Part 3

Ah, from the little Frohn! Now then, what does the little Frohn write? (_Reads, muttering_.) Lanskis--Steinhof--met cousin--danced (_aloud_). Indeed, then he could dance, but not write, that is a nice business--I should not have believed it of him at all.... (_Reads further, muttering_.) Eyes for the so-called beautiful Frau von Lanski ... The whole regiment is talking of it.... Hm! eh, what! Such a goose! What things such a goose does cackle!... Regiment has other things to bother itself about.... But such a regulation goose ... If a young lieutenant like that isn't all the time trotting after them. And when he once shows attention to a lady who doesn't belong to the regiment ... Besides, the Lanski is nearly forty ... Such idiocy! Then he might at least--hm--hm--eh, pardon! Now then, what is it?... My poor old girl ... Yes, yes, jealousy ... You have borne up disgracefully since yesterday.

Agnes.

I think I have controlled myself, uncle?

Major.

Yes, very true, girl, no one has noticed anything.

_THIRD SCENE_.

THE SAME. WILHELM. _Afterward_ STEPHAN, _the overseer_.

Wilhelm (_entering from the right_).

Herr Stephan is there, Major.

Major.

Come in!

(_Enter_ Stephan.)

Very well, my dear Stephen, I must drive into town directly after dark. Unless I should be detained, I shall be here early to-morrow morning--four and a half and four and a half more miles--nine miles.... The coach horses have been exercised to-day?

Stephan.

Yes, indeed, Major.

Major.

Which are in better condition now, the browns or the whites?

Stephan.

That I don't permit myself to decide, Major. They have all had it severely!

Major.

Well, I will just go and have a look myself. Wilhelm--cap!

Wilhelm.

Very well, Major. (_Exit to the right_.)

Major.

And at half after nine this evening, send a message to my wife and have her told that I must stay all night at the brick kilns--eh, you remember (_softly, looking around at_ Agnes) how we managed it the other times when I was out at night.

Stephan.

All right, Major.

Major.

Where is that fellow stopping with my cap? (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) Where were you hiding, man? (Wilhelm _hands him the cap_.) And he is tottering on his old legs! What are you tottering so for?

Wilhelm.

Indeed I am not tottering, Major.

Major.

Well, come on, Stephan! (_Exeunt_ Major, Stephan, _through the garden door_.)

_FOURTH SCENE_.

AGNES. WILHELM. _Afterward_ LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.

Wilhelm (_softly_).

Fräulein, just now as I went out, Lieutenant von Hallerpfort was standing there and wished to speak with Fräulein, privately. Neither the master nor the mistress is to know anything of it ... God, Fräulein is deadly pale!

Agnes.

Ask the lieutenant to come in, and keep a lookout, if my aunt comes.

(Wilhelm _opens the door on the right, and disappears through the door on the left hand_.)

Agnes.

(_Meeting the lieutenant as he enters_.) Herr von Hallerpfort, what has happened to Fritz?

Hallerpfort.

Nothing, Fräulein, not the least thing.... I am surprised that he is not yet here.

Agnes (_rising joyfully_).

Ah! (_With a sigh of relief_.) Ha!

Hallerpfort.

I beg pardon a thousand times if I startled you.

Agnes.

Will you please take a seat.

Hallerpfort.

Thank you, most humbly! (_They are seated_.) Your uncle and aunt, I hope, will not----

Agnes.

Uncle has just gone to the stables, and aunt's coming will be announced to us.

Hallerpfort.

How is your aunt?

Agnes.

Oh, I thank you, much as usual.--Herr von Hallerpfort, be frank with me: What is this all about?

Hallerpfort.

Oh, absolutely nothing of any consequence. A little surprise--nothing further--nothing further!

Agnes.

To be sure, if he is really on his way here--didn't you ride here together?

Hallerpfort.

No, I came by the way of the levee, and thought to overtake him. He will have ridden by the highway.

Agnes.

Then what is the object of this secrecy?

Hallerpfort.

That will soon be cleared up, Fräulein.... At this moment, in Fritz's interest, I have to ask a great favour of you.... It is now (_takes out his watch_) three forty-five o'clock. At four o'clock let us say five minutes after four--even if we take into account some unforeseen delay--yes--he must be here.... How long does it take to go to the village to Braun's inn?

Agnes.

Ten minutes--that is, by a short cut through the park, about five.

Hallerpfort.

Thank you most humbly. Then will you have the great kindness to reckon by your watch a half hour from the moment when he comes in here, and then send me a message to Braun's where I am stopping?

Agnes.

At Braun's? I think you know, Herr von Hallerpfort, that this house----

Hallerpfort.

Oh, certainly that I know!... I only made the mistake of putting my horse at the entrance to Braun's, and as he doesn't belong to me, it is my duty to look after him.

Agnes.

And all that is the truth?

Hallerpfort.

Absolutely.

Agnes.

I should not be so persistent--forgive me for it--but here we have all been so distressed about him. For nearly a week, we have sat and waited for news.... Tell me truly.

Wilhelm (_entering at the left_).

Fräulein, your aunt.

Hallerpfort (_springing up_).

Good-bye, then! And be reassured, it is all about a joke--about----

Agnes.

If only your face were not so serious.

Hallerpfort.

Oh, that--that is deceptive. (_Exit quickly to the right_.)

_FIFTH SCENE_.

AGNES. FRAU VON DROSSE (_extremely delicate in appearance, forty, suffering--with girlish complexion--gay, absent smile--dreamy, gentle expression--gliding, careful walk--breathing deeply_).

Agnes.

(_Hastens to meet her, to support her_.) Forgive me, aunt, that I did not go to fetch you.

Frau von Drosse.

No matter, darling ... I could manage.... Is there any news?

(Agnes _shakes her head_.)

Frau von Drosse (_sighing_).

Ah, yes.

Agnes.

Do you know, aunt, I have a sort of presentiment that he will soon be here himself.

Frau von Drosse.

Yes, if things happened according to presentiments!

_SIXTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. MAJOR. WILHELM.

Major.

Well, darling, are you in good spirits?... No!... Well, what is it then? What is it then?

Frau von Drosse.

Ah, Richard, you surely know.

Major.

Oh, nonsense! Don't worry yourself uselessly.... A young badger like that--service and casino and what not! I used not to do any better myself ... Eh, Wilhelm, that you will have remembered even in your booziness? Many a time I didn't write for four weeks.

Wilhelm (_who is handing the coffee_).

Yes, Major.

Major.

And were you at all worried then?

Wilhelm.

Yes, Major.

Major.

Old donkey.... Well, you see how it is ... The same old story.

Frau von Drosse.

Richard, do you know, last night a thought came to me. They all idolise him--that boy.

Major.

Yes?

Frau von Drosse.

Well, with the ladies of the regiment, it is no great wonder....

Major.

So far as they wish to get married--no.

Frau von Drosse.

But there is another who takes a very special interest in him--motherly, as one might say.... No, motherly is not just the right word, but at any rate, purely human, purely spiritual--you know what I mean. At the last ball in Wartenstein, she questioned me at length about him, about his childhood, and everything possible. At the time I was really rather indignant, but now it pleases me.... I shall write to her to-day and ask her to keep an eye upon him. For you see, a woman's influence--that is what he needs.

Major.

Ah, the poor devil! And for that purpose, one of the kind.... Who then is it?

Frau von Drosse.

Why! You surely know her ... Frau von Lanski of Steinhof.

(Agnes _winces_.)

Major.

Ah, indeed--well, to be sure, hm--that is quite probable.

Frau von Drosse.

Their estate is quite close to the city ... There he could always go in the evenings ... If only the husband were not so rude. I should be afraid of him.

Major.

Well, you are not a lieutenant of hussars, darling.

Agnes.

Won't you drink your coffee, aunt? It will be quite cold.

Frau von Drosse.

Ah, the stupid fig-coffee. To be sure, your health is good, you don't need anything of the kind! (_drinks_) Richard, do you know, last night I saw a vision.

Major.

Well, what did you see this time, darling?

Frau von Drosse.

There was a wide chamber with many mirrors and lights--perhaps it was Versailles--perhaps the castle at Berlin. And hundreds of generals stood there and waited.... (_Excitedly_.) And suddenly the door was opened wide and at the side of the Emperor----

Agnes.

Drink, aunt--tell about it later--it excites you.

Frau von Drosse.

Yes, my sweet one, yes. (_Drinks and leans back exhausted_.) You know, Richard, perhaps they are to increase his pay.

Major.

Surely he has enough, darling. Do you wish him to gamble it away?

Frau von Drosse.

Very well, then, let him gamble it away. I find that in general we pay so little heed to him.... I am obliged to think all the time how he acted in a roundabout way in the matter of Foxblaze. He didn't trust himself even to tell it.

Major (_laughing_).

No, child--but just stop.... Besides the charger he already has two others ... And one of them is Mohammed! Such a big stable--it is only a nuisance to him.... Just consider!

Frau von Drosse.

Ah, it is surely only restlessness. Ah, I wish he were only----

Wilhelm.

(_Who had gone out, appears excitedly at the door on the right and calls softly_.) Major, Major!

Major (_springing up_).

What is it?

Wilhelm (_in a whisper_).

The--the--young master!

Frau von Drosse (_turning round suddenly_).

What is it about the young master?

Major (_rushes out. His voice is heard_).

Boy, boy, boy!

(Frau von Drosse _breaks out in ecstatic laughter_.)

Agnes.

Quietly, aunt! Quietly! Don't excite yourself!

_SEVENTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. FRITZ VON DROSSE (_in hussar uniform, his mother's son, slender, delicate, very youthful, blond to the roots of his closely cropped hair, small curled moustache, erratic person. Uneasiness is veiled beneath a noisy cheerfulness_).

Frau von Drosse.

(_Goes to meet him with outstretched arms_.) My God! there he really is!

Fritz.

I should think he was! (_Presses her to his heart and strokes her hair, closes his eyes a moment, as if overcome with faintness_.) But be seated, mamma, be seated. Confound it, but I have ridden! And on the way, my horse lost another shoe.

Major.

Mohammed?

Fritz.

No, I am riding the Spy.

Major.

Where did it happen?

Fritz.

Thank God! just near Gehlsdorf.... I wasted twenty-five minutes at the blacksmith's.... But then--when--you should have seen!... Yes, Wilhelm, just see to it that the horse is well scraped and rubbed down. And don't let him stand just now--first lead him about properly.... An hour, feeding time--understand, old chap?... There, give me your paw--so!--don't be so agitated.... And now, go on, out with you!

(_Exit_ Wilhelm.)

Frau von Drosse.

Come here, my Fritzchen, sit beside me!

Fritz.

Very well, mamma, let us, very well!

Frau von Drosse.

You see, Agnes she had a presentiment about you.

Fritz.

Ah! Good-day, Agnes!

Agnes.

Good-day, Fritz!

Fritz.

You are so formal!

Agnes.

I?... Ah, no, dear Fritz.... Would you not like to drink something?

(Fritz _stares at her, without replying_.)

Major.

Fritz!

Fritz (_starting up_).

Yes, father!

Major.

You are asked a question.

Fritz.

To be sure, pardon me!... Pardon me, dear Agnes!... It is the heat ... It makes one quite idiotic.... Please bring me anything you like.... No, bring me rather some Rhine wine.... Bring some of the '64.

Major (_laughing_).

You go eagerly at the stuff, my son....

Fritz.

Forgive me, father, if I was too bold. I don't know how I came to do it.

Major (_to_ Agnes).

Just bring it, bring it.

(Agnes _takes the keys from the shelf and goes out to the right_.)

Frau von Drosse.

How long have you furlough, my boy?

Fritz.

Furlough? Ha, ha, furlough ... No furlough at all. Sixty precious minutes, I have spared for you (_stretching himself_) then it is over! (_Throws himself into a chair standing near the place where his mother is sitting_.)

Major.

It is "over," what does that mean? Are you then on duty?

Fritz.

On duty?... Well, yes indeed, I am on duty--to be sure--of course.

Major.

What duty can that be?

Fritz.

Well, a patrol ride, of course.

Major.

When did you set out?

Fritz.

At noon, father.

Major.

Remarkable. In my time, the cavalry rode in patrol service rather about midnight.

Fritz.

Yes, the old man[2] does such things.... It is all one to him. If he can give petty annoyance. Yes.

Major.

How do you have time to stop in here?

Fritz.

Well, I had to unsaddle, and anyhow have ridden four and a half miles. It was only the question whether I should feed the horse at Braun's at the entrance where one gets merely water or----

Major.

Of course you are right about that.

Frau von Drosse (_stroking his hands_).

See what brown hands the boy has got.... I wonder how they can be burned through the gloves ... Just look, Richard, he has the white mark on his forehead, there where it is shaded. The last time, it was not there. My boy, my boy! (_Bends down her head and kisses him on the forehead_.)

(Fritz _closes his eyes and utters a low whimpering exclamation of pain_.)

Frau von Drosse.

What was it? Did I hurt you, my boy?

Fritz (_with embarrassed laughter_).

Oh, no--no!

Major.

Control yourself, Fritz!

Fritz.

Yes, father!

Frau von Drosse.

Let him alone, Richard! Remember he has to leave directly.

Fritz (_staring straight before him_).

Yes, I must go directly.

Major (_shaking his head, examines him_).

Remarkable!

Agnes (_who returns with a bottle and glasses_).

There is the wine, dear Fritz.

Fritz.

Ah, if only the wine is there! (_Hurries to the table and pours the wine_.) Does no one touch glasses with me?

Major.

Just wait, I will touch glasses with you.

Fritz.

Then long life to us, friends! May we live happily.... Long may we live.... (_Musing_.) May we live as long as possible!

Major.

But you are not drinking.

Fritz.

Yes, yes. (_Tosses down a glass_.)

Major.

Well, I should like to take this occasion to ask you just why you don't write to us any more.

Frau von Drosse.

Please, Richard, please say nothing to him--he telegraphed.

Fritz (_starting anxiously_).

Telegraphed? What did I telegraph?

(Major _makes signals to him behind his mother's back_.)

Fritz.

Yes, of course. You see, father, I telegraphed.... And then, not long ago, I fell from the trapeze and sprained my arm a bit.

Frau von Drosse.

You see, Richard, that is what hurt him just now; and yet you scolded him.

Fritz.

Mamma, father is right.... A soldier is not allowed to show signs of pain--he has no pain. That is something which doesn't happen, it is something which doesn't happen at all, does it, Agnes?

Agnes.

Why do you ask _me_, Fritz?

Major.

Remarkable!... You know, darling, the boy would like something to eat. In such cases, you always see to it yourself--eh?

Fritz.

No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (_He grasps her hands_.)

Frau von Drosse (_imploringly_).

Richard, the time is just now so short.

Major.

Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.

Fritz.

What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...

Frau von Drosse (_standing up and sighing_).

Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something more of him. (_Goes with_ Agnes _to the door on the left, where she turns again_.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?

Fritz.

(_Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, turns suddenly_.) At your service, mother!

Frau von Drosse.

Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.

(_Exit_ Frau von Drosse _with_ Agnes.)

_EIGHTH SCENE_.

MAJOR. FRITZ.

Major.

Well, Fritz, my boy, here we are now alone, just out with what you have to say ... Exactly what is the matter?

Fritz.

Nothing, father, absolutely nothing ... What should be the matter?

Major.

You know, this story about the sprained arm and the patrol ride, that is simply a lie!

Fritz.

How so?

Major.

Will you smoke a cigar with me?

Fritz.

If you please ... That is, I should like a glass of water. (_Tosses down two glasses of water_.)

Major (_lights his cigar_).

Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am insulting you here.

Fritz.

How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't believe me, then you just don't believe me.

Major.

But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... Isn't that the case--are we not?

Fritz.

Oh, to be sure.

Major.

And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... Have you gambled?

Fritz.

Yes, I have gambled too.

Major.

Have you lost?

Fritz.

No, I have won.

Major.

Then, as to women--how is it about women?

Fritz (_shrugs his shoulders_).

Ah!

Major.

Boy, don't be so hard in the mouth.... Do you think I don't know you are in love?...

Fritz.

In love? Ah, good God!

Major.

Just think, my boy, only a year and a half ago, you came to me one fine day and explained to me that you wished to engage yourself to Agnes.... You know that I have not the slightest objection to Agnes. She will make an excellent Frau von Drosse.

Fritz.

Indeed? Do you believe it?

Major.

But your twenty-one years and, ah, good God!... You still carry about with you most merrily the eggshells on your back--as the infantry carries the knapsack. You hadn't the slightest idea of what are commonly called "women"--of course, I don't count barmaids and such people.... So I said to you: "My boy, let this interview be buried--and above all, so far as Agnes is concerned.... Do as your father and your grandfather did! Get some experience and--then come again." Don't you remember that?

Fritz.

I should think I did remember it.

Major (_smiling_).

And now, it seems to me, you have had some experience.

Fritz.

Oh, yes, there is no denying that.

Major (_still smiling_).

You have in the end had a so-called "passion," or are stuck in the middle of it; which of the two I don't know. Yet to judge from the discontinuance of your letters, the latter is the case.... Since we are here together as two men, I will not expostulate with you further.... You know perhaps the story of that abbé who, in society, once excused the absence of his bishop with the words: "Monseigneur est en retard à cause d'amour." To a certain extent, this holds good in every case.... But in spite of that, on your mother's account, don't do it again. That is my advice to you.... There! And now we'll enter at once upon the matter itself.... Just see, Frau von Lanski is, it will be admitted, a very charming woman, but----

Fritz (_impetuously_).

Father, how do you come to refer to Frau von Lanski?

Major.

There, there, there, only take it calmly, only take it calmly.... I know just what there is to know about such affairs, and I don't by any means wish to pry into your secrets ... But so far as the grand passion is concerned, be calm.... I can cure you again ... Be quite calm.

Fritz.

That I can well believe, father, if only you have the time necessary to do it.

Major (_smiling_).

Well, why haven't I?

Fritz.

Because, in twenty-four hours, I shall be a dead man.

Major.

(_Springing up, and taking him by the shoulder_.) Boy!

Fritz.

Father, I did not wish to tell anything. I came here only to take farewell of you in silence. But you have drawn it out of me, father.

Major (_flying into a passion_).

So, there's a scandal.... You had to carry it to the point of making a scandal--you damned fool! (_More calmly_.) Lanski has challenged you?

(Fritz _nods assent_.)

Major.

Well, yes--and it is well known--Lanski is a dead shot. He is perhaps the best shot anywhere hereabouts.... But still your wrist is in good order. How can one throw the thing away like that? I have fought three duels, and two of them under difficult conditions--eh--and--there, see here! How can one say such a thing? How can one, man?

Fritz.

Father, the affair at this moment is in such a state that, after all, I don't know whether I shall be granted a duel!

Major (_hoarsely_).

I don't understand that, Fritz.

Fritz.

Then don't ask me!... I can't say it, father.... I had rather bite off my tongue. (_Pauses_.)

Major.

(_Goes to the door on the left, opens it, looks out, and closes it again_.) Now speak! (_Wildly_.) Speak or----

Fritz.

For me, father, there is no more any "or." ... Whether you turn me out or not, it is all the same.

Major (_softly, grinding his teeth_).

Do you wish to drive me mad, boy?

(Fritz _crying out_).

He whipped me--across the courtyard--out into the street--whipped me like a beast!

Major (_after a silence_).

Where was your sabre? You could have run him through.

(Fritz _silent, with downcast eyes_.)

Major.

Where was your sabre, I ask you?

Fritz.

It was--not--at hand, father.

Major.

It was not at hand.... Hm!... Now I understand it all. Surely there is nothing left to wish! And this catastrophe occurred when?

Fritz.

Yesterday evening, father!

Major.

At what time?

Fritz.

It was still--daylight!

Major.

Ha, ha!

Fritz.

Father, only don't laugh! Have pity on me!

Major.

Have you had pity on me?... Or on your mother? or on--on.... Just look, look about you ... All that was made for you!... All that was waiting for you.... For two centuries we Drosses have struggled and scraped together and fought with death and devil merely for you.... The house of Drosse was resting on your two shoulders, my son.... And you have let it fall into the mire, and now you would like to be pitied!

Fritz.

Dear father, listen.... Since you have known it, I am quite calm.... What you say is all very true, but I cannot bear the responsibility alone. Listen; when I came to you that time, on account of Agnes, my whole heart was attached to her. So far as I was concerned, other men's wives could go to the devil.

Major.

Did I drive you, then, after other men's wives?

Fritz.

Yes, father, otherwise what does that mean: "Get some experience, ripen, do as your father and grandfather did"?... In the regiment, they still call you the wild Drosse, and tales are still told of your former love adventures.... They tell some such stories even of a late date.... For my part, I had not the least taste for such diversions. I used to see in every woman who did not belong to me, a sort of holy thing.... That may have been a green way of looking at it, but you would have allowed it; and with Agnes, I should have quietly----

Major.

Stop! Have pity! Stop!

Fritz.

See, now you say to me all at once, "have pity"--Father, I am a dying man, I did not come here to make reproaches, but do you make none to me!

Major.

(_Embracing him, and stroking his hair_.) My son--my all--my boy--I don't permit--I will not----

Fritz.

Silence, silence, father! Mother should not hear that.

Major.

Yes, forgive me for giving way. It shall not happen again.... So how does the affair stand now?

Fritz.

I reported myself to the old man, that very night.

Major.

My God! Whatever did the old Frohn say?

Fritz.

Spare me that, father.... Of course, I obtained the usual furlough at once, until the discharge comes. Well, that doesn't matter now.... It does not last long, thus.... This morning, the court of honor had a sitting. After my hearing, I rode away at once, so as to lose no time. I gave Mohammed to Hallerpfort in order to have him follow me as soon as judgment was pronounced. He may be here at any moment.

Major.

Why did you summon a court of honor?

Fritz.

What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?

Major.