SENDEN. That's what I ordered. Directly after, they start up a march and we bring him in procession.
BLUMENBERG. First rate! That will lend solemnity to his entrance. Only think up your speech. Be popular, for today we are among the rabble.
Enter guests, among them HENNING.
SENDEN (doing the honors with BLUMENBERG). Delighted to see you here! We knew that you would not fail us. Is this your wife?
GUEST. Yes, Mr. von Senden, this is my wife.
SENDEN. You here, too, Mr. Henning? Welcome, my dear sir!
HENNING. I was invited by my friend and really had the curiosity to come. My presence, I hope, will not be unpleasant to any one?
SENDEN. Quite the contrary. We are most pleased to greet you here.
[Guests leave through centre door; SENDEN goes out in conversation with them.]
BLUMENBERG. He knows how to manage people. It's the good manners of these gentlemen that does it. He is useful—useful to me too. He manages the others, and I manage him. [Turning, he sees SCHMOCK, who is hovering near the door.] What are you doing here? Why do you stand there listening? You are not a door-keeper! See that you keep out of my vicinity. Divide yourself up among the company.