MRS. FLAMM and the MAID disappear in the den.
FLAMM
I'm really sorry for the Lachmanns. [To KEIL.] You invested your savings in a mortgage on that property, didn't you? [AUGUST coughs excitedly and in embarrassment.] Well, that's all the same in the end! Whoever owns that property, though, has cause to congratulate himself.—So you want to marry? Well, all that's wanting is the lady! How is that? Is the lady stubborn?
AUGUST
[Very much wrought up and quite determined.] We're at one entirely, so far as I know.
BERND
I'll go an' fetch her, Mr. Flamm.
[Exit rapidly.
FLAMM
[Who has opened the desk in obvious absentmindedness, observes BERND'S departure too late.] Nonsense, there's no such terrible hurry. [For a few moments he gazes in some consternation at the door through which BERND has disappeared. Then he shrugs his shoulders.] Do as you please! Exactly as you please! I can light a pipe in the meanwhile. [He gets up, takes a tobacco pouch from the bookcase and a pipe from a rack on the wall, fills the pipe and lights it. To AUGUST.] Do you smoke?