEBEL [crushed]. I ... didn't have the slightest idea ... + +COMMISSIONER. You people ought to have an idea once in a while. If +this Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened. +But it is the old story, not a trace of independent ability and +tact. + +STROEBEL. I don't know what apology I can offer. + +COMMISSIONER. Neither do I. Besides Herr Baron Schmettau himself +was obliged to go through this very unpleasant incident. + +SCHMETTAU. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight +emphasis on his s.] I was completely dumfounded. I cannot +understand how it could happen. Just picture it ... Lord knows ... +I was and am of the opinion that our young Highness must learn to +know life. Faith, it is not my business to act as his pastor. ... + +COMMISSIONER. If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying. +... + +SCHMETTAU. That of course is merely my opinion. I am a man of the +world and of affairs. I consider it fitting that his Highness +should learn to know life. ... + +COMMISSIONER. But I entirely share your opinion. + +SCHMETTAU. A moment ago the word "decency" was used. In my +position I can listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside +of the church I deem them entirely out of place. + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You used that expression. + +SCHMETTAU. If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a +proper one, he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand. + +STROEBEL. I did not think that the word would offend you. + +SCHMETTAU. It did offend me. Such expressions are fitting in an +asylum for feeble-minded people. They should never be used to +characterize the recreation of Cavaliers. + +COMMISSIONER. May I put in a good word for my Assessor? It +certainly was not his intention to offend you. + +SCHMETTAU. It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I +will assume that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his +heels.] I am somewhat nettled but you cannot be surprised at that. +You can imagine with what care I undertook this task. This Madame +de Hauteville was recommended to me by reliable parties. She has +good manners and does not talk. + +COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent +person. + +SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness +must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the +Commissioner.] We understand each other? + +COMMISSIONER. Certainly. + +SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top. +Now picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this +inconceivably awful scandal happens. + +COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact. + +SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in +your business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help +me one bit. The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told +that such things should not have happened. That is an unheard of +business. + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame. + +SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would +have informed you. + +COMMISSIONER. If you only had! + +SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for +granted that the police first of all respect protection! + +STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams +did I think of an occurrence like this. + +SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to +think? + +COMMISSIONER. That's just what I say. If a man knows his work +thoroughly these things come to him. But people who are interested +in the uplift movements are always in the clouds. + +SCHMETTAU. This Lieutenant or whatever that fellow was, behaved as +though he was collecting material for a socialist newspaper. His +Highness was hardly in the house five minutes when there was a +loud ringing. Then, someone in heavy shoes ran up against the door +like a drunken sailor. Madame de Hauteville breaks into the room +and cries, "Your Highness, how unfortunate I am. The police are +here," she says. "Leave them alone," I say, "they will go away +presently." "Impossible," she says, "I can never permit His +Highness to be found by the police in my place. I will take the +blame upon myself entirely." Fancy the tact of that woman! +"Impossible," she says, "that His Highness should be caught in my +place." + +COMMISSIONER. Really, very decent! + +SCHMETTAU. Indeed it is. Immediately it dawns on me that she is +right. The situation is getting terrible. That policeman is likely +to demand His Highness' identification. What shall we do? Madame +says, "For Heaven's sake hide in the wardrobe!" Outside, that fool +is making quite a rumpus. He knocks, rings, shouts and barks. The +neighborhood is getting aroused and heads are popping out from +right and left and in the midst of this terrible commotion, there +we stand--Highness and I. What shall we do? A few moments later, +His Highness is cramped beside me in the wardrobe, in between +different pieces of woman's apparel. With great difficulty we are +able to draw our breath. + +STROEBEL. If I had only had an inkling about it. + +COMMISSIONER [angrily]. The police are expected to grasp +conditions. + +SCHMETTAU. Then what followed? In heavy-nailed shoes the men go +from room to room. Doors are opened and slammed. The fellows use +loud and coarse language, and three or four times they stand in +front of the wardrobe. Upon my word, I actually feel how His +Highness is perspiring. Just picture to yourself the situation if +that brute had opened the closet! Just picture that and you can +realize how much courage I had! + +COMMISSIONER. You must have suffered terribly. + +SCHMETTAU. What I suffered does not matter. In such moments one +does not think of anything else but Highness. What an outrage! +Finally the steps disappear. Madame Hauteville, who throughout +behaved most decently and whose conduct was above reproach, is led +away and Highness and I can leave the wardrobe where we spent an +entire twenty minutes. And now I ask again, "How can such mistakes +happen?" + +COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You shall find the answer to this. + +SCHMETTAU. Upstairs the woman is still in her cell. The newspapers +are full of the scandal, and Highness suffers agonies when he +realizes the possibilities which can develop at any moment. + +COMMISSIONER. Herr Baron, you need not worry any longer. Now I am +taking the matter entirely into my hands. [Consulting his watch, +he speaks with affected calmness.] It is now a quarter to one. +This evening at eight o'clock Madame de Hauteville will be set +free and everything will be so arranged that her discharge will +arouse no suspicion. + +STROEBEL. But how are you going to do it ...? + +COMMISSIONER. The details of this arrangement are your affair. + +CURTAIN + + + + +ACT III + + +(Beermann's library. Elegantly furnished. A desk is backed up +against a large bay-window on the right. Opposite is a large book- +case, and next to this a sofa. A long double door with small +French panes somewhat to the left. On the left of stage a small +table and a few comfortable leather chairs. On the right a simple +door. + +Beermann enters through the middle door. He goes to the desk, +unlocks a drawer and takes out the diary of Hauteville. He looks +carefully about him, then picks out a volume of an encyclopedia +from the book-case, opens it quickly and places the diary inside. +He seats himself and begins to read. At this moment the center +door is opened slowly, and Frau Beermann stands on the threshold.) + +FRAU BEERMANN. Are you alone, Fritz? + +BEERMANN [frightened, slams the book so that the diary is +concealed in it]. Goodness, you did frighten me! + +FRAU BEERMANN. I did not know how nervous you were until +yesterday. + +BEERMANN. Oh, what, nervous? I am over-worked and irritable. Every +single day, I have to prepare a new speech. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Is it in that work that I disturbed you? Pardon me. + +BEERMANN. Do you want anything? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I just wanted to have a few serious words with you. + +BEERMANN. But not necessarily at this moment. To-morrow or ... + +EFFIE. [opening the glass door, calls in]. Oh, papa, did you +forget? + +BEERMANN [uneasily]. Forget what? + +EFFIE. [entering]. Weren't we to see the Indian dancer to-day? + +BEERMANN. Well, it can't be done to-day. + +EFFIE. That's a shame; I wanted so much to see her and to-night is +her last appearance. + +BEERMANN. Then we will wait until the next one comes along. + +EFFIE. I don't see why just we have to have this bad luck. + +BEERMANN [with emphasis]. Because I have more important things to +do than to watch your hop, skip and jump. + +EFFIE. [jolly]. Oh, aren't you cranky? + +BEERMANN. I am not at all disposed for such nonsense. + +EFFIE. [going over to the desk, picks up the volume of the +encyclopedia.] All this comes from your politics; now I will +simply confiscate your ammunition. + +BEERMANN [excited]. Give me that book. + +EFFIE. [jumping away]. No, no, papa, you will only get sick. + +BEERMANN [shouts]. I forbid these stupid jokes. Put that book +down. + +FRAU BEERMANN. What is the matter? + +BEERMANN. I never could tolerate disobedient children, that's all. + +EFFIE. [placing the book on the desk]. Oh, pardon me, papa. + +BEERMANN [grasps the volume tightly and places it in the book- +case]. All fooling has its limits; don't forget that. + +EFFIE. Now I suppose as a punishment, we can't see the dancer. + +BEERMANN. Really I would rather go with you than--sit here, but +it is absolutely impossible. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Go now, darling; I must talk to papa alone. + +BEERMANN. But I haven't the time. + +FRAU BEERMANN [positively]. That much of it you have. + +EFFIE. Good-bye, papa dear. [Goes out.] + +FRAU BEERMANN [Seats herself on the sofa next to the book-case. +Beermann stands leaning with his back against the desk. Through +the large window the evening sun can be seen so that Beermann's +face is in its light, while Frau Beermann sits in the half-dusk.] + +BEERMANN. Lena dear, do we really have ...? + +FRAU BEERMANN. We do. + +BEERMANN. Can't it be postponed? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I have postponed it many a year, but now it is high +time. + +BEERMANN. [disturbed]. Many a year? What are you referring to? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I have a request to make to you. + +BEERMANN. With pleasure. ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing-stock of your family. + +BEERMANN. In what way? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Don't make a laughing stock of your family, I beg +you. + +BEERMANN. Please don't talk in riddles. + +FRAU BEERMANN. These are not very great riddles to you. + +BEERMANN. Speak plainly, won't you? + +FRAU BEERMANN. No. I am not going to speak more plainly. + +BEERMANN. As your husband, I demand it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. N-no. + +BEERMANN. That is very sad. There should be no secrets at all +between husband and wife. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Is this a principle again? Fancy all these great +secrets! [Beermann shrugs his shoulders.] No. Now take it for +granted that I know a thing or two about you. + +BEERMANN [with anxiety]. You? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Several things. Some which you must know only too +well. After all, that principle of yours has not been violated. +There remain no secrets whatever between us. + +BEERMANN. I assure you I shall not rack my brains about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Nor would I want you to regard me as sitting in +judgment on your acts. + +BEERMANN [with a false pathos]. Instead of telling me freely and +frankly of the gossip you have heard about me; then I could defend +myself. + +FRAU BEERMANN. That is just what I want to avoid. To me it appears +somewhat childish when a man tries to justify ... + +BEERMANN [just as before]. In this manner, the lowest gossip can +destroy the happiness of any family. + +FRAU BEERMANN [seriously]. Fritz, really, there is no one +listening to us just now. + +BEERMANN. You are not taking me in earnest. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, and it is our good fortune that I am not. At +least, my good fortune. + +BEERMANN. You call that good fortune? I might have expected +something different from you. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, sir, you did not. If you will be honest with +me, you will admit that. This many a year, we have been playing a +common farce. You acted the true Christian head of the family and +I the all-believing audience. + +BEERMANN. How nice! + +FRAU BEERMANN. Not nice but it's true. Perhaps the fault is not +entirely ours, for we learned it from our parents. You men are +supposed to impress us with your greatness and we women are to +stand by and admire. + +BEERMANN. Do you find that impossible? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Even the best Christian family principles must have +some foundation. What was I supposed to admire? + +BEERMANN. You ask that now? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Perhaps I gave it up sooner than others. But that +is due to our relationship. We were always together. Where is a +man to get pose and character enough to last him for twenty-four +hours every day? + +BEERMANN. So that is about your conception of our married life? + +FRAU BEERMANN. That is it exactly. + +BEERMANN. And after all the years ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. I acquired it rather early. + +BEERMANN. Now, after twenty-six years you declare that you are +unhappy. + +FRAU BEERMANN. No, Fritz, it has not led us to unhappiness. There +has been no sudden shattering of an ideal. Our marriage was not an +ideal and ... don't feel offended ... your personality was never +so immaculate, that one stain more or less would spoil the effect. + +BEERMANN [excited]. But there must be some sort of reason back of +all these reproaches? + +FRAU BEERMANN. If you think them reproaches, then we do not +understand each other. + +BEERMANN. What else are they? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I meant it merely as a request. Do not bring your +family into ridicule. + +BEERMANN. You are playing hide and seek all the time. In what way +am I likely to do that? + +FRAU BEERMANN. With your moral priesthood to which you have +absolutely no right. + +BEERMANN. No right? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Not the slightest one. But you are creating enemies +who will make a laughing-stock of us all, if they find out certain +things. Those things can be found out whether we like it or not. + +BEERMANN [forced laughter]. Lena dear, I believe you are jealous. + +FRAU BEERMANN [quietly]. Jealous, of what? [Short pause.] I hope +that you credit me with at least good taste enough not to be +jealous of my so-called right, and ... otherwise what can I lose? +No, Fritz, I am not jealous. [Short pause, it is getting darker.] +I had to get accustomed to it; that's true. This secrecy, the +petty lies and the false gravity irritated me a little bit too +much at first, but I made an effort so that I could still retain a +feeling of comradeship. I overcame it daily, because--well because +I never really took you seriously. [Pause.] + +BEERMANN [with, a false pathos]. Lena, dear, do you realize what +things you are saying? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes, fully. + +BEERMANN [as above]. That is dreadful. Every word is a ... +catastrophe! I have until today, I have until this hour, believed +in our established quiet happiness. Now shall all this pass away? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Nothing but your confidence in my blindness shall +pass away. + +BEERMANN. Think it over. There can be no real family life after +people lose faith in each other. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Oh, a person gets used even to that. + +BEERMANN. No. Lena, listen. Someone has been telling you tales and +I cannot defend myself, because I don't know what I am accused of. +You must tell me everything right now. I demand it of you. + +FRAU BEERMANN. If I wanted to do that, I would have to begin +"many, many years ago ..." + +BEERMANN. Well, why didn't you do it then? + +FRAU BEERMANN. You can well understand, I had my reasons. + +BEERMANN. For such silence there can be no reasons. + +FRAU BEERMANN. I could shut my eyes and remain silent. That was my +privilege. But if I had spoken out and permitted you to appease me +... no, that was something beyond me. To do that I would have been +obliged to lie and for that I, for one, have not the ability. +[Beermann makes a motion.] No, do not interrupt me. These things +will have no consequences as long as I do not wish them to, but if +I should name them, then they would have. + +BEERMANN. Then shall I let this suspicion rest upon me? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Yes. + +BEERMANN. How coldly you speak. If what you suspect were true, you +could not be so indifferent about it. + +FRAU BEERMANN. Do the by-laws of your society prescribe that in +cases like these the wife shall be unhappy? + +BEERMANN. Imagine! The many years that you and I have lived +together and you had these suspicions right along and never said a +word about them. Why do you speak today? + +FRAU BEERMANN. Because you have reached the point where our +friendship for one another may break. Everything I see and hear +from you now hurts me. You speak in a tone of strictness, which +must be unpleasant even to you. For weeks past there has been +nothing around me but lies. What you say to me, all that you say +to the children, and what you preached here publicly last night. +Every word hurts my ears and urges me to contradict you; I am +silent and by doing that I endorse your lies. + +BEERMANN. But, Lena ... + +FRAU BEERMANN. Finally when your every glance is artificial, each +motion of yours is a pose. Then it is unbearable. Add to that my +anxiety for our children. How shall they still retain faith in us, +if through an accident their eyes are opened? I had remained +silent all this time for their sake and now you are inviting the +whole world to speak. I cannot continue to live this life of worry +and hypocrisy. All that I have already overcome awakens again and +appears to me more ugly than ever before. I do not know if I can +still believe in your good fellowship and remain your friend. [She +rises and goes slowly to the door.] + +BEERMANN. I do not seem to know you any more. During our entire +married life, you have not spoken as seriously as in the last +fifteen minutes. + +FRAU BEERMANN. That perhaps was my great mistake. But I have paid +for it. [She opens the door.] + +BEERMANN. Lena dear, have you nothing further to tell me? + +FRAU BEERMANN. I just beg of you; do not bring your family into +ridicule. [Exit.] + +BEERMANN [For a while remains standing; lost in thought; then he +turns on the electric light, sighing, goes over to the bookcase, +takes out the volume of the encyclopedia wherein the diary of +Madams de Hauteville is hidden, opens it and reads standing. A +knock on the door. Frightened, he quickly hides the diary in his +side pocket.] + +BEERMANN. Come in. [Justizrat Hauser enters on the left.] + +HAUSER. Lord; good evening. + +BEERMANN [hurrying toward him]. Lord; how glad I am that you have +come. + +HAUSER. Has anything happened? + +BEERMANN. N ... no. + +HAUSER. I received your message that you must see me tonight +without fail. + +BEERMANN. Yes, I was at your house twice. + +HAUSER. Unfortunately, I was not there. [He has taken off his +overcoat and is laying it on a chair.] Tell me, you seem to me all +upset. + +BEERMANN. I am upset. + +HAUSER. I suppose that is why you sent for me. Well, then, what is +it? + +BEERMANN. Have a seat, please. [They sit down to the left on the +sofa.] I must begin a little way back. ... Have a cigar? [He goes +over to the humidor, takes out a box of cigars and offers it to +Hauser, who takes one.] I must begin a little way back ... Can you +remember the subject we discussed last night? + +HAUSER. The genuinely righteous moral life? [He lights his cigar.] +Of course, I remember it. Such sermons are not easily forgotten. + +BEERMANN. Do you know I got the impression that you have a rather +liberal viewpoint. + +HAUSER. Liberal? + +BEERMANN. I mean that you are not a prude. + +HAUSER. I am an old lawyer, you know, and just out of sheer habit +contradict people. I made myself blacker than I actually am. So, +if you have scruples on my account ... + +BEERMANN. I merely mentioned it because you understand life and I +must speak to someone who judges more liberally than our narrow +minded bourgeois. + +HAUSER. More liberally than you judged last night? + +BEERMANN. I was overzealous, but don't let us talk about it. I +want to ask you for advice. [Short pause.] You lawyers are bound +to respect professional secrets? + +HAUSER. We must respect them. + +BEERMANN. What I am about to tell you, you will probably find most +astounding, but it is to be considered absolutely confidential. +Even though your client confesses a crime, you are not permitted +to divulge the information? + +HAUSER. What a careful criminal you are! + +BEERMANN. It is possible that you will find this information most +unpleasant. + +HAUSER [Bends and talks in a low voice]. Now don't worry about me, +Beermann. I will know how to protect your interests. The law gives +me the right to remain silent in any event. + +BEERMANN. Well then ... [nervously runs his fingers through his +hair] I really have to begin a little way back. The last few days +I have been thinking a great deal about monogamy. I am surely the +last person to doubt the high moral value of the marriage vow, but +there is something to be said on the other side. It is indeed a +very ticklish theme to discuss. + +HAUSER. Suppose then that we skip the prologue and the few opening +chapters and start at once with the affair of Madame Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. How do you know ...? + +HAUSER. I suspected. You probably are not the first one who has +come to confess to me. Since last night many consciences have been +jolted. So you, too, belong to that crowd? + +BEERMANN. You ask yourself how such things are possible? + +HAUSER. No, sir, I never ask myself such stupid questions. + +BEERMANN. You have always believed that an undisturbed happiness +prevailed in my family. + +HAUSER [quickly]. Beermann, I resent that! Do not try to make +yourself interesting. + +BEERMANN. Don't take it the wrong way. I am not blaming anybody. I +just want to ... + +HAUSER. You even want to find moral justification for your +immorality. + +BEERMANN. I know well enough that it is unjustifiable. I have been +saying that to myself a hundred thousand times. Do not think that +I overcame my principles so easily. + +HAUSER. All you had to overcome was your timidity. + +BEERMANN [sighing deeply]. If you only knew. + +HAUSER. Of course you did not land on the primrose path with both +feet, but you climbed carefully over the fence--just as befits a +man of your embonpoint. + +BEERMANN. I expected something better from you than mere mocking. + +HAUSER. What do you want me to do? Shall I weep because you have +sinned? Why? What good would it do you? That is the way of your +kind. As long as no one has proofs against you, your virtue must +always be under the spotlight, but the very minute you trip up, +some peculiar background of justification ought to be invented for +the smallest sin. No, my dear friend. The world's moral system +will not go to pieces just because you slipped and broke your +nose. + +BEERMANN. You cannot realize what suffering you are inflicting +upon me right now. + +HAUSER. Now please don't make long speeches. You did not call me +here to grant you absolution. You want me to help you to quash +this affair. + +BEERMANN [jumps up quickly from his chair]. Yes, you must do that. +Good Lord, I beg you. I am in a terrible position. You have not +the slightest idea how nervous I am. + +HAUSER. Will you please sit down and stop exaggerating? + +BEERMANN [sits down]. No man living can have sufficient +imagination to enlarge on this. Imagine it! Any moment the police +are likely to come here and arrest me. + +HAUSER [seriously]. Have you been carrying on so badly at +Hauteville's? + +BEERMANN. No. Not there. That is not worth while mentioning. + +HAUSER. Why then do you fear the police? That's all nonsense. Now +just consider everything quietly and calmly. By the way, has your +wife any suspicions ...? + +BEERMANN. Of this affair? I don't think so. She has just a general +one ... but what's the use of bothering with trifles! You know +that this stupid woman kept a diary, and that they found it in her +apartment. + +HAUSER. Assuredly I know it. Without that diary we would not have +so many penitents in the City. + +BEERMANN. Imagine my position. I know positively that my name is +in that book. It means that I am simply done for by the cursed +thing. + +HAUSER. Is it so certain that your name is in the book? + +BEERMANN [loudly]. Yes, sir. + +HAUSER. It may be possible that ... + +BEERMANN. It is not at all possible. My name is there. Shall I +quietly sit and wait until I am ruined? You know that I would be +ruined if it became public. Fancy, I, the candidate for the +Reichstag; I, the President of the Society for the Suppression of +Vice! All the papers would be full of it. + +HAUSER. Oh, yes, it would be quite interesting. + +BEERMANN. Then think of the consequences here in the City! In the +family! Why, I would be killed outright! Lord, how I tried to +hammer it into the head of that stupid man in the Police +Department so he could understand what terrible mischief this will +make. + +HAUSER [frightened]. You went to Police Headquarters? + +BEERMANN. Of course, I was there. + +HAUSER. Did you confess? + +BEERMANN. How can you suppose that? [Sits down again.] I spoke for +the others. I explained to the official that he is showing up the +influential element; that he is injuring the established order of +society,--but [he touches his forehead with his palm] that fellow +has nothing but police ordinances in his head. + +HAUSER. Shouting will not help us a bit. Remain cool and +collected. One thing is important, at this moment. Has the diary +reached the District Attorney's office? + +BEERMANN. No, it has not. + +HAUSER. Well, as long as it remains in the Police Department there +are still possibilities. + +BEERMANN. It is not in the Police Department either. + +HAUSER. Of course it is there. Where else should it be? + +BEERMANN [indicating his side pocket]. Here. + +HAUSER [amazed]. What? + +BEERMANN [takes the diary out of his side pocket and places it on +the table]. Here it is. + +HAUSER. So, this is the celebrated diary of Madame Hauteville. +[Beermann nods.] Who gave it to you? + +BEERMANN. Nobody. I just took it. + +HAUSER. You mean; you sto ... + +BEERMANN. ... Stole it, yes, sir. + +HAUSER [pulls back his chair and breaks into a loud laugh]. You +did that! [He laughs.] ... Say, that's pretty good. Now I am +beginning to respect you. Confound it, I would never have given +you credit for a stunt like this. [He laughs and slaps his knee.] + +BEERMANN. Laugh, while I am dying of fright. + +HAUSER. Don't spoil my good impression of you! I am on the point +of admiring you. [He laughs again.] Let me apologize. I always +held you as a wishy-washy bourgeois and now you go and pull this +thing off. + +BEERMANN. You had better give me some advice. I have not had a +quiet moment since I took the book. I want to destroy it but how +can I? If I tear it up the pieces will be found. + +HAUSER. Burn it. + +BEERMANN. Where? There is no fire in the house, except in the +kitchen range. If I hide it, I shall always have to run to and fro +to see if it is there, and I feel less safe if I have it on my +person. Then I have always a feeling as though that thing were +bulging out my pocket; and the police must be missing it by this +time. + +HAUSER. Oh, tear out the page on which your name appears and send +it back anonymously. + +BEERMANN. Impossible. My name appears on almost every second page. + +HAUSER. Oh ... so. + +BEERMANN. What shall I do when the police ask me for the book? + +HAUSER. There is only one way; you know nothing about it. + +BEERMANN. But they will be dead certain that I have it. + +HAUSER. Remain firm. For Heaven's sake don't fall into the trap +that by confessing you will improve this fine job. [A loud and +prolonged ringing of the electric bell is heard.] + +BEERMANN [frightened, exclaims]. There, do you hear that? + +HAUSER. Some visitor, I suppose. + +BEERMANN. This is no time to make visits. [Anxiously picking up +the diary.] What shall I do with the damned thing? [Takes out a +volume of the encyclopedia and wants to hide the diary in it but +hesitates, and then puts the volume back on the shelf.] Lord, +where shall I put it? + +HAUSER. Come, give it to me. + +BEERMANN [Gives him the book and Hauser puts it in his side +pocket.] + +HAUSER. No one will search me for it. + +BEERMANN. Stay here with me ... please. + +HAUSER. If it gives you any pleasure, yes; but man alive, pull +yourself together. Suppose it really were the police; you are +trembling all over. [A knock on the door.] + +BEERMANN [crouching]. Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty +comes in from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.] + +BETTY. The gentleman says it is very urgent. + +BEERMANN [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting +card and reads]. Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says +with forced vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.] + +BEERMANN. And this has been my state of mind for the past six +hours. + +HAUSER [offering him his hand]. Now be brave, my dear friend, and +even if they should come to you, just deny it outright. You'll +know how to lie. A man of such rare abilities. ... Good night. +[Goes out on the left. In the doorway, he almost collides with +Professor Wasner. They greet each other.] + +WASNER [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his +right shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand. His hair is +disheveled. His flaxen beard falls on his chest]. I am here in +regard to the most remarkable matter a man ever came to consult +another about. + +BEERMANN [very nervous]. Must it be today, Herr Professor? + +WASNER. The situation permits of no delay. + +BEERMANN. But it is getting so late. + +WASNER. I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make +visits. Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats +himself at the desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it +against his forehead. Wasner remains standing and continues.] For +many years, as you well know, I undertook the task of collecting +all publications which have been undermining public morals. I +daresay today, that my collection is most complete and that I have +unquestionably proven the harm of pornographic literature. What +corrupting influence this temptation has through suggestion and +imagination can today no longer be doubted, because--[an +impressive pause; Wasner lowers his voice]--I myself fell a victim +to it. [Beermann remains in his apathetic attitude. Pause.] I can +well understand that you lack words. I, too, became, on account of +it, much disgusted with my character. I asked myself if I still +have the right to participate in the moral salvation of our people +and I have decided affirmatively only after a thorough +examination. [Pause.] + +BEERMANN [absentmindedly]. Yes ... yes ... Herr Professor. + +WASNER. You are entitled to know everything. Only spare me the +details. Briefly stated, one day I could not view my collection as +objectively as usual and thru a friend I was induced to make a +most damnable visit. I assure you that I simply loathe that +fellow. + +BEERMANN. But just why are you telling me all this? + +WASNER. Because together we have fought against immorality +shoulder to shoulder. I ask you if you still deem me worthy to +strive for our common ideal. + +BEERMANN. For my part, go as far as you like, I won't stop you. + +WASNER. Then you will not deny me your assistance? + +BEERMANN. Suppose we discuss all this tomorrow, Herr Professor? + +WASNER. Tomorrow will be too late. [Beermann falls back into his +chair in an attitude of apathy.] After my false step I became +convinced that it is my duty to protect others from this +temptation. My feeling of duty became stronger until finally I +wrote a letter to be exact--an anonymous letter--to the police, +wherein I demanded emphatically that they put an end to the +misconduct of this person. + +BEERMANN [now attentive.] Really that was not nice. + +WASNER. I wanted to assure myself that within I still had the +right to belong to the Society for the Suppression of Vice. + +BEERMANN. I consider that rather mean. You should always be +grateful. + +WASNER. This very feeling would have made me feel still more +guilty. [Beermann shrugs his shoulders nervously.] But now I come +to the reason for my being here. My information had results ... +This creature was arrested and today after dinner my false friend +comes to tell me that he had not been careful, had mentioned to +her my name, and I am certainly indexed in the book she kept. This +book was found in her place by the police. + +BEERMANN [jumping up]. What's her name? + +WASNER. Hauteville. + +BEERMANN. So, it is you to whom we are indebted for this scandal. +[Angrily.] Do you fully realize what you have accomplished? How +many respectable fathers of families you have brought to the very +verge of despair? + +WASNER. I know it. + +BEERMANN. You don't. + +WASNER. I came here for that very reason. + +BEERMANN [not understanding him]. What? + +WASNER. I came here to request you on behalf of the others to call +tonight, a meeting of the Executive Committee. The Society must do +everything in its power to keep this case out of court. + +BEERMANN. Why the devil did you write that anonymous letter? + +WASNER. Listen to me, I beg of you. Someone is involved in this +who is very dear to you. As soon as I received the information, I +hastened to Police Headquarters immediately and wanted to +intervene there as the representative of the Society for the +Suppression of Vice. But when I mentioned that name I was very +formally thrown out. On the steps, whom do you think I met but our +mutual friend, Kommerzienrat Bolland! He too had been in the +Commissioner's office and had the same bad luck. I told him my +troubles and he admitted to me that he also had been lured into +the den of this Siren. + +BEERMANN. Kommerzienrat! + +WASNER. Unfortunately. But that is something I can't at all +account for. He hardly could have been led into temptation through +a collection of documentary exhibits. + +BEERMANN. And what do you want of me now? + +WASNER. Our friend sends me to you. He would have come himself but +the shock threw him into a sickbed. He entreats you urgently to +call a meeting of the Executive Committee, immediately. We have +very influential people in our midst who must bring pressure to +bear on the Department of the Interior in order to hush up this +affair. + +BEERMANN. If only you had not written that anonymous letter. + +WASNER. I felt a moral duty to do it. + +BEERMANN. And now it is our moral duty to patch up this matter. +[Betty enters on the left.] + +BETTY [hands Beermann a calling card]. The gentleman says it is +very urgent. + +BEERMANN [reads]. "Assessor Stroebel." [Frightened; to Betty.] +Tell him I am out of town. [Betty about to leave.] No, tell him I +am sick--or, Betty, show the gentleman up. [Betty goes out.] + +WASNER. At what time shall the Executive Committee meet? + +BEERMANN [excited]. Oh, leave me alone with your Executive +Committee. + +WASNER. You must not desert us in our hour of peril. A leader's +fate is bound up with his followers according to German tradition. + +BEERMANN [as before]. It is all your fault anyway. + +WASNER. Shall I then tell our sick friend that we cannot count on +your support? + +BEERMANN. If I am so situated that I can, I will be over to see +him in an hour. I can't promise you more now. [Assessor Stroebel +enters on left and remains standing in the doorway.] + +STROEBEL [very seriously.] Herr Beermann, I must speak to you +privately. + +BEERMANN [confused]. You--with me? Well, since you must, I suppose +you must. + +WASNER. Well, I am going. [Wasner exit left.] [Stroebel enters. +Wasner remains standing on the threshold.] The Executive Committee +will be called to the sick bed of our friend. We shall await our +chairman. [He goes. Stroebel and Beermann remain standing, silent, +facing each other.] + +STROEBEL. You are surprised, I presume, that I come here at this +unusual hour. + +BEERMANN. Why should I be surprised? + +STROEBEL. You will have to pardon me. The matter which brings me +here is unusual and urgent. + +BEERMANN. Oh, don't mention it. [A short pause. They both clear +their throats.] + +STROEBEL. You were in my office this morning ... + +BEERMANN. Was I? + +STROEBEL. Why, of course you were in my office this morning. + +BEERMANN. Oh, yes, yes. I remember we had a short conference. I +must ask you to excuse me, Herr Assessor. I am suffering with an +awful ringing in the ears. It makes me so forgetful. + +STROEBEL. But I hope you still remember what we spoke about. + +BEERMANN. Very dimly. If you would remind me of it perhaps it will +not be so difficult. + +STROEBEL. You came on account of the Hauteville case. + +BEERMANN. So-o? + +STROEBEL. Or the Hochstetter ... + +BEERMANN. Well, since you say so, it must be so. + +STROEBEL. First I thought you came to express your satisfaction +that we had caught this person ... + +BEERMANN. No, that was not my purpose. + +STROEBEL. I am sure it wasn't. I was quite surprised that you were +not satisfied with her arrest. + +BEERMANN. Why shouldn't I not be satisfied with her arrest? + +STROEBEL [nervously]. But, Herr Beermann, you will recollect how +we discussed the diary. + +BEERMANN [quickly]. A diary? I know nothing about it. + +STROEBEL. You even became quite excited about it. + +BEERMANN. I know nothing whatever of any diary. You never showed +me any book at all. Of that I am very positive. + +STROEBEL [in despair]. It is just my confounded luck to find you +in this predicament. You are evidently suffering. + +BEERMANN. An awful ringing in my ears-- + +STROEBEL. I would leave you at once if the least delay were +possible. But I simply must speak to you about it tonight. Can't +you get relief by taking medicine? + +BEERMANN. No medicine can help me. I can only tell you that I do +not know anything about any diary. + +STROEBEL. Lord, Lord, leave the diary out of it altogether. It is +absolutely of no importance. + +BEERMANN. It is of no importance? + +STROEBEL. Of course, it is safely locked in my desk ... + +BEERMANN. Is that so? Well, then I can't understand why you +hurried to see me tonight. + +STROEBEL [very embarrassed]. But that is exactly what I wanted to +explain to you. But how shall I do it? You scarcely remember any +more than that you were in my office this morning. It is +incredible how misfortune has been persecuting me since noon. + +BEERMANN [greatly relieved]. Well, calm yourself, Herr Assessor. +It will come out right in the end. + +STROEBEL [downcast]. No, it can never come out right. + +BEERMANN [soothingly]. Sit down nicely in this chair--so! I'll sit +next to you here--so! ... And now let us see about it. [They seat +themselves on the left, upstage.] Do you know, I am beginning to +feel much better already. So the diary is in your desk. + +STROEBEL. For my part, let it be buried a thousand feet deep. For +God's sake, don't talk of it any more. It takes us away from my +subject. + +BEERMANN. That's right. We shan't talk of it any more. Now let me +see, I called on you about the Hauteville case. ... + +STROEBEL. And on this occasion you demanded that the police +suppress the matter. + +BEERMANN. Quite true, I did that. + +STROEBEL. There you are! And that's why I thought you were mostly +interested in avoiding scandal. BEERMANN. In what way? + +STROEBEL. Not personally, but from a wholly humanitarian or civic +standpoint. You even told me that just because of your position as +President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice, you regarded +it as your duty to keep this matter out of the courts. + +BEERMANN. Only for the common welfare. + +STROEBEL. And out of consideration for public opinion. I had the +impression that these considerations were of great importance to +you. + +BEERMANN. And still are. Do you think I change my views? I repeat +to you, that I would consider this court trial a misfortune +because it would be contrary to the established order of Society. + +STROEBEL. Then we are agreed in our principles! + +BEERMANN. You too? + +STROEBEL. Absolutely. + +BEERMANN. I thought that you had ... this forenoon ... + +STROEBEL. And I was also mistaken because you didn't seem to +remember. But at any rate we agree in our principles. [They shake +hands.] Although that does not accomplish anything still it is a +great relief to me that we understand each other. I am coming now +to the real purpose of my visit. [He clears his throat.] Herr +Beermann, I must demand your word of honor that not a syllable of +what I tell you will ever pass your lips. + +BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + +STROEBEL. These are official secrets, perhaps even State secrets, +and a single careless word might have tremendous consequences. + +BEERMANN. You can depend on me. + +STROEBEL. Not even to your family. + +BEERMANN. Not a breath. + +STROEBEL. To tell you: Since you were at my office this morning +there were most remarkable developments, quite unique in their +way. But I have your word of honor--have I not? + +BEERMANN. My sacred word of honor. + +STROEBEL [bends low and protects his mouth with his hand and +whispers]. That very night when Madame Hauteville's apartment was +raided, without our knowledge a very distinguished person was +hidden there. + +BEERMANN. I can imagine. + +STROEBEL [loudly]. You can't imagine it at all. [Whispering.] Our +young heir, Prince Emil, was there himself. + +BEERMANN [surprised, slapping his thigh]. Now what do you think of +that! + +STROEBEL [loudly]. You can understand that I am not telling you +this as a mere bit of gossip, but certain important reasons compel +me to. That which you mentioned before about the reasons of state +was fulfilled. Fulfilled to the very letter. All possibilities of +prosecuting this person at present have simply gone up in the air. + +BEERMANN [starting from his seat]. Then everything is all right. + +STROEBEL. There's nothing "all right" about it. Keep your seat, +Herr Beermann. Of course our desire to prosecute has disappeared, +but the lady in question is still at headquarters and we don't +know how to get rid of her. + +BEERMANN. Madame Hauteville? [Stroebel nods.] Just forget to lock +the door and she'll vanish. + +STROEBEL [shaking his head]. No, ... for a great many reasons. Do +you think I did not try hard to find a solution? First, if we +openly permit her to escape, the whole city will know it tomorrow; +the press will take it up and there will be a far greater scandal +than the court proceedings would cause. No, sir, at least the +letter of the law must be carried out. Madame Hauteville must give +a bond. She will be set free and then she must escape. That's the +only way we can protect ourselves from criticism. Do you +understand me? + +BEERMANN. You mean ... about the bail? + +STROEBEL. Yes, sir, the bail first of all. But if it were only the +bail! Just think! She doesn't want to go at all. + +BEERMANN. She does not want to ...? + +STROEBEL. No. I gave her another hearing this afternoon and told +her that we don't care to bother with her any more. "Listen," I +said to her, "you are lucky. Give bail of Five Thousand Marks, and +you will be free in ten minutes. There is a ten o'clock train for +Brussels tomorrow morning." [The bell in the hall rings.] What do +you suppose she said? She laughed. She knows very well why we are +so humane, but she will not give a bond of five marks, even if by +luck she had it. She says that she has already prepared for a +trial. I talked to her politely, then rudely. She will not budge. +She laughs and laughs and that's all. [Knock at the door. Maid +enters with a visiting card.] + +BEERMANN [to the maid]. What does it all mean to-night, at this +hour? This is not a hotel. [Takes the card and reads.] Freiherr +Bodo von Schmettau, Herr auf Zirnberg? + +STROEBEL. Do receive this gentleman, please. + +BEERMANN. Now, while we are conferring? + +STROEBEL. Yes, now, if you please. + +BEERMANN [to the maid]. Ask the gentleman to come in. [Betty +exit.] + +STROEBEL. He is Adjutant to the young Prince. I told him I was +going to see you, and you can realize how upset he is. + +BEERMANN. If it affords you pleasure. + +STROEBEL. It does. The entire responsibility rests on me and I at +least must show that I have left nothing undone. [Knock on the +door.] + +BEERMANN. Come in. [Schmettau enters.] + +SCHMETTAU. Good evening. + +STROEBEL [rising. Beermann rises also]. May I introduce you +gentlemen? Herr Beermann, the banker--Herr Baron Schmettau. + +SCHMETTAU. We have already had a glimpse of each other today. + +BEERMANN. Yes, I remember. + +SCHMETTAU. You are the President of the Local Morality Club. +Before we go further I must tell you that I do not at all agree +with those views ... + +STROEBEL [interrupting with anxiety]. Herr Baron, may I call your +attention to the fact that Herr Beermann, personally, is far above +these narrow theories. + +SCHMETTAU. I am glad to hear it. Besides as theories they're not +so bad. + +BEERMANN. As theories! That's what I say. + +SCHMETTAU. Well, there you are! + +STROEBEL. Herr Beermann is also the candidate of the local +Conservative-Liberal Coalition. + +SCHMETTAU. Then he is certainly no stickler for high-flown +notions. I should be right glad if we understood each other. And +how far are you, gentlemen? + +STROEBEL. In principles we are agreed. + +BEERMANN. Absolutely. + +SCHMETTAU. Then we shall have no difficulty in finding the right +solution. + +STROEBEL. I have taken Herr Beermann into our confidence. + +SCHMETTAU. That was a very disagreeable mishap, was it not? Very +bad. Whoever has any patriotism can realize it. + +BEERMANN. Herr Baron was also ... + +SCHMETTAU. Locked in the closet. + +STROEBEL. Permit me to revert to the facts. I was just telling +Herr Beermann that this Hauteville woman refuses to leave. She +boasts that she has not the bail and even if she had it, she would +not pay it. + +SCHMETTAU. Confound her! She controls the situation. + +STROEBEL. Now we come to the most difficult part of it. She says +that if she is compelled to leave the city and is deprived of her +livelihood, she wants proper damages for it. Of course I told the +woman that this, to say the least, was an extortionate demand. +Well then, she says, we will have a trial in court. + +BEERMANN. The fox! She knows well that's out of the question. + +SCHMETTAU. I am very grateful to you for these sentiments. + +STROEBEL. I asked what she considered proper damages. "Ten +thousand marks," she says. I almost lost my senses. With the +necessary bail that would make Fifteen thousand marks. + +SCHMETTAU. In the end perhaps that is not so gigantic. + +STROEBEL. Who is going to pay it? + +SCHMETTAU. Not we, of course. Our state is a poor paymaster. + +STROEBEL. Here is a fine mess, which I cannot solve--at least not +I. Herr Beermann, you said yourself that your Society for the +Suppression of Vice is vitally interested in the undisturbed +maintenance of the popular belief in morality. For the members of +your Society, it ought to be quite easy to collect that sum. I +know of no other way. + +BEERMANN [with folded hands he stands in a pensive mood]. The +Executive Committee is expecting its chairman. And I know of a +professor who alone ought to pay an extra thousand for a letter he +wrote. [To the others.] Gentlemen, briefly speaking, I will do it. +On behalf of the society, I pledge this sum. + +SCHMETTAU. Herr von Beermann, I can only say that you have acted +honorably. The House of Emil the Benevolent knows on whom to +confer an order. [He offers his hand.] + +BEERMANN. But let me assure you, Herr Baron, I did not do it +expecting a reward. + +CURTAIN + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Moral, by Ludwig Thoma + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORAL *** + +This file should be named mrlth10.txt or mrlth10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, mrlth11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, mrlth10a.txt + +Produced by Charles Franks, Nicole Apostola +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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