Kurt. Hardly that.
Lothar. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward.
(Enter Muhlingk in a fur coat and hat, Wilhelm follows him.)
Muhlingk. (Throwing his coat to Wilhelm) What is that fellow thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(Wilhelm leaves) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to pick, eh?
Kurt. (Aside to his friends) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before the storm!
Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time----
Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day.
Lothar. (Aside) You tell us how the thing comes out.
(Lothar and Hugo go out.)
Muhlingk. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral side of the question.