Laskowski. And your dad, I tell you he was mad! He just couldn't look at me! But I don't bear him any grudge! I'm a man of honor! Shake hands, old chap! You say so, ain't I a man of honor? Put 'er there! Man of honor face to face with man of honor. But you must look at me, man alive! Or I won't believe you! (He extends his hand over to Paul. )

Paul (negative gesture). Never mind! Just believe me.

Laskowski (looks at Antoinette). Dearie, don't make such a face! Eat! Eat!... So you can get strong, so you can survive your poor Heliodor! (All except Paul and Antoinette laugh.)

Dr. Bodenstein (to Mertens). Incipient delirium!

[Mrs. von Tiedemann whispers something into Mertens' ear.]

Paul (to Antoinette). You really haven't taken a thing, madam!

Antoinette. I am not hungry. But will the ladies and gentlemen not take something more? A little more of the dessert, perhaps.

von Tiedemann. No, thanks, madam! I can't eat another thing! Not if I try! Or I'll burst!

Mrs. von Tiedemann (reproachfully). Fritz!

Dr. Bodenstein. Albumen! Fat! Carbo-hydrates! In hoc signo vinces. Mertens. And now a little cup of coffee!