Ebeling.
See here, my dear fellow, if you were disturbing me, I'd make short
work of you. But (_looking toward the clock_) my office hours are over.
And we'll find out immediately what else there is. (_He rings._)
Bonath _appears with a bundle of papers_.
Ebeling.
Is any one still there?
Bonath.
No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected.
Ebeling.
Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (Bonath _lays them before
him._)
Ebeling.
(_To_ v. Tietz.) You can go on speaking. These are only
signatures.--Have you a light?
v. Tietz.
(_Who has stood up and is looking around the room._) Yes, thank you.
Ebeling.
See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at once.
Bonath.
Yes, Herr Ebeling.
v. Tietz.
You've become a collector, I see.
Ebeling (_signing_).
One must have some diversion.
v. Tietz.
What's that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original?
Ebeling (_signing_).
Would you expect it to be a copy?
v. Tietz.
H'm, your practice is certainly splendid.
Ebeling.
There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer than
I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (_To_ Bonath.) Will
it be necessary to work overtime?
Bonath.
Not to-day, Herr Ebeling.
Ebeling.
Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (v. Tietz
_listens attentively._)
Bonath.