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.