ACT IV.

Scene:--_Same as in Act II_.

(Trast, Wilhelm _and_ Robert _discovered_. Robert _carries a portfolio under his arm._)

Wilhelm. (_Aside to_ Trast) I have strict orders not to let Herr Heinecke in.

Trast. Nor me?

Wilhelm. Oh, with the Count it is a different matter.

Trast. Thank you for the trust you put in me. Herr Heinecke is accompanied by me. I shall be responsible for his presence here. We shall wait for the Herr Councillor.

Wilhelm. But----

Trast. Which do you prefer--specie or paper? (_Looking for money in his pocket-book_) Is the whole house empty?

Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has gone to the factory, the Gnadige Frau has a headache, the Gnadiges Fraulein has gone to the city--Herr Kurt likewise.

Trast. Together?

Wilhelm. Oh, they never go together--Herr Kurt wanted to countermand the invitation--because--(_Indicates_ Robert)

Trast. (_Gives him money_) Good! That's all!

Wilhelm. Nothing further, sir?

Trast. Go.

(Wilhelm _bows and goes out_)

Trast. Come here, my boy.

Robert. What do you want?

Trast. What do I want? You know I never want anything. These things don't affect me. But the question is: What do you want here--in this house?

Robert. I want to settle my account.

Trast. Of course--we know that--But, inasmuch as you are willing to forego the generous handshake that the workman usually gets at this proud moment, I should think you would send the accounts to the office--and--(_With gesture of finality_)

Robert. That would be simple enough.

Trast. My dear man, let me talk to you as a friend!

Robert. Go ahead, talk!

Trast. You are pursuing a phantom!

Robert. Really?

Trast. No one has touched your honor.

Robert. Really!

Trast. Because nobody in the world could do it.

Robert. Really, really!

Trast. This thing that you call honor--this mixture of shame, and "tempo," and--honesty and pride, things you have acquired through a civilized existence and as a result of your own loyalty, why this can no more be taken away from you by a piece of treachery than your generosity or your judgment! Either it is a part of yourself or else it doesn't exist at all. The sort of honor that can be destroyed by a blow from a fop's glove has nothing to do with you! That is nothing but a mirror for the dandies, a plaything for the indolent and a perfume to the boulevardier.

Robert. You talk like someone trying to make a virtue out of necessity.

Trast. Perhaps--because every virtue is a direct result of necessity.

Robert. And my family?

Trast. I didn't think you had a family now! (Robert _buries his face in his hands_) I understand--it's a contraction of the nerves after the limb is amputated.--Don't deceive yourself! Even though the foot still pains you, the leg is gone!

Robert. You never had a sister!

Trast.--Tell me, must I, the aristocrat, learn what abasement means from you, a plebeian? My boy, don't forswear your parents. Don't say that they are worse than you or I.--They are different, that's all. Their sensations are sensations that are strange to you, the point of view they hold is simply beyond your comprehension. Therefore to criticize them is not only narrow-minded, but presumptuous--And you may as well know soon as late: in your struggle with your people you have been wrong from beginning to end!

Robert. Trast, you say that!

Trast. I take the liberty--You come back from a foreign country where you have been associating with triple-plated gentlemen, and then you expect your people, in order to please you, to change the very skins they live in; although they've fitted perfectly all these years! That is immodest, my boy! And your sister has really received back her honor from the family Muhlingk; the honor which she can make use of. For everything on this earth has its price and value. The honor of the Avenue may be paid for with blood--may be, I said. The honor of the Alley is restituted with a little capital, _in integrum_. (_As_ Robert _steps towards him angrily_) Don't eat me up! I haven't finished! Yes--what other significance has a girl's honor--and that's what we're concerned with now--than to bring a sort of dowry of pure-heartedness and honesty to her husband. She is there for one purpose and that is marriage! Just be so good as to make a few inquiries in the society from which you come and see if your sister, with the money that has dropped into her lap, can't make a much better match than she otherwise could!

Robert. Trast, you are cruel, you are crude!

Trast. Crude like Nature, cruel like Truth! Only the indolent and the cowardly surround themselves a _tout prix_ with idyllics--But you have nothing to do with them now. Come, give me your hand, shake the dust of home off your feet and don't look back!

Robert. First I must have personal satisfaction.

Trast. So you insist on fighting a duel with him?

Robert. Yes.

Trast. Don't be so old-fashioned.

Robert. Old-fashioned--I may be. Perhaps because I came into the world as a plebeian and because my conception of honor was acquired. I haven't the strength to rise to the heights of your standpoint. Let me go down in my own narrowness if I must.

Trast. But suppose he won't give satisfaction?

Robert. I shall find some way to force him.

Trast. Aha! (_Aside_) the revolver!--One thing more, my boy; if you have made up your mind to let Herr Kurt put a bullet through you, you must take away every pretext for his refusing.

Robert. Heavens, yes! you are right!

Trast. (_Drawing out his pocket-book_) Does that embarrass you?

Robert. No, you have done too much for me, for me to ask----

Trast. (_Filling out a check_) There!

Robert. And if I can never pay that back?

Trast. Then I'll write it in the largest ledger, where the accounts of friendships are kept (_Stroking his head_) It won't be as bad as that! Hm--my boy--one thing you've forgotten.

Robert. What?

Trast. Leonore.

Robert. (_Shuddering_) Don't speak of her!

Trast. You love her.

Robert. Oh!--I shan't answer!

Trast. Would you like to have her think of you as the murderer of her brother.

Robert. Better than if she had to think of me as a man without honor.

Trast. (_Straightening up_) Am I not a so-called "man without honor?" And haven't you found me a good fellow? And don't I carry my head as high as anyone in the world? Shame on you!

Robert. (_After a pause_) Trast--forgive me!

Trast. Forgive--Nonsense, I like you!--That's enough!

Robert. Trast--I--won't fight--the duel!

Trast. Your word?

Robert. My word!

Trast. Come, then.

Robert. Where?

Trast. How do I know? Into the world.

Robert. Forgive me--shall I?

(_Enter_ Wilhelm.)

Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has just come into his office.

Trast. (_Aside_) Kurt not home!--That's good.

Robert. I'll go in. (_He takes his portfolio_)

Trast. Good! Wait for me!

Robert. What do you want here?

Trast. Never mind about that. Come here. (_Aside to_ Robert) Before you go, give me your revolver.

Robert. (_Startled_) You know?

Trast. Anyone could see it inside your coat

Robert. Please--let me keep it--or can't you trust me?

Trast. I'm afraid that story of Pepe will go to your head.

Robert. Hasn't a word of honor between two dishonored men any value?

Trast. Good! Keep it, (Robert _goes out followed by_ Wilhelm. Trast _is about to follow him, but stops_)--Perhaps it was imprudent after all?--But if the youngster comes home, I'll keep them apart. Now there is something else to attend to. If this girl here is what I think she is--(_Enter_ Leonore L. _wearing a winter costume_) Ah, this is very fortunate.

Leonore. (_Giving him her hand. Excitedly_) Count, do you know where I've been? To your apartment! (_Takes her coat and hat off_) Are you shocked at my boldness? But you were the only one to whom I could go to find out what has happened. I was afraid my brother was on the way to ruin that young girl. I suspected it. Has your friend found out?

Trast. If that were all!

Leonore. What else could there be----

Trast. I admit, I really can't find words to----

Leonore. Please tell me!

Trast. Very well! Your parents have considered it necessary to make those poor people forget their trouble--so they appealed to them on their weakest side--namely, by their poverty.

Leonore. Do you mean to say that?--that--they--bought my brother's--(_As_ Trast _nods_) Oh, God!

Trast. It goes without saying that personally I offer no criticism of them whatever. That is the customary means of ending such relationships. But I am afraid for my friend.

Leonore. (_Her face in her hands_) How can I ever make it up to him?

Trast. Do you feel that it is your duty?

Leonore. My duty? My whole being revolts against this disgusting practice of my home!--Pay!--always pay! pay for honor, pay for love, pay for justice! We can afford it, we have the money. (_Throws herself into a chair. Then springing up_) Forgive me! I don't know what I'm doing! I spoke of my family as though they were strangers.

Trast. Perhaps they are more strangers to you than you think!

Leonore. (_Confused_) If you were only right! (_As he appears to listen to something outside_) What is it?

Trast. Isn't that your brother's voice?

Leonore. (_At the door_) Yes, with some of his friends.

Trast. (_Aside_) I shouldn't have let him keep the revolver. (_Taking his hat_) Is he going to the office?

Leonore. No, I think they are coming here.

Trast. (_Putting his hat down again_) Good, I will wait for him--One thing, Fraulein--My friend leaves this house to-day; he leaves the city to-morrow and perhaps Europe in a short time.

Leonore. (_To herself_) Oh, God!

Trast. But to-day I should like to prevent a meeting between him and your brother. If that meeting does occur, without my being able to prevent it, I should like you to remain in the vicinity.

Leonore. (_She nods; voices are heard at the door. She hurries to the left, then turns_) What shall I do. Count?

Trast. Be true to him!

Leonore. I will! (_She goes_)

Trast. Now--the brother!

(_Enter_ Kurt, Lothar _and_ Hugo.)

Kurt. (_Surprised_) Count!

Lothar. (_Aside_) Good thing we came with you!

Trast. I should like a few words with you, Herr Muhlingk.

Kurt. Sorry, but I am very pressed for time; my father is waiting for me!

Trast. (_Aside_) Oho!--(_To_ Kurt) It's a personal favor.

Kurt. I have no secrets from my friends, Count. (_They sit down_)

Trast. Someone, a great friend of mine, has suffered deeply because of his honor. On my advice and as a favor to me he has foregone sending you a challenge.

Kurt. You are mistaken, Count; Herr Heinecke received satisfaction.

Lothar. We could allow no other satisfaction.

Trast. (_Looks at him from head to foot_) We won't go into that any further, Herr Muhlingk. My friend at this moment is with your father, settling his accounts in person.

Kurt, Well, that is his privilege.

Trast. He is to have an interview with him at the same time.

Kurt. That is also his privilege. Count.

Trast. In an hour my friend will have left this establishment. In consideration of the strain of excitement under which he is probably suffering at present, it would be to the advantage of both sides if a meeting between you could be avoided.

Lothar. That----

Trast, (_Quietly_) Herr Lieutenant, I have not as yet taken the liberty of addressing you! Herr Muhlingk, let us consider this seriously. You are speaking with some one who has your material welfare at heart--not out of sympathy, I am free to admit--Therefore, I may speak to you almost as a friend, don't let these gentlemen intimidate you.

Hugo. No, don't let us intimidate you!

Trast. And consider this! I don't dare think of the wrong I have done that man--you will--you'll do me this favor?

Lothar. (_Behind_ Kurt) Now show him!

Kurt. I have nothing to say, Count, because I find it impossible to choose words to express my astonishment at your extraordinary request.

(_All rise._)

Lothar. (_To_ Kurt, _aside_) Fine! fine!

Kurt. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare make such a request to me in my own house?

Trast. You refuse?

Kurt. Do you still doubt it, Count?

Lothar. (_Aside to him_) More cutting, more cutting.

Trast. (_Aside_) Force--Yes, I doubted it, for I still cherished the slight hope that I was dealing with a man of honor--I beg your pardon--I made a mistake.

Kurt. Sir--that is----

Trast. An insult--yes.

Kurt. Which will be properly dealt with.

Trast. I ask for nothing better.

Kurt. You will hear from me to-morrow.

Trast. To-morrow--So you sleep on a thing like that? I am accustomed to settling such matters at once.

Kurt. (_Chokingly_) Immediately.

Trast. (_Aside_) Thank God! (_Aloud_) Then we'll go!

Lothar. (_Stepping between_) Always correct, Kurt. You, as principal, have nothing further to do with the gentleman. (_Sharply_) In the first place, Count, the Code of Honor permits the challenged as well as the challenger twenty-four hours in which to arrange his affairs. We, my principal and I--shall make use of this rule, unless--and now I come to the second point--we shall be prevented from enjoying that privilege--for you. Sir, have not insulted us----

Trast. Ah!

Lothar. You belong to those who _cannot_ insult us.

Trast. (_Merrily_) Ah, yes!

Lothar. Will you be kind enough to recall, that the Count von Trast-Saarberg, as we can still see in the register,--on the twenty-fifth of June, 1864, was released, under a cloud, from his regiment, because of unpaid gambling debts. That is all. (_Bows negligently_)

Trast. (_Breaking out into laughter_) Gentlemen, I thank you heartily for the little lesson--I certainly deserved it--for the worst crime under heaven is to be illogical! And one thing I see above everything else. No matter how much a man is elevated above the modern Honor he must still remain her slave, even if it is only when he wants to help a poor devil of a friend out of a hole--Gentlemen, I have the honor-- Pardon! I _haven't_ the honor! You have denied me that; so nothing remains but the pleasure--the pleasure of saying "Good-day," but that is better still! (_He goes out laughing_)

Hugo. Here we are with our honor and still we've made ourselves ridiculous.

Lothar. We acted quite correctly.

Hugo. But, Lothar, the coffee, the coffee.

Lothar. One must be willing to sacrifice for the sake of his Honor, my friend. I am glad I could do you this service, Kurt--What would you have done without me? Well, until to-night.

Kurt. Are you going back to town already?

Lothar. Yes.

Kurt. I'll go with you.

Lothar. Oh, that will look as though you wanted to get away from the noble brother.

Kurt. What do you mean?

Lothar. Do you want the Count to laugh in his sleeve? Now it has become almost a duty to stay.

Kurt. Hardly that.

Lothar. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward.

(_Enter_ Muhlingk _in a fur coat and hat_, Wilhelm _follows him._)

Muhlingk. (_Throwing his coat to_ Wilhelm) What is that fellow thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(Wilhelm _leaves_) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to pick, eh?

Kurt. (_Aside to his friends_) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before the storm!

Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time----

Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day.

Lothar. (_Aside_) You tell us how the thing comes out.

(Lothar _and_ Hugo _go out._)

Muhlingk. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral side of the question.

(_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.)

Kurt. (_Aside_) Here comes the old lady, this will be great.

Frau Muhlingk. Oh, Kurt! Kurt!

Kurt. Yes, Mother?

Frau Muhlingk. (_Sitting_) You have brought a great deal of trouble to your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. (Leonore _enters left_) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! (_To_ Leonore) What do you want?

Leonore. I have something to say to you.

Muhlingk. We haven't time now, go to your room.

Leonore. No, Father. I can't play the part of the silent daughter any longer. If I am a member of the family I want to take part in this conversation.

Muhlingk. What is the meaning of all this ceremony?

Leonore. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family.

Muhlingk. I don't know anything----!

Leonore. You needn't try to hide it from me. According to the rules of modern hypocrisy which are applied to the so-called young ladies, I ought to go about with downcast eyes and play the part of innocent ignorance. Under the circumstances that doesn't work. I have heard about the whole affair.

Frau Muhlingk. And you aren't ashamed of yourself?

Leonore. (_Bitterly_) I am ashamed of myself.

Muhlingk. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad?

Leonore. If my tone was impertinent, please forgive me. I want to soften you, not to quarrel with you. Perhaps I have been a bad daughter--Perhaps I really haven't the right to have my own thoughts as long as I do not eat my own bread--If that is true, try to pardon me--I will make up for it a thousand times. But understand--give him back his honor----

Muhlingk. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you mean by "giving him back his honor?"

Leonore. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up for what has happened. Then we can find the means later.

Muhlingk. You think so? Sit down, my child--I shall let my customary mildness still govern me and try to bring you to reason, although perhaps a stricter method would be more in place--Look at this old gray head. A great deal of honor has been piled up there and still in my whole life I have never meddled with this so-called sense of honor--ah, what a person has to endure without even saying "Hum" when he expects to succeed in life. Here is a young man from whom you say, I have taken his honor. Taking for granted that you are right--where does a young fellow like that get his honor? From his family? Or from my business? My clerks are no knights. You say he had honor, and I'm supposed to give it back to him. How? By taking his sister as a daughter-in-law?

Frau Muhlingk. Really, Theodore, you mustn't say these things even as a joke.

Muhlingk. If I did that, I should disgrace myself and my family. On the other hand, this young man has the chance of getting out of the trouble. If he refuses, and it comes back to me, who shall be made unhappy, we or he? My answer is; he shall, I have no desire to be, myself--That's the way I've always done, and everyone knows me as a man of honor.

Leonore. (_Rising_) Father, is that your last word?

Muhlingk. My last! Now, come, give me a kiss and beg your mother's pardon.

Leonore. (_Shrinks back with a shudder_) Let me go! I can't deceive you!

Muhlingk. What do you mean?

Leonore. Father, I feel I am in the wrong, that I am asking the impossible from you. I shall have to know the world differently from--(_Stops suddenly and listens. There are voices in the hall_)

Muhlingk. And----?

Leonore. (_Aside_) It's he!--Oh, I can't stand it any longer!

(_Enter_ Wilhelm.)

Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the Alley is there again.

(Kurt _starts._)

Muhlingk. Did you tell him what I told you to say?

Wilhelm. Yes, Herr Councillor, but he followed me here from the office.

Muhlingk. What impertinence!--If he doesn't leave this----!

Kurt. Pardon me. Father. Perhaps he only wants to thank you! I believe he has reasons.

Muhlingk. Such people never give you thanks.

Kurt. Has he money to give you?

Muhlingk. Certainly.

Kurt. There must be something back of it--get it over and we'll be done with him.

Muhlingk. As far as I'm concerned--let him come.

(Wilhelm _goes out._)

Frau Muhlingk. We'll go, Leonore,

Leonore. (_Aside_) Kurt!

Kurt. Well?

Leonore. Be on your guard!

Kurt. Bah! (_Trying to hide his fear_)

(Frau Muhlingk _and_ Leonore _go out. Enter_ Robert, _apparently calm, respectful in manner--he carries a portfolio._)

Muhlingk. You were a little insistant, young man--Well, I never criticize a man in the discharge of duty; least of all when he is about to leave his employer, at the eleventh hour. Take a seat!

Robert. If you don't mind, I'll remain standing.

Muhlingk. Just as you like--I had word from my nephew yesterday. He is getting on well--having a good time--a little too much according to Count Trast--Well, a little pleasure is always in the blood of gentlemen of good family--You have brought the annual report with you, I hope?

Robert. Yes.

Muhlingk. And----

Robert. (_To_ Muhlingk) There, sir, (_Takes a sheet and hands it to the_ Councillor)

Kurt. (_Playing the part of indifference_) May I see, Father?

Muhlingk. Yes, yes--or perhaps you have a copy?

Robert. Yes, I have.

Muhlingk. Please give it to my son. (Robert _hands it to_ Kurt. _The two stand, measuring each other with their eyes_) As far as I can see at the first glance that is exceedingly good. The net gain is----

Robert. 116,227 Gulden.

Muhlingk. The dutch gulden is one mark seventy--Kurt figure it with me.

Robert. 197,585 Marks.

Muhlingk. 8--1--3--5--8. Right--197,285 Marks and 90 Pfennigs. Kurt, are you figuring it up?

Kurt. And ninety pfennig. Yes, Father.

Muhlingk. Ha--And in the coffee "a small profit?" What does that mean?

Robert. (_Handing him a sheet_) Here is the special account. I was in a position to foresee the crisis caused by the competition in Brazil and I had five-sixths of the area planted with tea.

Muhlingk. You?

Robert. Yes, Herr Councillor, I----

Kurt. Strange!

Muhlingk. And how is the "Quinquina?"

Robert. Here is the report. (_Hands him the paper_)

Muhlingk. Not much, either! Where does the profit come in that brings up the average?

Robert. The chief source of gain was Sumatra tobacco and the tea--especially the tea. (_Handing another sheet_)

Muhlingk. You made this trial on the strength of your own judgment, too?

Robert. Not entirely, I followed a suggestion that my friend, Count Trast, gave me.

Muhlingk. And my nephew approved of it?

Robert. Afterwards--yes.

Muhlingk. You are right, Kurt--it is strange!

Robert. Have the gentlemen any further questions?

Muhlingk. Judging from the manner in which you behave here, one might think that you had been running my business in Java yourself. What do you imply by that?

Robert. That I had the authority, Herr Councillor.

Muhlingk. And where was my nephew, meanwhile?

Robert. That is a question too general to answer, Herr Councillor.

Muhlingk. Didn't he come to the office every day?

Robert. No, Herr Councillor.

Muhlingk. (_With increasing anger_) When did he come?

Robert. When the post from Hamburg came, and when he had need of money.

Muhlingk. Do you imply by that that my nephew neglected his duty?

Robert. I don't wish to imply anything that I have not said.

Muhlingk. Then kindly explain to me.

Robert. I don't feel myself called upon to discuss the private life of my former manager.

Kurt. But to paint him as black as you can--that suits you better!

Robert. (_Starts forward toward him, but controls himself_) Have the gentlemen any further questions?

Muhlingk. What monies have you brought with you?

Robert. I have notes from different banks amounting to about 95,000 gulden--here they are.

Muhlingk. Kurt, check that up. (Kurt _rises and takes each paper from_ Robert _in turn and looks it through_)

Robert. Have you finished, Herr Councillor?

Muhlingk. Just a minute. (_Pause_)

Kurt. Correct.

Muhlingk. Well, my dear Herr--Heinecke, I wish you success in your future enterprises. Be an industrious fellow and don't forget what you owe to this house.

Robert. No, Herr Councillor, I shan't forget! Here is the forty thousand marks that you had the kindness to give to my father.

Muhlingk. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan.

Robert. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return.

Muhlingk. Has your father given his authority for the return of the money?

Robert. No, he has not.

Muhlingk. Then the money is your own?

Robert. Yes.

Muhlingk. Hmm!

Kurt. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has saved so much money?

Robert. (_Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of_ Kurt's _insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He seizes_ Kurt _by the throat_) Cur! take that back!--back!

Muhlingk. Help! help!

(Leonore _enters_.)

Leonore. Have pity! Robert!

Robert. (_Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his hands_. Kurt _struggling for breath sinks to sofa_) Oh!

(_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.)

Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (_Rushing to him_) Help! Murder! Murder! Ring, Theodore!

Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get out!

Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (_At a movement from_ Leonore) Yes, Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!

Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done!

Robert. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you! You stole my home and my trust in God and man! You stole my sense of shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!

Muhlingk. (_After a pause_) Shall I have the servants put you out?

Leonore. (_Stepping between_) That you won't do, Father.

Muhlingk. What! You?

Leonore. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you can put me out, too.

Robert. Leonore, what are you doing?

Leonore. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word?

Muhlingk. You are mad!

Robert. Stop, Leonore! I will think of you with--gratitude--as long as I live. When I leave you I leave the only thing that I can call home--God bless you! and farewell! (_He goes to door_)

Leonore. (_Embracing him_) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you!

Robert. Leonore!

Muhlingk. What!!!

Leonore. Don't leave me alone! My soul is frozen between these walls! You are my home, too! You have always been! See, I've thrown myself into your arms!

Muhlingk. Oh! what a disgraceful scene!

Leonore. Father dear, we needn't get angry with each other. I love this man. For that which you have taken from him I offer that which I have. (_Half to_ Robert) I only have myself--If he wants that----

Robert. Leonore!

(_Enter_ Trast.)

Trast. What has happened?

Leonore. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way. Robert, let us make a new home, new duties.

Robert. (_Bitterly, with a look at_ Kurt _who is sitting as though dumb_) And a new honor! (_He takes her in his arms_)

Frau Muhlingk. So that is our thanks, Father!

Leonore. Father, Mother, I ask your forgiveness, but what I am doing now I must do! I am sure that it can't be wrong. But I beg of you, think kindly of me--sometimes.

Muhlingk. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse! (_He lifts his arm as though to curse her_) You----

Trast. (_Stepping up to him_) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of wearing yourself out with curses? (_Quietly_) and furthermore, in confidence, your daughter isn't making a bad match. The young fellow will have my station and, since I have no heirs, my fortune.

Muhlingk. But, Count--why didn't you explain!

Trast. (_Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless him_) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing!

(_Follows the two to the door as_

THE CURTAIN FALLS.)

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Certain German houses are divided Into two parts the so-called "Hinterhaus" and "Vorderhaus." The "Vorderhaus" (_translated roughly "on the avenue"_) is the larger part and usually belongs to the owner. The "Hinterhaus" (_rendered "on the alley"_) is a few rooms opening on an alleyway or court whose occupants sometimes act in the capacity of caretakers, but who often have nothing to do with the people in the Vorderhaus and hardly consider themselves on a plane with the richer family's servants.--Tr.]

[Footnote 2: A newspaper.--Tr.]

[Footnote 3: The German workman is allowed time in the middle of the morning for a light lunch which tides him over from his coffee and rolls to the more substantial dinner at noon.--Tr.]

[Footnote 4: A well known quotation from Schiller's "Die Rauber."]

[Footnote 5: Thus in the original.--Tr.]

[Footnote 6: The poor people in Germany drink an infusion of oak-leaves in place of coffee.]

[Footnote 7: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.]

[Footnote 8: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.]

End of Project Gutenberg's Honor: A Play in Four Acts, by Hermann Sudermann