von Berkelwitz.
Not that we can't give you as good a dinner as you'll get here. But as to keeping up a countryseat and a town house and a shooting-box and a racing-stable--why, it's out of the question. I've had to mortgage my place--and the men's wages--coming round every Saturday! well--well--I tell my boys--rich marriages--that's the cure. And they ought to, by gad! Good-looking fellows, you understand. What the deuce are we Prussian noblemen for, if the state doesn't provide for us? Just answer me that!
Prince (who has been studying the pictures).
You ought to ask the Socialists that, Herr von Berkelwitz--ask it in the Reichstag, you know. It would be rather effective. (Turns back to the pictures.) A capital Sustermans.
Brachtmann (smiling).
After all, we're all looking out for ourselves.
von Berkelwitz.
And how have we succeeded? What have we landed proprietors accomplished? Oh, we can all talk loud enough; but when it comes to action, there we stand with our hands in our pockets.
Prince.
(Who is turning over photograph-albums on the table.) Other people's pockets.