ACT ONE

Scene: Parlors of Herr and Frau Holthoff at their home in Berlin.

[An informal conference of the leading members of the Allied Workingmen's Clubs. Present various ladies and gentlemen, some seated, others standing, talking.]

Enter DOCTOR HAENLE

Herr Holthoff. Hello, Comrade Haenle! I am very glad to see you here.

Doctor Haenle. Not more glad than I am to be here.

[They shake hands cordially, all around.]

Herr Holthoff. [To his wife] My dear, you see Doctor Haenle has come—I win my bet!

Doctor Haenle. I hope you two have not been gambling!

Frau Holthoff. Yes, Doctor, we made a bet, and I am delighted to lose!