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_).