ACT II.

Scene:--_The drawing-room in the_ Muhlingk's _house_ (_The "Vorderhaus"_). _The furnishings are rich but rather stiff. At the back, a wide door hung with portieres opens into the dining-room. On the left, beside a fire-place is a sofa and an oval table. Beside it a rocking-chair. In the dining-room the richly set table can be seen. Dinner is over and a servant is clearing away the things_. Herr Muhlingk, Frau Muhlingk, Kurt _and_ Leonore _are drinking coffee in the drawing-room. The servant who has passed the cups goes out_.

Kurt. As I remarked before, the black horse is fine!

Kurt. Expensive it certainly is!

Frau Muhlingk. I shall make up the rest of the money, just to stop the argument.

Kurt. (_Kisses her hand_) My best thanks, Mama;--Now I can show myself to Berlin mounted and spurred!--You can admire me, too, Lori!

Leonore. (_Without looking up from her book_) Yes, my dear.

Kurt. Lothar Brandt and Hugo Stengel wanted to come out to see the beast. Perhaps that doesn't interest you either, Lori?

Leonore. They will probably come often. They haven't anything else to do. (_Looking at the clock--aside_) Oh, how the time drags! (_The servant goes out_)

Frau Muhlingk. You must not speak so harshly about these gentlemen, my child. You know Lothar wants to pay court to you.

Leonore. Really?

Frau Muhlingk. Haven't you noticed it?

Leonore. I haven't paid any particular attention.

Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) It's unbearable, Theodore!

Muhlingk. We've had enough of this tone, my child. Even the pride in your paternal bank account has its limits.

Leonore. (_Looking at him_) Pride in the paternal bank account?

Muhlingk. Well, how can we explain this manner you have assumed for the last ten years, sending home every rich and respected man who has proposed to you?--I am a simple, middle-class man. I made my own way with my own help----

Kurt. That is to say, he married a rich wife.

Muhlingk. What's that, Kurt?

Kurt. An exclamation of admiration, Father; nothing else.

Muhlingk. No, I didn't have it as easy as you, my boy. You might well follow my example. I don't like to play the spender and I don't care to see it in my children, either. That is the only way one can live tastefully!

Kurt. --and cheap, too!

Leonore. Your accusation doesn't apply to me, papa.

Frau Muhlingk. Will you condescend to give us an explanation then?

Leonore. Mama!

Frau Muhlingk. (_Nervously_) Well?

Leonore. (_Rising_) Oh, why can't you let me work out my own salvation? I am modest enough--I only ask to be allowed to live my own life.

Muhlingk. You call that modest? If that is modest, what is to become of the sanctity of family ties?

Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) Do you hear that? I haven't slept for nights and nights!

Leonore. Because of me, mama?

Frau Muhlingk. Every day these mad ideas, these unconventional acts! Now what does it mean this time, when you plunder the hothouse to send flowers to a clerk!

Leonore. You mean Robert?

Frau Muhlingk. The young Herr Heinecke, I mean.

Leonore. He isn't a clerk. He is almost a member of the family!

Kurt. Oh, thank you.

Frau Muhlingk. (_Mildly_) That is, we brought him up out of the gutter.

Muhlingk. (_As the servant enters_) Eh?

Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the alley sends word that he will take the liberty of----

(Leonore _looks at the clock involuntarily._)

Muhlingk. Well, well--just like a noble gentleman! That is good!

Wilhelm. --calling, with your permission. He named another gentleman. Count Trast, or someone----

Muhlingk. (_Jumping up_) What! Count Trast! Trast and Company, Kurt! The coffee King. (_Motions the servant off_)

Kurt. What luck that clerk has!

Muhlingk. Oh, we must invite him to the house, Amalie.

Frau Muhlingk. Very good,--to-morrow morning.

Leonore. What! and not invite Robert Heinecke too?

Kurt. (_Aside_) Better and better!

Muhlingk. Well, perhaps you are right. When one descends to the level of these people one really unites their interests with the interests of the firm. A thing like that often brings in thousands, Kurt. The young fellow did very well under Benno's direction and inasmuch as I'm thinking of sending him for ten years into the Antilles, I----

Leonore. (_Indignantly_) Oh, I did not mean it that way, papa!

Muhlingk. Oh, that's all right.

Frau Muhlingk. And, Kurt, you must take care that the young fellow doesn't make any _faux pas_. He comes from the alley, you know. A thing like that might spoil the whole affair.

Kurt. (_Standing up_) Pardon me, did you expect I would invite my friends?

Muhlingk. Certainly, your friends, too! Bachelors always have plenty of time.

Kurt. (_Standing up_) Pardon me, I should like to ask to be excused from doing that. I can't be expected to introduce gentlemen of good family to the son of (_Indicating the alley_) Herr Heinecke.

Leonore. (_Aside_) Would you rather have the brother of Miss Heinecke here?

Kurt. (_Shocked, then gathering himself together_) What do you mean?

Leonore. Be thankful I don't insist on an answer.

Kurt. Really!

Leonore. Shall I?

Kurt. So you're threatening me, are you?

Muhlingk. My dear children, in this house we won't have any scenes, please.

Frau Muhlingk. Don't let's pay any attention to it, Theodore. I'll lie down now and rest for a minute or two--Won't you?

(Muhlingk _kisses her ceremoniously on the forehead._)

Kurt. (_Aside_) The good old days! Goodbye! (Frau Muhlingk _goes towards door_. Muhlingk _rings_)

Leonore. (_Hurrying after_ Frau Muhlingk) Mother!

Frau Muhlingk. (_Turns around, speaks nervously, but in a friendly tone_) Never mind! It's all right! (_She goes out_)

Muhlingk. Ask any visitors to come into my office.

(Muhlingk _and the_ Servant _go out_. Kurt _also starts to go._)

Leonore. It seems to me we have something to say to each other.

Kurt. We? Oh, no!

Leonore. You don't want to draw me into an argument, perhaps?

Kurt. It doesn't seem to suit you when I take a notion to see a little of the world. Because you are four years older than I, and because you taught me to walk, you'd still like to have me tied to your apron-strings. You--but I can go--alone now. There are ladies who have said I go too far. Let me find heaven in my own way.

Leonore. I have never interfered with you. Go on, play the man-of-the world as much as you like, but have the courage to admit it.

Kurt. What good would that do?

Leonore. You play the dutiful son and then make fun of your parents behind their backs. Believe me, Kurt; you are ruining your character.

Kurt. (_Laughing_) No!

Leonore. There is just one thing I ask of you--at least keep this house and its surroundings sacred.

Kurt. We'll do that with the help of the Lord!

Leonore. Do you know what they are whispering around the factory? That you are paying far too much attention to Robert Heinecke's sister--that you----

Kurt. (_Shrugging his shoulders_) Yes, and you allow yourself to carry the gossip of the backstairs about----

Leonore. Kurt, not that tone! I defended you from Mama and Papa to-day. The next time I shan't do it. And remember one thing: Robert has come back.--If he finds his sister guilty--don't worry, I wouldn't dare think it!--But the girl is frivolous and vain! If it _were_ so--and you were to blame, Kurt, take care! He would break you in pieces!

Kurt. Who? My clerk?--with his sample-case?

Leonore. And you stoop to steal this from your clerk.

Kurt. What's that? Steal--steal what?

Leonore. His position in the world! His good name!

Kurt, The good name of Heinecke--bah!

(_Enter a servant with two visiting cards which he hands to_ Leonore.)

Leonore. Visitors for you.

Kurt. Who?

Leonore. Read!

Kurt. Lothar Brandt.--Hugo Stengel.--Show them in. (_Throws the cards on the table_, Servant _goes out_)

(Leonore _drops into the rocking-chair._)

Kurt. Signs and miracles! You didn't run away.

(_Enter_ Hugo Stengel _and_ Lothar Brandt.)

Lothar. 'Morning, old fellow.

Kurt. (_Going to him_) You've come to see my horse. This is very good of you!

Hugo. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) We took the liberty!

Lothar. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) If we aren't disturbing the Gnadiges Fraulein.

Leonore. (_Politely_) Certainly not. I seldom go into the stables.

(Brandt _and_ Stengel _clear their throats._)

Kurt. Won't you sit down?

Lothar. We await the permission of Fraulein Leonore.

Leonore. (_Coolly_) Oh, please! (_She takes a book and begins turning the leaves_. Kurt _throws her a look. They sit down_)

Kurt. Well, where were you yesterday?

Lothar. (_Affectedly_) Ah, by Jove, you make an awful demand on a man's memory. What was I doing yesterday? First I went riding, then I had a conference with Father.--Coffee is sinking again.

Hugo. Alarmingly--53 and a half.

Lothar. Alarmingly, is not the right word. It _is_ sinking. We'll make a fight. Then I made some visits, then I dined at the Officers' Association----

Leonore. (_Looking up_) Ah, you are an officer?

Lothar. (_Insulted_) I thought you knew, Gnadiges Fraulein?--I am a Reserve Lieutenant in the "Crown Prince" Cuirassier regiment.

Leonore. (_Smiling, looking toward the table_) Ah, yes! Note visiting card!

Kurt. (_Slapping him on the back_) And besides that, boots and saddles astride Papa's desk chair.

Lothar. (_Sharply_) Oh I say, old fellow!

Leonore. The desk chair isn't the slowest horse in the race for fortune you know, Herr Lieutenant.

Hugo. Oh, that was good!

Kurt. But I looked for you last evening.

Lothar. The evening.--We were invited somewhere? Where? It isn't quite clear in my memory now. We won't discuss the matter. You seem to be amused, Gnadiges Fraulein?

Leonore. Is that forbidden?

Lothar. But really, you know, you in your pride and seclusion, have hardly an idea what the word _saison_ means in our good German tongue.

Hugo. It is quite two months, Gnadiges Fraulein, that I have done what you might really call sleeping.

Kurt. And that was on a billiard table.

Lothar. Oh, our respected Kurt meant that as a joke! But if you knew what it meant to be a martyr to amusement, you would understand what we mean.

Leonore. I have made such an effort to understand you that I already begin to feel sorry for you.

Hugo. (_Aside to_ Lothar) I believe the girl is making fun of us.

Lothar. (_Aside, arrogantly_) Every woman tries to be a coquette.

Kurt. (_Who has gone over to_ Lenore, _aside_) You don't need to be so disagreeable.

Leonore. (_Rocking_) Hm? (_Goes on reading_)

Lothar. Might I ask what it is that takes so much of the Gnadiges Fraulein's attention.

Kurt. (_To himself_) If he would only let her be!

Leonore. Something that would hardly be of interest to the martyrs of amusement--for it concerns the martyrs of labor.

Lothar. Ah, I see.

Hugo. (_Getting up_) But weren't we going to see the horse?

Lothar. Ah yes! you two go ahead--The martyrs of labor interest me more than the Gnadiges Fraulein believes.

Kurt. (_To himself_) Oh, the poor devil!

Hugo. Good heavens!

Kurt. Come, Stengel, come! (_They go out_)

Leonore. (_Looking impatiently at the clock_) In what way can I be of service to you, Herr Brandt?

Lothar. Gnadiges Fraulein, I very much regret that you quite misunderstand me, for although I admit that I----

Leonore. And in order to prove that, you are willing to waste----

Lothar. A moment, please!

Leonore. (_Aside_) A proposal!

Lothar. My faults may be without number, but, Gnadiges Fraulein, I am a man of honor.

Leonore. I should think that that was to be taken for granted from the son of a respectable family, Herr Brandt, and as little worthy of praise as the fact that he wears a well-cut coat.

Lothar. Then you respect honor no more?

Leonore. Pardon me. I meant no disrespect to the ill-clad. But one doesn't bring them into the parlor. But I interrupted you, Herr Brandt. Perhaps I do misunderstand you. Please continue.

Lothar. I must admit, Gnadiges Fraulein, you have intimidated me. And that is something! For what is a man without courage?

Leonore. Ah, that is another thing. Courage, I can respect! But what have you done so far that has shown your courage?

Lothar. Ask my friends. That at least is above reproach.

Leonore. In other words, you have fought a duel.

Lothar. One doesn't discuss such things before ladies.

Leonore. But we hear about them just the same. We are here to offer the victor his laurels. Did you ever break a lance in defence of a conviction which you know in your heart you yourself have violated?

Lothar. (_Indignantly_) How can you ask that? Such a thing could never occur to me!

Leonore. Or have you never silently borne an unworthy suspicion?

Lothar. I? Silently? On the contrary.

Leonore. Never?

Lothar. Never, Fraulein.

Leonore. Then one can't be absolutely certain about your courage, Herr--may I say Lieutenant?--(_She rises_) First the test, and then perhaps we can discuss the matter further.

Lothar. (_Trying to hold her back_) Fraulein--

(_Enter_ Wilhelm.)

Wilhelm. Will the gentlemen step in here a moment?

Leonore. At last!

(Robert _and the_ Count _enter_; Lenore _runs to meet_ Robert.)

Trast. (_To himself_) So that's the story! (_To the servant who is about to go out_) Here, come here! (_He takes one of the cards from the tray and puts it in his pocket_)

Lothar. (_Looking at_ Robert _and_ Leonore) What does that mean?

Trast. My card is enough.

(_The servant goes out._)

Robert. Leonore, I've brought Count Trast, my benefactor and my best friend.

Leonore. (_Remembering_ Lothar) The gentlemen will permit me to introduce Herr Lothar Brandt? Herr Count von Trast--Herr Robert Heinecke, a playmate of my childhood.

Lothar. (_To himself_) She introduces me to Alma's brother--That is fine!--The gentlemen will pardon me, but my friends--(_Stutters and clears his throat_)

Trast. Are waiting for you, eh?

Lothar. (_Staring at him_) Exactly! (_As he goes_) What sort of a count is he? (_Turns at the door and bows stiffly, clicking his heels and goes out_)

Leonore. You have been away from home a long time, Herr Count?

Trast. I have inhabited the tropics for a quarter century.

Leonore. For pleasure?

Trast. As much as possible. Meanwhile I have been speculator in coffee, cloves and ivory, and elephant-hunter.

Leonore. (_Laughing_) In which of your many capacities am I to welcome you then, you many-gifted man?

Trast. You may take your choice, Gnadiges Fraulein.

Wilhelm. (_At the door_) The Herr Councillor is at your disposal.

Robert. I must----

Trast. (_To_ Robert) Stay where you are. I have something to say to the manager first. (_To_ Leonore) For ten years, he has been singing your praises; shouldn't you take the trouble to listen to ten minutes' praise of me?

Leonore. (_Shaking her finger at_ Trast) You are an old rogue!

Trast. A rogue in your own service! (_He goes out_)

Leonore. (_Taking_ Robert's _hand_) At last I have you here again!

Robert. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those words.

Leonore. Oh, how polite we are!--My words aren't alms! Come here, (_Leads him to the fireplace_) Sit down--here by the fire--beside me. You mustn't freeze in cold Germany!--Wait, I'll start up the fire! (_She blows with the bellows_) These fireplaces are--impractical things--most impractical, but anyway we can chat in front of it. In India you don't need fireplaces, do you? (_To herself_) I'm so happy!--Oh, I'm glad to see you again. And now, out with the "but" that you have up your sleeve. I'll parry it.

Robert. Don't make my heart too heavy.

Leonore. That's the last thing I want to do.

Robert. But that's what you're doing when you conjure up this ghost of a happiness that is now forever buried.

Leonore. Oh, if you were only as you used to be.

Robert. So I am. Heaven knows!--but there is a gulf between us!

Leonore. Then there was--yes!

Robert. God!--you must understand me! I cana't say what's in my heart--do you remember what you said to me when we parted?

Leonore. Well?

Robert. You said: "Be true to me, Robert."

Leonore. Is that what I said? Exactly that?

Robert. Such a thing one doesn't forget.

Leonore. They had forbidden us to call each other by our first names.

Robert. But you did it just the same.

Leonore. And why don't we do it any more?

Robert. You are playing with me.

Leonore. You are right, my friend. And I must not do it. It would look like coquetry, although it is nothing but the joy of seeing you again. You have shown me plainly enough that the dream of our childhood is over.

Robert. It must be. Your father lifted me out of the gutter in a moment of overflowing generosity. Everything that I think and know and feel I must thank him for. And for that very reason I have lost the right of independent action. I am a dependent of this house, and have not the right to approach its young mistress--in any way whatever.

Leonore. Your own pride punishes your lying words!

Robert. Perhaps it is my pride that forces me to accept this position!

Leonore. And you are not willing to sacrifice a little of it for my sake?

Robert. Don't torture me! It isn't that alone! Only think what I am suffering. For the first time, this moment, when I sit opposite you, do I realize anything like a home-coming! But I would be terribly selfish if I allowed myself to admit this feeling. Back there in the alley is my family!--Father, mother, sister--and this family--is my family! Oh, I tell you things have happened back there that you in your goodness can't even imagine.

Leonore. My dear friend, one doesn't have to go to India to become estranged from one's family.

Robert. You, too?

Leonore. It is better not to speak of it. I am ashamed of myself. I am even more of an outcast than you. I have lost all sense of duty. A sort of gloomy ill-will has come over me and now it is almost arrogance--towards my own people and all the others about them--and I'm not arrogant or proud by nature! Tell me, what is it that----?

Robert. Shh!

(Trast _and_ Muhlingk _enter at the right._)

Muhlingk. (_To_ Trast) Well, until to-morrow then. Count.--Ah, there is the young man. (_Extending his hand_) Welcome, welcome, do you want to go over the report at once?

Robert. I only came to present my respects, Herr Councillor, my papers aren't unpacked yet.

Muhlingk. Well, well, there's no hurry. But what are you doing here, Leonore?

Leonore. I simply wanted to say how d'ye do to Robert.

Muhlingk. Mm--But you know that Mama has been asking for you. Come, young man, I have plans for you; plans. You know, Count, we have no secrets from you.

Trast. You can get to know him better if you are alone with him. (_To_ Robert) I'll wait for you here.

Leonore. (_Shaking_ Robert's _hand_) Au revoir, Robert.

Muhlingk. Hm! (_Reprovingly. He goes out with_ Robert)

Leonore. Count, you heard--? I must go.

Trast. Gnadiges Fraulein! (Leonore _goes to door, he watches her, she turns and he shakes his finger at her_)

Leonore. (_Surprised_) What do you mean, Count?

Trast. Hm--I mean! (_He claps his hands_)

Leonore. And what does that mean?

Trast. That means--(_Through his hands_) Bravo!

Leonore. (_Dignified_) I don't understand you. Count--ah! (_She bursts out laughing and goes up frankly and puts out her hand_) Yes, I do understand.

Trast. (_Taking her hand in both his_) That's better.

Leonore. Count!

Trast. Fraulein! (Leonore _goes out_) She's a splendid specimen--that girl! I'll let her have him. He must have her.

(_Enter_ Kurt.)

Kurt. (_To_ Stengel _who is coming in_) Courage, courage, my boy! Come in.

Trast. (_Recognising_ Kurt _as he comes in with_ Brandt) He--here!

Kurt. (_Sees_ Trast; _startled, goes up to him, in a low voice_) You wished to see me, sir?

Trast. No, but I'm glad to see you.

Kurt. With whom have I the honor----?

Trast. Count Trast.

Kurt. (_Astonished and very polite_) Ah, we may thank--thank--our employe--er--our--a traveling acquaintanceship, I suppose--for this visit?

Trast. You are the son of the house?

Kurt. I beg your pardon, yes! At your service! Naturally--ah, Count, we are both men-of-the world enough to forget the affair of last night.

Trast. You think so?

Kurt. The girl is nice, I ought to know if anyone does. All honor to your good taste. But you must admit that I was in the right. I hope there will be no rivalry?

Trast. Especially, as the girl's brother is the best friend I have?

Kurt. (_Frightened, controls himself, then, after a pause_) What do you intend to do?

Trast. I have not decided as yet. If I can dissuade him from his imaginary duties to your house, and if I find you prepared to break off all further relationship, then perhaps I can remain silent.

Kurt. And otherwise?

Trast. That would be a matter for Herr Heinecke to settle.

Kurt. Do you think I would accept a challenge from my clerk?

Trast. Your what?--Oh, I see.

Kurt. Count, do what you please.

Trast. That is a habit of mine. Herr Heinecke is at this moment in your father's office. Permit me to remain here a few minutes in order that I may shorten your meeting. I should like to prevent you two from shaking hands.

Kurt. The room is yours, Count.

Trast. I thank you. (_They separate, and_ Trast _looks at the pictures_. Kurt _walks excitedly away from the others_)

Lothar. (_To_ Hugo) What happened between those two? If I remember rightly there was a Count Trast in our regiment who came to a bad end. Wait a moment.

Hugo. (_Nervously_) You aren't going to start a quarrel?

Lothar. Why not? The other fellow has some scheme. (_He approaches_ Trast) The Count seems to like solitude.

Trast. (_Turning_) Decidedly!

Lothar. That is rather impolite.

Trast. (_Looking at him squarely_) Ah! you seem to be carrying your sense of honor on your shoulder, Herr--er--pardon!

Lothar. My name is Lothar Brandt and I feel that it is necessary to add that I am Lieutenant of the Reserves in the Cuirassier Regiment "Crown Prince."

Trast. (_Politely_) Is that all?

Lothar. (_Threateningly_) Is that all, Count?

Trast. Pardon me! One serves in the Reserves during war time only. When I came back I hoped that I could live in peace.

Lothar. You are mistaken, Count, one serves in the Reserves during the rifle practice, as well.

Trast. Do you need me for rifle practice?

Lothar. Permit me, Count, to ask you a question.

Trast. With pleasure.

Lothar. In the regiment to which it is my great honor to belong there was formerly a young fellow who bore the same name as yours.

Trast. Ah? Then it was probably I.

Lothar. (_Sharply_) The man left the army under a cloud.

Trast. Exactly! Exactly! (_Very polite_) And if you wish to say in other words, that when we meet on the street you don't care to recognize me--I release you from the necessity of greeting--I can do without it. (_Bows and picks up a portfolio which he examines_)

Hugo. (_Enthusiastically_) Well, _I_ was never despatched as elegantly as that, (_He approaches_ Trast _and bows deeply_)--Permit me--my name is Stengel!

Trast. (_Turning_) Charmed!

Hugo. Stengel! (Trast _bows--they talk_)

Kurt. (_Comes forward and joins_ Lothar) Man, what are you trying to do. That's the almighty firm of Trast and Company.--Do you want to ruin your father's business?

Lothar. (_Dismayed_) Why didn't you tell me before?

Kurt. Whatever happens we must straighten the matter out

Lothar. If you can do it in perfectly good form.

Kurt. Pardon me. Count--my friend regrets----

Lothar. Regrets is hardly the word, Kurt.

Kurt. (_Stuttering_) Well--er--er----

Trast. Perhaps our friend would like to consider our little conversation as not having taken place?

Lothar. We can go as far as that at least, Kurt.

Trast. I must keep pace with his generosity, and--express the same desire.

Kurt. Then the matter is settled.

Lothar. And I take the liberty to express my pleasure at meeting personally, the man whose work I have respected for so many years.

Trast. (_Very politely_) You see, Lieutenant, that it was not entirely superfluous when I asked "Is that all?" As business men, we can understand each other perfectly. Gentlemen, Herr Brandt Junior, heir to the worthy firm of importers, Brandt and Stengel, with which I am pleased to have business relations, has just given me a little statement in private on the theme of "Honor." Permit me to make the answer public. (_They sit down_) In confidence, there is no such thing as honor, (_All are astonished_) Don't be frightened. It won't hurt you.

Lothar. And what we call honor?

Trast. What we commonly call honor is nothing more than the shadow we throw in the sunlight of publicity. But the worst part of it is that we have as many kinds of honor as we have business circles and strata. How can one find his way among them?

Lothar. (_Sharply_) You are mistaken. Count. There is only one honor, just as there is only one sun and one God. One must feel that--or he is no gentleman.

Trast. Hm!--Permit me to tell you a little tale. In a journey through Central Asia I stopped at the house of a Thibetan Chief. I was dusty and footsore. He received me, sitting on his throne. Beside him was his charming little wife. "Rest yourself, traveler," he said to me, "my wife will prepare you a bath and then we men shall dine together." And he gave me over to his young wife.--Gentlemen, if ever in my life my self-control was put to test it was in that hour--And when I returned to the hall, what did I find? The attendants under arms, threatening voices and half-drawn swords. "You must die!" cried my host, "you have given a deadly insult to the honor of my house. You have scorned to accept the most sacred thing I could offer you."--You see, gentlemen, I am still living, for eventually the deficient sense of honor of the barbaric European was forgiven. (_They laugh_) If you happen to know any of our modern writers on the theme of adultery you might tell them this story.

(_All laugh, and move gradually towards the left._)

Trast. (_Continuing_) Gentlemen, I don't want to be considered immoral. The study of the puzzles of civilization is a thing apart.--You see it lies in the nature of your so-called honor, that it may only be possessed by the certain few, the demi-gods; for it is an emotional luxury that loses value in direct proportion as it is appropriated by the rabble.

Kurt. But that is a paradox. Count. Is it not permitted to everyone to be a man of honor?

Trast. On the contrary. Then the poorest devil in the alley might dispute the honor of a gentleman. (Kurt _is perplexed_)

Lothar. If he acts according to honor, then he must be a gentleman.

Trast. Hm! Really? May I tell you another, a shorter story?--But I am afraid I'm boring you.

Lothar _and_ Hugo. (_Laughing_) No!--No!

Trast. It took place somewhere in South America--the Spaniards are the aristocrats there,--the population is a mixture of negroes, Indians, and a sort of white trash. A product of this mixed race,--his name was--hm--Pepe--had the opportunity of being transported to the Spanish mother country where he (_Breathes on his left elbow_) absorbed a little of the pure Castillan sense of honor. (Robert _enters without being heard and listens_) When he came back, after several years, he found his little sister on all too intimate terms with a young aristocrat--Gentleman, we mustn't get angry, Considering her origin it was the girl's destiny. But the young fellow dared to attempt to avenge his sister's honor, not as a mestizo but as a Hidalgo!

Kurt. (_In a hurt voice_) Listen, that means me!

Trast. You see, gentlemen, that was madness and he was treated as a madman. Then the fellow showed his real nature. Like a thug he waited for the young nobleman and he shot him down. He was sentenced, and even under the very gallows the fool declared,--his name was Pepe--that he was dying for his honor. Gentlemen, isn't that absurd?

Robert. (_Who has made his appearance unobserved_) You are mistaken, my friend! This fool was right. I should have acted exactly the same way.

Trast. Oh, oh, it's you! (_Going quickly to him_) You don't know these people! Don't look around. Come with me. (_Draws him toward the door_)

Robert. Isn't that Kurt?

Trast. They are strangers.--Come. You will excuse me, gentlemen? We are in a hurry. Goodbye.

Lothar. (_To_ Kurt) Now, I'll settle him. (_To_ Trast) Permit me just one more question, Count. (_Affectedly_) If you intend to do away with honor entirely; what do you expect gentlemen of honor to put in its place?

Trast. (_Straightening up_) Duty, young man--(_To himself_) This is certainly unpleasant, Gentlemen----

Kurt. (_As_ Trast _and_ Robert _are about to leave_) It was a great honor to our house, Count.

Robert. Pardon me, but you are Herr Kurt Muhlingk?

Kurt. That is my name?

Robert. (_Confused_) But--aren't--? Of course, you don't recognize me! I am--(_He is about to offer his hand to_ Kurt)

Trast. (_Stepping between_) You don't shake hands with this man.

Robert. (_Looks about confused, stares at_ Kurt, _then at_ Trast, _then at_ Kurt _again, gives a little cry, then controls himself_) I should like to have a word with you--Herr Muhlingk--in private.

Kurt. As you see, I have some guests here now, but in an hour I shall be at your service.

Robert. In an hour, Herr Muhlingk!

Trast. (_To himself_) He found out quickly enough!

(Trast _and_ Robert _go to the door as_

THE CURTAIN FALLS.)