BARONESS. Then I want to file a claim at once against the Baron for my dowry which he has squandered.
JUDGE. If you have squandered your wife's dowry, Baron, it might be well to settle that matter right here.
BARON. The Baroness brought with her six thousand crowns in stock that was then unsalable and soon became wholly worthless. As at the time of our marriage she held a position as a telegrapher and declared herself unwilling to take support from her husband, we made a marriage contract and agreed that each one should be self-supporting. But she lost her position after the marriage, and I have been supporting her ever since. To this I had no objection whatever, but as she is now putting in bills, I shall ask leave to present one of my own to meet hers. It totals up to thirty-five thousand crowns, this being one-third of the household expenses since the beginning of our marriage, and I being willing to take two-thirds upon myself.
JUDGE. Have you this agreement in black and white, Baron?
BARON. I have not.
JUDGE. Have you any documents to prove the disposition of your dowry, Baroness?
BARONESS. I didn't think at the time it would be necessary to get anything in writing, as I supposed myself to be dealing with honourable people.
JUDGE. Then this whole question cannot come under consideration here. The jury will please step into the small court-room for discussion of the case and formulation of a decision.
SCENE XIII