Chapter 53

Enter Aulic Counsellor REISSMAN.

_Reiss._ Mr. Wellenberg!--

_Well._ Oh, that God--(Rises.)

_Reiss._ I want to speak with you.

_Well._ No, no! I will not.--Keep off, keep at six yards distance from me at least.

_Reiss._ I must have a private conversation with you.

_Well._ God forbid!

_Soph._ Dear Mr. Wellenberg grant it; I entreat you.

_Well._ Can I?--ask him.

_P. Coun._ I beg, I entreat you.

_Well._ (after a pause?) Well, yes. Yes then, I will run the risk.

_Soph._ I thank you.

_Well._ But--(beckons the Privy Counsellor to come near him, and whispers to him.)

_P. Coun._ Yes, I will. Come along.

_Reiss._ (alarmed.) What,--what, will you?

_P. Coun._ Nothing that can give you any uneasiness.

_Reiss._ Where do you intend to go?

_P. Coun._ To win this hand and your esteem. Come along. (All exeunt, except Reissman and Wellenberg.)