BEERMANN [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear indifferent.]
STROEBEL. Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the Commissioner himself is following up this matter. He wants to have another conference with me about it to-day.
BEERMANN. Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens?
STROEBEL. You must be consistent....
BEERMANN. It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or relatives are involved ...
STROEBEL. You must remain consistent. Doesn't this splendidly justify the founding of your Society?
BEERMANN [in a rage]. Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice Society. Are we not all human, after all!
STROEBEL. I do not understand you.
BEERMANN. Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer? Last night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen, all these family misfortunes, I asked myself this question: What really is morality? And ... I could not find the answer.
STROEBEL. Although you are ...