Chapter 34

Enter GROBMAN.

_Reiss._ (calm and friendly.) What is your pleasure, dear Mr.----?

_Grob._ Benniger has obtained the monopoly.

_Reiss._ You do not say so, do you?

Grab. The Privy Counsellor is to procure it for 2300 dollars, which sum is to be paid this afternoon.

_Reiss._ Impossible!

_Grob._ It is but too true. The money is to be paid to Counsellor Selling.

_Reiss._ (confidentially.) I must tell you that Selling has already mentioned something to me about it. The young man's conscience is alarmed. He does not like to lend a hand in those sort of things. But I would not believe it.

_Grob._ It is but too certain.

_Reiss._ O Lord! who could think any thing like it of such a man? that is mean, that is--that must not be permitted. Ay, ay! and the minister prefers such a man, reposes confidence in him, because men, like me, take him by the hand. They think, because such a man is of a low extraction, he must have the interest of the lower class at heart. And then he will betray and sell the state!

_Grob._ As an inhabitant, I ought to have the preference to a stranger.

_Reiss._ Most undoubtedly.

_Grob._ I am very willing to go to some expence too, only--

_Reiss._ Not a single penny; God forbid I should be guilty of such a sin! That contract with Benniger must be annulled.

_Grob._ If that were possible, I would with all my heart--

_Reiss._ Ay, it must be so. I am very intimate with the Privy Counsellor. He was to have my daughter; but I will never give her to a man like him. You must furnish me immediately with a plea, in which you must develope the whole transaction.

_Grob._ Good God! the Privy Counsellor!

_Reiss._ I give you my word and hand, as an honest man, I will run all the consequences. In such a case one is in conscience bound; only let me have the declaration immediately. I will manage in such a manner that the Privy Counsellor shall come off with tolerable good credit.

_Grob._ If you will do that--

_Reiss._ Yes, yes, yes!

_Grob._ But Counsellor Selling--

_Reiss._ Is a young man;--out of fear of displeasing the Privy Counsellor, he has lent his aid. Such a young man may yet be taught in time. That is my principal object.

_Grob._ Well, the declaration shall be drawn up without delay. Heaven bless you, dear Sir, for thus taking the part of a poor fellow-townsman! [Exit.

_Reiss._ My duty, my duty!--Bravo, little Selling, that is prettily managed!