ACT III
(Beermann's library. Elegantly furnished. A desk is backed up against a large bay-window on the right. Opposite is a large book-case, and next to this a sofa. A long double door with small French panes somewhat to the left. On the left of stage a small table and a few comfortable leather chairs. On the right a simple door.
Beermann enters through the middle door. He goes to the desk, unlocks a drawer and takes out the diary of Hauteville. He looks carefully about him, then picks out a volume of an encyclopedia from the book-case, opens it quickly and places the diary inside. He seats himself and begins to read. At this moment the center door is opened slowly, and Frau Beermann stands on the threshold.)
FRAU BEERMANN. Are you alone, Fritz?
BEERMANN [frightened, slams the book so that the diary is concealed in it]. Goodness, you did frighten me!
FRAU BEERMANN. I did not know how nervous you were until yesterday.
BEERMANN. Oh, what, nervous? I am over-worked and irritable. Every single day, I have to prepare a new speech.
FRAU BEERMANN. Is it in that work that I disturbed you? Pardon me.