I beg to have my complaint recorded.
WEHRHAHN
[Turning over the papers on his table.] You will please to send in your complaint in writing. I have no time at this moment.
KRUEGER looks at him in consternation, turns around vigorously, and leaves the office without a word.
WEHRHAHN
[After a pause of embarrassment.] That's the way people annoy me with trifles.—Ugh!—[To MRS. WOLFF.] You'd better get back to your washing.—I tell you, my dear Motes, a position like mine is made hard enough. If one were not conscious of what one represents here—one might sometimes be tempted to throw up the whole business. But as it is, one's motto must be to stand one's ground bravely. For, after all, what is it that we are defending? The most sacred goods of the nation!—
THE CURTAIN FALLS
THE THIRD ACT
It is about eight o'clock in the morning. The scene is the dwelling of MRS. WOLFF. Water for coffee is boiling on the oven. MRS. WOLFF is sitting on a footstool and counting out money on the seat of a chair. JULIUS enters, carrying a slaughtered rabbit.