BEERMANN. What do you mean? If nobody finds it out?
STROEBEL. But such a man must live constantly under a deception.
BEERMANN. My dear Assessor. If the white lie ceases in married life, the couple drifts apart.
STROEBEL. I cannot believe that!
BEERMANN [persuadingly]. Take my word for it. In every happy marriage the parties lie to each other to keep their affection from cooling.
STROEBEL. But both of them remain faithful.
BEERMANN. Not in the least.
STROEBEL. Don't say that!
BEERMANN. Not in the least; anyhow not to the very letter. A husband is true to his wife even if he ... and so forth.
STROEBEL. Your views surprise me.