COMMISSIONER [to the Baron]. If you please, Herr Baron.... [To Beermann]. Ah ... here is our President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice. [Beermann bows slightly—Commissioner continuing contemptuously.] Well, have you accomplished your mission? [Beermann nods.] Are you satisfied with this arrest or would you like to have us do more? [Angrily.] Once for all, Sir, I forbid you to meddle with the affairs of this office. You can preach your principles wherever else you like, but here I will stand for no interference. [Beermann timidly creeps along the wall, and bows himself out.] [Commissioner to Baron Schmettau.] Whenever the police bungle anything, look for reformers.
SCHMETTAU. [with a glance at Stroebel]. Will you introduce me?
COMMISSIONER. Assessor Stroebel,—Freiherr von Schmettau, Adjutant to his Highness, Prince Emil. [Stroebel clicks his heels together and bows deeply. Schmettau thanks him curtly.]
COMMISSIONER [sharply]. Herr Assessor, I have asked Herr Baron Schmettau to come with me in order that in his presence I might correct a pitiable lack of tact, which to my regret, and contrary to all my intentions, was perpetrated by Lieutenant Schmuttermaier.
SCHMETTAU. It was abominable.
COMMISSIONER. What orders did that man have?
STROEBEL [nervously]. Do you mean in the case of Hochstetter, Commissioner?
COMMISSIONER. Yes, sir, Madame de Hauteville, Who made the raid on her apartment?
STROEBEL. The raid?
COMMISSIONER. I hope before you arrested her you informed yourself exactly with whom you were dealing.