It's the very thing we want of you. According to the Socialists, a man and his wife are no more bound to each other than a pair of cuckoos. We need a speaker of your eloquence and your convictions to proclaim the sanctity of the marriage-bond.
Richard.
But I hardly know if I should have time to get my facts together. And besides-- (He draws Brachtmann aside and continues in a low tone.) An hour or two ago I received a copy of a speech that a fellow called Meixner has been making against me. The man is a former secretary of mine, turned Socialist----
Brachtmann.
Ah--Meixner was your secretary?
Richard.
You knew of this?
Brachtmann.
My dear Völkerlingk, don't you see that after such an attack it's doubly important that you should speak on this very question? As for the party, I think I may say in its name that our asking you to do so is equivalent to a vote of confidence.
Richard.