Don't hang back now, my dear fellow. The way is open to you.
Richard.
Thank you. Good-bye. (Baron Ludwig goes out. Richard rings.)
Enter George.
Richard.
I will see the gentleman who is waiting. You will remain in the ante-room. Don't let in any one else. (George goes out. After a short pause Meixner enters.)
Richard.
Herr Meixner, after what has happened, doesn't it strike you as rather a liberty that you should enter my house?
Meixner.
(Speaking in a hoarse voice, with an occasional cough.) May I take my muffler off? My lungs have gone wrong--makes it very hard for me to talk down my adversary in one of those crowded smoky halls.--But what's to be done about it?