SCENE V.
Enter Privy Counsellor Clarenbach.
P. Coun. I have to explain to you, Sir.
Reiss. Just as you like, Sir.
P. Coun. I cannot remain the man, that, God knows how,--I have gradually--
Reiss. I think so myself.
P. Coun. I can be dependent on you no longer; but I do not choose to be ungrateful. Without enquiring into the motives which induced you to raise me, I owe you my grateful thanks for having done so.
Reiss. I am hourly more and more convinced that I ought to have done so.
P. Coun. This sarcastic remark shall not prevent me, as your intended son-in-law, to render you my services from the purest motives and filial zeal, and to endeavour to compromise that disagreeable affair respecting the will.
Reiss. Ay! would you indeed?
P. Coun. If we only consider it as politically pernicious, it--
Reiss. There is nothing pernicious in the whole affair, my affectionate Mr. Privy Counsellor, and your services are quite useless.
P. Coun. I wish they may prove so. Meanwhile you will not misinterpret my intentions.
Reiss. Your intentions go to the future inheritance of my property, my son-in-law that would be.--
P. Coun. Your daughter,--without any inheritance whatever--
Reiss. With or without inheritance, that is all over; you shall not have her.
P. Coun. You may disinherit her, if you please, should I receive her hand against your will; but your daughter is mine according to your promise, and you can shew no cause for breaking it.
Reiss. (coldly.) Oh yes!
P. Coun. What? which?
Reiss. Some other time.
P. Coun. When? I desire to know it. I desire it, I tell you.
Reiss. You shall soon know it if you are in such a hurry.--I am now busy.
P. Coun. Sir, if Sophia were not your daughter--
Reiss. Ah, that is the thing. Go, your papa is waiting for you:--if you stay, he will come and take you away.
P. Coun. Sir!
Reiss. And come to save you too. Has not he saved you once already this very day?--
P. Coun. Yes, he has that, honest man! May heaven reward him for it!
Reiss. He may perhaps save you once more yet, and perhaps not.--Meanwhile, give yourself no farther trouble to call here. Your servant, Sir.
P. Coun. (looks at his watch.) You distress me more than you know. If that can give you pleasure, enjoy it.
[Exit.
Reiss. (looking after him.) Hem! I ought to have discovered at first sight that the fellow is not fit for my purpose; he is simple enough to be in love in right earnest.--My foolish daughter loves him too; she fans his hopes, so of course he will not injure me, when cashiered. The Doctor is falling asleep, and the Lawyer,---hem!--must likewise be sent to rest,--else I shall have no rest myself!
[Exit.