BEERMANN [mopping his brow with his handkerchief]. You'll have to pardon me, Herr Assessor; I am still affected by that running up and down stairs.
STROEBEL. Perhaps our conversation tires you?
BEERMANN. Don't mention it. I simply cannot follow you so quickly, A moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn't you?
STROEBEL. Of this Hauteville woman.—Yes.
BEERMANN. Have you been through this diary?
STROEBEL. No. I have not had time yet.
BEERMANN. But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it.
STROEBEL. Only those I noticed in glancing through it.
BEERMANN [relieved]. Ah!
STROEBEL. Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the contents of this book must remain a secret to you. My orders are not to show it to anyone.