Major (lights his cigar).
Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am insulting you here.
Fritz.
How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't believe me, then you just don't believe me.
Major.
But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... Isn't that the case--are we not?
Fritz.
Oh, to be sure.
Major.
And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... Have you gambled?