Brachtmann.
How is it we never see you in the Reichstag nowadays, my dear fellow?
von Berkelwitz.
What's a man to do? I'm a country squire--I've got to work--and besides I'm too poor to live in town. A man has got to make a show here--keep up appearances--I--hang it, that champagne's gone to my head--what was I going to say? Oh, yes: well, you see, I've got four boys growing up; one is in the Rathenow Hussars--crack regiment, you know--I always look out for that sort of thing--but costs like the devil! The second is with the Pacific squadron on board the Princess William. He doesn't cost as much except when he's ashore. The third is to study forestry, and just now he's with his rifle-corps. The fourth is at college--Bonn--belongs to all the most expensive clubs--but smart, deuced smart! That's the chief thing. I expect all four to make their living out of the state, but meanwhile they're a confounded expense to me. You've no idea what it costs to keep Oscar alone in white gloves!
Prince (to Brachtmann).
And these are the sources of German statesmanship!
von Berkelwitz.
What did you say, Prince?
Prince.
Nothing, nothing.