SCHWARZ. What have you two got against me?
SCHÖN. For six months you've been revelling in all the heavens. You have a wife whom the world envies you, and she deserves a man whom she can respect—
SCHWARZ. Doesn't she respect me?
SCHÖN. No.
SCHWARZ. (Depressed.) I come from the dark depths of society. She is above me. I cherish no more ardent wish than to become her equal. (Offers Schön his hand.) Thank you.
SCHÖN. (Pressing it, half embarrassed.) Don't mention it.
SCHWARZ. (With determination.) Speak!
SCHÖN. Keep a little more watch on her.
SCHWARZ. I—on her?
SCHÖN. We are not children! We don't trifle! She demands that she be taken seriously. Her value gives her a perfect right to be.