HAUSER. I received your message that you must see me tonight without fail.
BEERMANN. Yes, I was at your house twice.
HAUSER. Unfortunately, I was not there. [He has taken off his overcoat and is laying it on a chair.] Tell me, you seem to me all upset.
BEERMANN. I am upset.
HAUSER. I suppose that is why you sent for me. Well, then, what is it?
BEERMANN. Have a seat, please. [They sit down to the left on the sofa.] I must begin a little way back.... Have a cigar? [He goes over to the humidor, takes out a box of cigars and offers it to Hauser, who takes one.] I must begin a little way back ... Can you remember the subject we discussed last night?
HAUSER. The genuinely righteous moral life? [He lights his cigar.] Of course, I remember it. Such sermons are not easily forgotten.
BEERMANN. Do you know I got the impression that you have a rather liberal viewpoint.
HAUSER. Liberal?
BEERMANN. I mean that you are not a prude.