HUMMEL. [Producing a document] If you'll read this extract from the armorial, you will see that the family whose name you are using has been extinct for a century.
COLONEL. [Reading the document] I have heard rumours to that effect, but the name was my father's before it was mine.... [Reading again] That's right! Yes, you are right—I am not a nobleman! Not even that!—Then I may as well take off my signet-ring.... Oh, I remember now.... It belongs to you.... If you please!
HUMMEL. [Accepting the ring and putting it into his pocket] We had better continue. You are no colonel, either.
COLONEL. Am I not?
HUMMEL. No, you have simply held the title of colonel in the American volunteer service by special appointment. After the war in Cuba and the reorganisation of the army, all titles of that kind were abolished....
COLONEL. Is that true?
HUMMEL. [With a gesture toward his pocket] Do you wish to see for yourself?
COLONEL. No, it won't be necessary.—Who are you, anyhow, and with what right are you stripping me naked in this fashion?
HUMMEL. You'll see by and by. As to stripping you naked—do you know who you are in reality?
COLONEL. How dare you?