Gentlemen, I'm only a plain country squire, and I haven't your refinements of conscience. (He takes the paper, tears it up and throws it into the wastepaper basket. Brachtmann and the Prince laugh.)
von Berkelwitz.
After which act of felony I suppose I had better make my escape. (Shakes hands with the others and goes out.)
Brachtmann.
Then it's understood that, in the interests of the party, you will----
Prince.
'Sh. Here is our host.
Kellinghausen enters.
Kellinghausen.
Ah, there you are, Richard! My dear fellow, I've been hunting for you high and low. I was actually reduced to asking Madame von Völkerlingk where you were. "My dear Count," she said, "it's fifteen years since I've known where my husband was." Nice reputation you've got! Well, now I've run you to earth, sit down and let's have a talk. (To the others.) I haven't had a chance to say two words to him yet.