ACT IV.
Scene:--Same as in Act II.
(Trast, Wilhelm and Robert discovered. Robert carries a portfolio under his arm.)
Wilhelm. (Aside to Trast) I have strict orders not to let Herr Heinecke in.
Trast. Nor me?
Wilhelm. Oh, with the Count it is a different matter.
Trast. Thank you for the trust you put in me. Herr Heinecke is accompanied by me. I shall be responsible for his presence here. We shall wait for the Herr Councillor.
Wilhelm. But----
Trast. Which do you prefer--specie or paper? (Looking for money in his pocket-book) Is the whole house empty?
Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has gone to the factory, the Gnadige Frau has a headache, the Gnadiges Fraulein has gone to the city--Herr Kurt likewise.
Trast. Together?
Wilhelm. Oh, they never go together--Herr Kurt wanted to countermand the invitation--because--(Indicates Robert)
Trast. (Gives him money) Good! That's all!
Wilhelm. Nothing further, sir?
Trast. Go.
(Wilhelm bows and goes out)
Trast. Come here, my boy.
Robert. What do you want?
Trast. What do I want? You know I never want anything. These things don't affect me. But the question is: What do you want here--in this house?
Robert. I want to settle my account.
Trast. Of course--we know that--But, inasmuch as you are willing to forego the generous handshake that the workman usually gets at this proud moment, I should think you would send the accounts to the office--and--(With gesture of finality)
Robert. That would be simple enough.
Trast. My dear man, let me talk to you as a friend!
Robert. Go ahead, talk!
Trast. You are pursuing a phantom!
Robert. Really?
Trast. No one has touched your honor.
Robert. Really!
Trast. Because nobody in the world could do it.
Robert. Really, really!
Trast. This thing that you call honor--this mixture of shame, and "tempo," and--honesty and pride, things you have acquired through a civilized existence and as a result of your own loyalty, why this can no more be taken away from you by a piece of treachery than your generosity or your judgment! Either it is a part of yourself or else it doesn't exist at all. The sort of honor that can be destroyed by a blow from a fop's glove has nothing to do with you! That is nothing but a mirror for the dandies, a plaything for the indolent and a perfume to the boulevardier.
Robert. You talk like someone trying to make a virtue out of necessity.
Trast. Perhaps--because every virtue is a direct result of necessity.
Robert. And my family?
Trast. I didn't think you had a family now! (Robert buries his face in his hands) I understand--it's a contraction of the nerves after the limb is amputated.--Don't deceive yourself! Even though the foot still pains you, the leg is gone!
Robert. You never had a sister!
Trast.--Tell me, must I, the aristocrat, learn what abasement means from you, a plebeian? My boy, don't forswear your parents. Don't say that they are worse than you or I.--They are different, that's all. Their sensations are sensations that are strange to you, the point of view they hold is simply beyond your comprehension. Therefore to criticize them is not only narrow-minded, but presumptuous--And you may as well know soon as late: in your struggle with your people you have been wrong from beginning to end!
Robert. Trast, you say that!
Trast. I take the liberty--You come back from a foreign country where you have been associating with triple-plated gentlemen, and then you expect your people, in order to please you, to change the very skins they live in; although they've fitted perfectly all these years! That is immodest, my boy! And your sister has really received back her honor from the family Muhlingk; the honor which she can make use of. For everything on this earth has its price and value. The honor of the Avenue may be paid for with blood--may be, I said. The honor of the Alley is restituted with a little capital, in integrum. (As Robert steps towards him angrily) Don't eat me up! I haven't finished! Yes--what other significance has a girl's honor--and that's what we're concerned with now--than to bring a sort of dowry of pure-heartedness and honesty to her husband. She is there for one purpose and that is marriage! Just be so good as to make a few inquiries in the society from which you come and see if your sister, with the money that has dropped into her lap, can't make a much better match than she otherwise could!
Robert. Trast, you are cruel, you are crude!
Trast. Crude like Nature, cruel like Truth! Only the indolent and the cowardly surround themselves a tout prix with idyllics--But you have nothing to do with them now. Come, give me your hand, shake the dust of home off your feet and don't look back!
Robert. First I must have personal satisfaction.
Trast. So you insist on fighting a duel with him?
Robert. Yes.
Trast. Don't be so old-fashioned.
Robert. Old-fashioned--I may be. Perhaps because I came into the world as a plebeian and because my conception of honor was acquired. I haven't the strength to rise to the heights of your standpoint. Let me go down in my own narrowness if I must.
Trast. But suppose he won't give satisfaction?
Robert. I shall find some way to force him.
Trast. Aha! (Aside) the revolver!--One thing more, my boy; if you have made up your mind to let Herr Kurt put a bullet through you, you must take away every pretext for his refusing.
Robert. Heavens, yes! you are right!
Trast. (Drawing out his pocket-book) Does that embarrass you?
Robert. No, you have done too much for me, for me to ask----
Trast. (Filling out a check) There!
Robert. And if I can never pay that back?
Trast. Then I'll write it in the largest ledger, where the accounts of friendships are kept (Stroking his head) It won't be as bad as that! Hm--my boy--one thing you've forgotten.
Robert. What?
Trast. Leonore.
Robert. (Shuddering) Don't speak of her!
Trast. You love her.
Robert. Oh!--I shan't answer!
Trast. Would you like to have her think of you as the murderer of her brother.
Robert. Better than if she had to think of me as a man without honor.
Trast. (Straightening up) Am I not a so-called "man without honor?" And haven't you found me a good fellow? And don't I carry my head as high as anyone in the world? Shame on you!
Robert. (After a pause) Trast--forgive me!
Trast. Forgive--Nonsense, I like you!--That's enough!
Robert. Trast--I--won't fight--the duel!
Trast. Your word?
Robert. My word!
Trast. Come, then.
Robert. Where?
Trast. How do I know? Into the world.
Robert. Forgive me--shall I?
(Enter Wilhelm.)
Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has just come into his office.
Trast. (Aside) Kurt not home!--That's good.
Robert. I'll go in. (He takes his portfolio)
Trast. Good! Wait for me!
Robert. What do you want here?
Trast. Never mind about that. Come here. (Aside to Robert) Before you go, give me your revolver.
Robert. (Startled) You know?
Trast. Anyone could see it inside your coat
Robert. Please--let me keep it--or can't you trust me?
Trast. I'm afraid that story of Pepe will go to your head.
Robert. Hasn't a word of honor between two dishonored men any value?
Trast. Good! Keep it, (Robert goes out followed by Wilhelm. Trast is about to follow him, but stops) --Perhaps it was imprudent after all?--But if the youngster comes home, I'll keep them apart. Now there is something else to attend to. If this girl here is what I think she is--(Enter Leonore L. wearing a winter costume) Ah, this is very fortunate.
Leonore. (Giving him her hand. Excitedly) Count, do you know where I've been? To your apartment! (Takes her coat and hat off) Are you shocked at my boldness? But you were the only one to whom I could go to find out what has happened. I was afraid my brother was on the way to ruin that young girl. I suspected it. Has your friend found out?
Trast. If that were all!
Leonore. What else could there be----
Trast. I admit, I really can't find words to----
Leonore. Please tell me!
Trast. Very well! Your parents have considered it necessary to make those poor people forget their trouble--so they appealed to them on their weakest side--namely, by their poverty.
Leonore. Do you mean to say that?--that--they--bought my brother's--(As Trast nods) Oh, God!
Trast. It goes without saying that personally I offer no criticism of them whatever. That is the customary means of ending such relationships. But I am afraid for my friend.
Leonore. (Her face in her hands) How can I ever make it up to him?
Trast. Do you feel that it is your duty?
Leonore. My duty? My whole being revolts against this disgusting practice of my home!--Pay!--always pay! pay for honor, pay for love, pay for justice! We can afford it, we have the money. (Throws herself into a chair. Then springing up) Forgive me! I don't know what I'm doing! I spoke of my family as though they were strangers.
Trast. Perhaps they are more strangers to you than you think!
Leonore. (Confused) If you were only right! (As he appears to listen to something outside) What is it?
Trast. Isn't that your brother's voice?
Leonore. (At the door) Yes, with some of his friends.
Trast. (Aside) I shouldn't have let him keep the revolver. (Taking his hat) Is he going to the office?
Leonore. No, I think they are coming here.
Trast. (Putting his hat down again) Good, I will wait for him--One thing, Fraulein--My friend leaves this house to-day; he leaves the city to-morrow and perhaps Europe in a short time.
Leonore. (To herself) Oh, God!
Trast. But to-day I should like to prevent a meeting between him and your brother. If that meeting does occur, without my being able to prevent it, I should like you to remain in the vicinity.
Leonore. (She nods; voices are heard at the door. She hurries to the left, then turns) What shall I do. Count?
Trast. Be true to him!
Leonore. I will! (She goes)
Trast. Now--the brother!
(Enter Kurt, Lothar and Hugo.)
Kurt. (Surprised) Count!
Lothar. (Aside) Good thing we came with you!
Trast. I should like a few words with you, Herr Muhlingk.
Kurt. Sorry, but I am very pressed for time; my father is waiting for me!
Trast. (Aside) Oho!--(To Kurt) It's a personal favor.
Kurt. I have no secrets from my friends, Count. (They sit down)
Trast. Someone, a great friend of mine, has suffered deeply because of his honor. On my advice and as a favor to me he has foregone sending you a challenge.
Kurt. You are mistaken, Count; Herr Heinecke received satisfaction.
Lothar. We could allow no other satisfaction.
Trast. (Looks at him from head to foot) We won't go into that any further, Herr Muhlingk. My friend at this moment is with your father, settling his accounts in person.
Kurt, Well, that is his privilege.
Trast. He is to have an interview with him at the same time.
Kurt. That is also his privilege. Count.
Trast. In an hour my friend will have left this establishment. In consideration of the strain of excitement under which he is probably suffering at present, it would be to the advantage of both sides if a meeting between you could be avoided.
Lothar. That----
Trast, (Quietly) Herr Lieutenant, I have not as yet taken the liberty of addressing you! Herr Muhlingk, let us consider this seriously. You are speaking with some one who has your material welfare at heart--not out of sympathy, I am free to admit--Therefore, I may speak to you almost as a friend, don't let these gentlemen intimidate you.
Hugo. No, don't let us intimidate you!
Trast. And consider this! I don't dare think of the wrong I have done that man--you will--you'll do me this favor?
Lothar. (Behind Kurt) Now show him!
Kurt. I have nothing to say, Count, because I find it impossible to choose words to express my astonishment at your extraordinary request.
(All rise.)
Lothar. (To Kurt, aside) Fine! fine!
Kurt. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare make such a request to me in my own house?
Trast. You refuse?
Kurt. Do you still doubt it, Count?
Lothar. (Aside to him) More cutting, more cutting.
Trast. (Aside) Force--Yes, I doubted it, for I still cherished the slight hope that I was dealing with a man of honor--I beg your pardon--I made a mistake.
Kurt. Sir--that is----
Trast. An insult--yes.
Kurt. Which will be properly dealt with.
Trast. I ask for nothing better.
Kurt. You will hear from me to-morrow.
Trast. To-morrow--So you sleep on a thing like that? I am accustomed to settling such matters at once.
Kurt. (Chokingly) Immediately.
Trast. (Aside) Thank God! (Aloud) Then we'll go!
Lothar. (Stepping between) Always correct, Kurt. You, as principal, have nothing further to do with the gentleman. (Sharply) In the first place, Count, the Code of Honor permits the challenged as well as the challenger twenty-four hours in which to arrange his affairs. We, my principal and I--shall make use of this rule, unless--and now I come to the second point--we shall be prevented from enjoying that privilege--for you. Sir, have not insulted us----
Trast. Ah!
Lothar. You belong to those who cannot insult us.
Trast. (Merrily) Ah, yes!
Lothar. Will you be kind enough to recall, that the Count von Trast-Saarberg, as we can still see in the register,--on the twenty-fifth of June, 1864, was released, under a cloud, from his regiment, because of unpaid gambling debts. That is all. (Bows negligently)
Trast. (Breaking out into laughter) Gentlemen, I thank you heartily for the little lesson--I certainly deserved it--for the worst crime under heaven is to be illogical! And one thing I see above everything else. No matter how much a man is elevated above the modern Honor he must still remain her slave, even if it is only when he wants to help a poor devil of a friend out of a hole--Gentlemen, I have the honor-- Pardon! I haven't the honor! You have denied me that; so nothing remains but the pleasure--the pleasure of saying "Good-day," but that is better still! (He goes out laughing)
Hugo. Here we are with our honor and still we've made ourselves ridiculous.
Lothar. We acted quite correctly.
Hugo. But, Lothar, the coffee, the coffee.
Lothar. One must be willing to sacrifice for the sake of his Honor, my friend. I am glad I could do you this service, Kurt--What would you have done without me? Well, until to-night.
Kurt. Are you going back to town already?
Lothar. Yes.
Kurt. I'll go with you.
Lothar. Oh, that will look as though you wanted to get away from the noble brother.
Kurt. What do you mean?
Lothar. Do you want the Count to laugh in his sleeve? Now it has become almost a duty to stay.
Kurt. Hardly that.
Lothar. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward.
(Enter Muhlingk in a fur coat and hat, Wilhelm follows him.)
Muhlingk. (Throwing his coat to Wilhelm) What is that fellow thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(Wilhelm leaves) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to pick, eh?
Kurt. (Aside to his friends) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before the storm!
Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time----
Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day.
Lothar. (Aside) You tell us how the thing comes out.
(Lothar and Hugo go out.)
Muhlingk. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral side of the question.
(Enter Frau Muhlingk.)
Kurt. (Aside) Here comes the old lady, this will be great.
Frau Muhlingk. Oh, Kurt! Kurt!
Kurt. Yes, Mother?
Frau Muhlingk. (Sitting) You have brought a great deal of trouble to your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. (Leonore enters left) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! (To Leonore) What do you want?
Leonore. I have something to say to you.
Muhlingk. We haven't time now, go to your room.
Leonore. No, Father. I can't play the part of the silent daughter any longer. If I am a member of the family I want to take part in this conversation.
Muhlingk. What is the meaning of all this ceremony?
Leonore. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family.
Muhlingk. I don't know anything----!
Leonore. You needn't try to hide it from me. According to the rules of modern hypocrisy which are applied to the so-called young ladies, I ought to go about with downcast eyes and play the part of innocent ignorance. Under the circumstances that doesn't work. I have heard about the whole affair.
Frau Muhlingk. And you aren't ashamed of yourself?
Leonore. (Bitterly) I am ashamed of myself.
Muhlingk. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad?
Leonore. If my tone was impertinent, please forgive me. I want to soften you, not to quarrel with you. Perhaps I have been a bad daughter--Perhaps I really haven't the right to have my own thoughts as long as I do not eat my own bread--If that is true, try to pardon me--I will make up for it a thousand times. But understand--give him back his honor----
Muhlingk. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you mean by "giving him back his honor?"
Leonore. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up for what has happened. Then we can find the means later.
Muhlingk. You think so? Sit down, my child--I shall let my customary mildness still govern me and try to bring you to reason, although perhaps a stricter method would be more in place--Look at this old gray head. A great deal of honor has been piled up there and still in my whole life I have never meddled with this so-called sense of honor--ah, what a person has to endure without even saying "Hum" when he expects to succeed in life. Here is a young man from whom you say, I have taken his honor. Taking for granted that you are right--where does a young fellow like that get his honor? From his family? Or from my business? My clerks are no knights. You say he had honor, and I'm supposed to give it back to him. How? By taking his sister as a daughter-in-law?
Frau Muhlingk. Really, Theodore, you mustn't say these things even as a joke.
Muhlingk. If I did that, I should disgrace myself and my family. On the other hand, this young man has the chance of getting out of the trouble. If he refuses, and it comes back to me, who shall be made unhappy, we or he? My answer is; he shall, I have no desire to be, myself--That's the way I've always done, and everyone knows me as a man of honor.
Leonore. (Rising) Father, is that your last word?
Muhlingk. My last! Now, come, give me a kiss and beg your mother's pardon.
Leonore. (Shrinks back with a shudder) Let me go! I can't deceive you!
Muhlingk. What do you mean?
Leonore. Father, I feel I am in the wrong, that I am asking the impossible from you. I shall have to know the world differently from--(Stops suddenly and listens. There are voices in the hall)
Muhlingk. And----?
Leonore. (Aside) It's he!--Oh, I can't stand it any longer!
(Enter Wilhelm.)
Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the Alley is there again.
(Kurt starts.)
Muhlingk. Did you tell him what I told you to say?
Wilhelm. Yes, Herr Councillor, but he followed me here from the office.
Muhlingk. What impertinence!--If he doesn't leave this----!
Kurt. Pardon me. Father. Perhaps he only wants to thank you! I believe he has reasons.
Muhlingk. Such people never give you thanks.
Kurt. Has he money to give you?
Muhlingk. Certainly.
Kurt. There must be something back of it--get it over and we'll be done with him.
Muhlingk. As far as I'm concerned--let him come.
(Wilhelm goes out.)
Frau Muhlingk. We'll go, Leonore,
Leonore. (Aside) Kurt!
Kurt. Well?
Leonore. Be on your guard!
Kurt. Bah! (Trying to hide his fear)
(Frau Muhlingk and Leonore go out. Enter Robert, apparently calm, respectful in manner--he carries a portfolio.)
Muhlingk. You were a little insistant, young man--Well, I never criticize a man in the discharge of duty; least of all when he is about to leave his employer, at the eleventh hour. Take a seat!
Robert. If you don't mind, I'll remain standing.
Muhlingk. Just as you like--I had word from my nephew yesterday. He is getting on well--having a good time--a little too much according to Count Trast--Well, a little pleasure is always in the blood of gentlemen of good family--You have brought the annual report with you, I hope?
Robert. Yes.
Muhlingk. And----
Robert. (To Muhlingk) There, sir, (Takes a sheet and hands it to the Councillor)
Kurt. (Playing the part of indifference) May I see, Father?
Muhlingk. Yes, yes--or perhaps you have a copy?
Robert. Yes, I have.
Muhlingk. Please give it to my son. (Robert hands it to Kurt. The two stand, measuring each other with their eyes) As far as I can see at the first glance that is exceedingly good. The net gain is----
Robert. 116,227 Gulden.
Muhlingk. The dutch gulden is one mark seventy--Kurt figure it with me.
Robert. 197,585 Marks.
Muhlingk. 8--1--3--5--8. Right--197,285 Marks and 90 Pfennigs. Kurt, are you figuring it up?
Kurt. And ninety pfennig. Yes, Father.
Muhlingk. Ha--And in the coffee "a small profit?" What does that mean?
Robert. (Handing him a sheet) Here is the special account. I was in a position to foresee the crisis caused by the competition in Brazil and I had five-sixths of the area planted with tea.
Muhlingk. You?
Robert. Yes, Herr Councillor, I----
Kurt. Strange!
Muhlingk. And how is the "Quinquina?"
Robert. Here is the report. (Hands him the paper)
Muhlingk. Not much, either! Where does the profit come in that brings up the average?
Robert. The chief source of gain was Sumatra tobacco and the tea--especially the tea. (Handing another sheet)
Muhlingk. You made this trial on the strength of your own judgment, too?
Robert. Not entirely, I followed a suggestion that my friend, Count Trast, gave me.
Muhlingk. And my nephew approved of it?
Robert. Afterwards--yes.
Muhlingk. You are right, Kurt--it is strange!
Robert. Have the gentlemen any further questions?
Muhlingk. Judging from the manner in which you behave here, one might think that you had been running my business in Java yourself. What do you imply by that?
Robert. That I had the authority, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. And where was my nephew, meanwhile?
Robert. That is a question too general to answer, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. Didn't he come to the office every day?
Robert. No, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. (With increasing anger) When did he come?
Robert. When the post from Hamburg came, and when he had need of money.
Muhlingk. Do you imply by that that my nephew neglected his duty?
Robert. I don't wish to imply anything that I have not said.
Muhlingk. Then kindly explain to me.
Robert. I don't feel myself called upon to discuss the private life of my former manager.
Kurt. But to paint him as black as you can--that suits you better!
Robert. (Starts forward toward him, but controls himself) Have the gentlemen any further questions?
Muhlingk. What monies have you brought with you?
Robert. I have notes from different banks amounting to about 95,000 gulden--here they are.
Muhlingk. Kurt, check that up. (Kurt rises and takes each paper from Robert in turn and looks it through)
Robert. Have you finished, Herr Councillor?
Muhlingk. Just a minute. (Pause)
Kurt. Correct.
Muhlingk. Well, my dear Herr--Heinecke, I wish you success in your future enterprises. Be an industrious fellow and don't forget what you owe to this house.
Robert. No, Herr Councillor, I shan't forget! Here is the forty thousand marks that you had the kindness to give to my father.
Muhlingk. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan.
Robert. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return.
Muhlingk. Has your father given his authority for the return of the money?
Robert. No, he has not.
Muhlingk. Then the money is your own?
Robert. Yes.
Muhlingk. Hmm!
Kurt. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has saved so much money?
Robert. (Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of Kurt's insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He seizes Kurt by the throat) Cur! take that back!--back!
Muhlingk. Help! help!
(Leonore enters.)
Leonore. Have pity! Robert!
Robert. (Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his hands. Kurt struggling for breath sinks to sofa) Oh!
(Enter Frau Muhlingk.)
Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (Rushing to him) Help! Murder! Murder! Ring, Theodore!
Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get out!
Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (At a movement from Leonore) Yes, Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!
Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done!
Robert. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you! You stole my home and my trust in God and man! You stole my sense of shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!
Muhlingk. (After a pause) Shall I have the servants put you out?
Leonore. (Stepping between) That you won't do, Father.
Muhlingk. What! You?
Leonore. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you can put me out, too.
Robert. Leonore, what are you doing?
Leonore. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word?
Muhlingk. You are mad!
Robert. Stop, Leonore! I will think of you with--gratitude--as long as I live. When I leave you I leave the only thing that I can call home--God bless you! and farewell! (He goes to door)
Leonore. (Embracing him) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you!
Robert. Leonore!
Muhlingk. What!!!
Leonore. Don't leave me alone! My soul is frozen between these walls! You are my home, too! You have always been! See, I've thrown myself into your arms!
Muhlingk. Oh! what a disgraceful scene!
Leonore. Father dear, we needn't get angry with each other. I love this man. For that which you have taken from him I offer that which I have. (Half to Robert) I only have myself--If he wants that----
Robert. Leonore!
(Enter Trast.)
Trast. What has happened?
Leonore. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way. Robert, let us make a new home, new duties.
Robert. (Bitterly, with a look at Kurt who is sitting as though dumb) And a new honor! (He takes her in his arms)
Frau Muhlingk. So that is our thanks, Father!
Leonore. Father, Mother, I ask your forgiveness, but what I am doing now I must do! I am sure that it can't be wrong. But I beg of you, think kindly of me--sometimes.
Muhlingk. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse! (He lifts his arm as though to curse her) You----
Trast. (Stepping up to him) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of wearing yourself out with curses? (Quietly) and furthermore, in confidence, your daughter isn't making a bad match. The young fellow will have my station and, since I have no heirs, my fortune.
Muhlingk. But, Count--why didn't you explain!
Trast. (Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless him) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing!
(Follows the two to the door as
THE CURTAIN FALLS.)
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 1]: Certain German houses are divided Into two parts the so-called "Hinterhaus" and "Vorderhaus." The "Vorderhaus" (translated roughly "on the avenue") is the larger part and usually belongs to the owner. The "Hinterhaus" (rendered "on the alley") is a few rooms opening on an alleyway or court whose occupants sometimes act in the capacity of caretakers, but who often have nothing to do with the people in the Vorderhaus and hardly consider themselves on a plane with the richer family's servants.--Tr.
[Footnote 2]: A newspaper.--Tr.
[Footnote 3]: The German workman is allowed time in the middle of the morning for a light lunch which tides him over from his coffee and rolls to the more substantial dinner at noon.--Tr.
[Footnote 4]: A well known quotation from Schiller's "Die Rauber."
[Footnote 5]: Thus in the original.--Tr.
[Footnote 6]: The poor people in Germany drink an infusion of oak-leaves in place of coffee.
[Footnote 7]: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.
[Footnote 8]: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.