BEERMANN. I do not seem to know you any more. During our entire married life, you have not spoken as seriously as in the last fifteen minutes.
FRAU BEERMANN. That perhaps was my great mistake. But I have paid for it. [She opens the door.]
BEERMANN. Lena dear, have you nothing further to tell me?
FRAU BEERMANN. I just beg of you; do not bring your family into ridicule. [Exit.]
BEERMANN [For a while remains standing; lost in thought; then he turns on the electric light, sighing, goes over to the bookcase, takes out the volume of the encyclopedia wherein the diary of Madams de Hauteville is hidden, opens it and reads standing. A knock on the door. Frightened, he quickly hides the diary in his side pocket.]
BEERMANN. Come in. [Justizrat Hauser enters on the left.]
HAUSER. Lord; good evening.
BEERMANN [hurrying toward him]. Lord; how glad I am that you have come.
HAUSER. Has anything happened?
BEERMANN. N ... no.