Meixner.
No matter. Well I found I'd made a stupid blunder. I'd meant to convert Holtzmann but I hadn't meant to ruin you. Do you see? Then you made your speech to-day--and after that-- Well, I've been tramping the streets ever since, saying to myself: The man who could make that speech after what he's been through--well, he's suffered enough.--Baron Völkerlingk, here are two letters written to you by-- (he looks about him cautiously) by a lady I needn't name. Don't ask me how I got them. I didn't steal them; and here they are, if you'll give me your word that you'll put a stop to that libel-suit.
Richard.
I think the suit has already been stopped.
Meixner.
H'm--well, your thinking so is hardly sufficient.
Richard.
It will have to be stopped, even if you keep those letters.
Meixner (startled).
Even if--? H'm--do things look as badly as that for you?