Scene:--_The drawing-room in the_ Muhlingk's _house_ (_The
"Vorderhaus"_). _The furnishings are rich but rather stiff. At the
back, a wide door hung with portieres opens into the dining-room. On
the left, beside a fire-place is a sofa and an oval table. Beside it a
rocking-chair. In the dining-room the richly set table can be seen.
Dinner is over and a servant is clearing away the things_. Herr
Muhlingk, Frau Muhlingk, Kurt _and_ Leonore _are drinking coffee in the
drawing-room. The servant who has passed the cups goes out_.
Kurt. As I remarked before, the black horse is fine!
Kurt. Expensive it certainly is!
Frau Muhlingk. I shall make up the rest of the money, just to stop the
argument.
Kurt. (_Kisses her hand_) My best thanks, Mama;--Now I can show myself
to Berlin mounted and spurred!--You can admire me, too, Lori!
Leonore. (_Without looking up from her book_) Yes, my dear.
Kurt. Lothar Brandt and Hugo Stengel wanted to come out to see the
beast. Perhaps that doesn't interest you either, Lori?
Leonore. They will probably come often. They haven't anything else to
do. (_Looking at the clock--aside_) Oh, how the time drags! (_The
servant goes out_)
Frau Muhlingk. You must not speak so harshly about these gentlemen, my
child. You know Lothar wants to pay court to you.
Leonore. Really?
Frau Muhlingk. Haven't you noticed it?
Leonore. I haven't paid any particular attention.
Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) It's unbearable, Theodore!
Muhlingk. We've had enough of this tone, my child. Even the pride in
your paternal bank account has its limits.
Leonore. (_Looking at him_) Pride in the paternal bank account?
Muhlingk. Well, how can we explain this manner you have assumed for the
last ten years, sending home every rich and respected man who has
proposed to you?--I am a simple, middle-class man. I made my own way
with my own help----
Kurt. That is to say, he married a rich wife.
Muhlingk. What's that, Kurt?
Kurt. An exclamation of admiration, Father; nothing else.
Muhlingk. No, I didn't have it as easy as you, my boy. You might well
follow my example. I don't like to play the spender and I don't care to
see it in my children, either. That is the only way one can live
tastefully!
Kurt. --and cheap, too!
Leonore. Your accusation doesn't apply to me, papa.
Frau Muhlingk. Will you condescend to give us an explanation then?
Leonore. Mama!
Frau Muhlingk. (_Nervously_) Well?
Leonore. (_Rising_) Oh, why can't you let me work out my own salvation?
I am modest enough--I only ask to be allowed to live my own life.
Muhlingk. You call that modest? If that is modest, what is to become of
the sanctity of family ties?
Frau Muhlingk. (_To her husband_) Do you hear that? I haven't slept for
nights and nights!
Leonore. Because of me, mama?
Frau Muhlingk. Every day these mad ideas, these unconventional acts!
Now what does it mean this time, when you plunder the hothouse to send
flowers to a clerk!
Leonore. You mean Robert?
Frau Muhlingk. The young Herr Heinecke, I mean.
Leonore. He isn't a clerk. He is almost a member of the family!
Kurt. Oh, thank you.
Frau Muhlingk. (_Mildly_) That is, we brought him up out of the gutter.
Muhlingk. (_As the servant enters_) Eh?
Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the alley sends word that he will
take the liberty of----
(Leonore _looks at the clock involuntarily._)
Muhlingk. Well, well--just like a noble gentleman! That is good!
Wilhelm. --calling, with your permission. He named another gentleman.
Count Trast, or someone----
Muhlingk. (_Jumping up_) What! Count Trast! Trast and Company, Kurt!
The coffee King. (_Motions the servant off_)
Kurt. What luck that clerk has!
Muhlingk. Oh, we must invite him to the house, Amalie.
Frau Muhlingk. Very good,--to-morrow morning.
Leonore. What! and not invite Robert Heinecke too?
Kurt. (_Aside_) Better and better!
Muhlingk. Well, perhaps you are right. When one descends to the level
of these people one really unites their interests with the interests of
the firm. A thing like that often brings in thousands, Kurt. The young
fellow did very well under Benno's direction and inasmuch as I'm
thinking of sending him for ten years into the Antilles, I----
Leonore. (_Indignantly_) Oh, I did not mean it that way, papa!
Muhlingk. Oh, that's all right.
Frau Muhlingk. And, Kurt, you must take care that the young fellow
doesn't make any _faux pas_. He comes from the alley, you know. A thing
like that might spoil the whole affair.
Kurt. (_Standing up_) Pardon me, did you expect I would invite my
friends?
Muhlingk. Certainly, your friends, too! Bachelors always have plenty of
time.
Kurt. (_Standing up_) Pardon me, I should like to ask to be excused
from doing that. I can't be expected to introduce gentlemen of good
family to the son of (_Indicating the alley_) Herr Heinecke.
Leonore. (_Aside_) Would you rather have the brother of Miss Heinecke
here?
Kurt. (_Shocked, then gathering himself together_) What do you mean?
Leonore. Be thankful I don't insist on an answer.
Kurt. Really!
Leonore. Shall I?
Kurt. So you're threatening me, are you?
Muhlingk. My dear children, in this house we won't have any scenes,
please.
Frau Muhlingk. Don't let's pay any attention to it, Theodore. I'll lie
down now and rest for a minute or two--Won't you?
(Muhlingk _kisses her ceremoniously on the forehead._)
Kurt. (_Aside_) The good old days! Goodbye! (Frau Muhlingk _goes
towards door_. Muhlingk _rings_)
Leonore. (_Hurrying after_ Frau Muhlingk) Mother!
Frau Muhlingk. (_Turns around, speaks nervously, but in a friendly
tone_) Never mind! It's all right! (_She goes out_)
Muhlingk. Ask any visitors to come into my office.
(Muhlingk _and the_ Servant _go out_. Kurt _also starts to go._)
Leonore. It seems to me we have something to say to each other.
Kurt. We? Oh, no!
Leonore. You don't want to draw me into an argument, perhaps?
Kurt. It doesn't seem to suit you when I take a notion to see a little
of the world. Because you are four years older than I, and because
you taught me to walk, you'd still like to have me tied to your
apron-strings. You--but I can go--alone now. There are ladies who have
said I go too far. Let me find heaven in my own way.
Leonore. I have never interfered with you. Go on, play the
man-of-the world as much as you like, but have the courage to admit it.
Kurt. What good would that do?
Leonore. You play the dutiful son and then make fun of your parents
behind their backs. Believe me, Kurt; you are ruining your character.
Kurt. (_Laughing_) No!
Leonore. There is just one thing I ask of you--at least keep this house
and its surroundings sacred.
Kurt. We'll do that with the help of the Lord!
Leonore. Do you know what they are whispering around the factory?
That you are paying far too much attention to Robert Heinecke's
sister--that you----
Kurt. (_Shrugging his shoulders_) Yes, and you allow yourself to carry
the gossip of the backstairs about----
Leonore. Kurt, not that tone! I defended you from Mama and Papa to-day.
The next time I shan't do it. And remember one thing: Robert has come
back.--If he finds his sister guilty--don't worry, I wouldn't dare
think it!--But the girl is frivolous and vain! If it _were_ so--and you
were to blame, Kurt, take care! He would break you in pieces!
Kurt. Who? My clerk?--with his sample-case?
Leonore. And you stoop to steal this from your clerk.
Kurt. What's that? Steal--steal what?
Leonore. His position in the world! His good name!
Kurt, The good name of Heinecke--bah!
(_Enter a servant with two visiting cards which he hands to_ Leonore.)
Leonore. Visitors for you.
Kurt. Who?
Leonore. Read!
Kurt. Lothar Brandt.--Hugo Stengel.--Show them in. (_Throws the cards
on the table_, Servant _goes out_)
(Leonore _drops into the rocking-chair._)
Kurt. Signs and miracles! You didn't run away.
(_Enter_ Hugo Stengel _and_ Lothar Brandt.)
Lothar. 'Morning, old fellow.
Kurt. (_Going to him_) You've come to see my horse. This is very good
of you!
Hugo. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) We took the liberty!
Lothar. (_Bowing to_ Leonore) If we aren't disturbing the Gnadiges
Fraulein.
Leonore. (_Politely_) Certainly not. I seldom go into the stables.
(Brandt _and_ Stengel _clear their throats._)
Kurt. Won't you sit down?
Lothar. We await the permission of Fraulein Leonore.
Leonore. (_Coolly_) Oh, please! (_She takes a book and begins turning
the leaves_. Kurt _throws her a look. They sit down_)
Kurt. Well, where were you yesterday?
Lothar. (_Affectedly_) Ah, by Jove, you make an awful demand on a man's
memory. What was I doing yesterday? First I went riding, then I had a
conference with Father.--Coffee is sinking again.
Hugo. Alarmingly--53 and a half.
Lothar. Alarmingly, is not the right word. It _is_ sinking. We'll make
a fight. Then I made some visits, then I dined at the Officers'
Association----
Leonore. (_Looking up_) Ah, you are an officer?
Lothar. (_Insulted_) I thought you knew, Gnadiges Fraulein?--I am a
Reserve Lieutenant in the "Crown Prince" Cuirassier regiment.
Leonore. (_Smiling, looking toward the table_) Ah, yes! Note visiting
card!
Kurt. (_Slapping him on the back_) And besides that, boots and saddles
astride Papa's desk chair.
Lothar. (_Sharply_) Oh I say, old fellow!
Leonore. The desk chair isn't the slowest horse in the race for fortune
you know, Herr Lieutenant.
Hugo. Oh, that was good!
Kurt. But I looked for you last evening.
Lothar. The evening.--We were invited somewhere? Where? It isn't quite
clear in my memory now. We won't discuss the matter. You seem to be
amused, Gnadiges Fraulein?
Leonore. Is that forbidden?
Lothar. But really, you know, you in your pride and seclusion, have
hardly an idea what the word _saison_ means in our good German tongue.
Hugo. It is quite two months, Gnadiges Fraulein, that I have done what
you might really call sleeping.
Kurt. And that was on a billiard table.
Lothar. Oh, our respected Kurt meant that as a joke! But if you knew
what it meant to be a martyr to amusement, you would understand what we
mean.
Leonore. I have made such an effort to understand you that I already
begin to feel sorry for you.
Hugo. (_Aside to_ Lothar) I believe the girl is making fun of us.
Lothar. (_Aside, arrogantly_) Every woman tries to be a coquette.
Kurt. (_Who has gone over to_ Lenore, _aside_) You don't need to be so
disagreeable.
Leonore. (_Rocking_) Hm? (_Goes on reading_)
Lothar. Might I ask what it is that takes so much of the Gnadiges
Fraulein's attention.
Kurt. (_To himself_) If he would only let her be!
Leonore. Something that would hardly be of interest to the martyrs of
amusement--for it concerns the martyrs of labor.
Lothar. Ah, I see.
Hugo. (_Getting up_) But weren't we going to see the horse?
Lothar. Ah yes! you two go ahead--The martyrs of labor interest me more
than the Gnadiges Fraulein believes.
Kurt. (_To himself_) Oh, the poor devil!
Hugo. Good heavens!
Kurt. Come, Stengel, come! (_They go out_)
Leonore. (_Looking impatiently at the clock_) In what way can I be of
service to you, Herr Brandt?
Lothar. Gnadiges Fraulein, I very much regret that you quite
misunderstand me, for although I admit that I----
Leonore. And in order to prove that, you are willing to waste----
Lothar. A moment, please!
Leonore. (_Aside_) A proposal!
Lothar. My faults may be without number, but, Gnadiges Fraulein, I am a
man of honor.
Leonore. I should think that that was to be taken for granted from the
son of a respectable family, Herr Brandt, and as little worthy of
praise as the fact that he wears a well-cut coat.
Lothar. Then you respect honor no more?
Leonore. Pardon me. I meant no disrespect to the ill-clad. But one
doesn't bring them into the parlor. But I interrupted you, Herr Brandt.
Perhaps I do misunderstand you. Please continue.
Lothar. I must admit, Gnadiges Fraulein, you have intimidated me. And
that is something! For what is a man without courage?
Leonore. Ah, that is another thing. Courage, I can respect! But what
have you done so far that has shown your courage?
Lothar. Ask my friends. That at least is above reproach.
Leonore. In other words, you have fought a duel.
Lothar. One doesn't discuss such things before ladies.
Leonore. But we hear about them just the same. We are here to offer the
victor his laurels. Did you ever break a lance in defence of a
conviction which you know in your heart you yourself have violated?
Lothar. (_Indignantly_) How can you ask that? Such a thing could never
occur to me!
Leonore. Or have you never silently borne an unworthy suspicion?
Lothar. I? Silently? On the contrary.
Leonore. Never?
Lothar. Never, Fraulein.
Leonore. Then one can't be absolutely certain about your courage,
Herr--may I say Lieutenant?--(_She rises_) First the test, and then
perhaps we can discuss the matter further.
Lothar. (_Trying to hold her back_) Fraulein--
(_Enter_ Wilhelm.)
Wilhelm. Will the gentlemen step in here a moment?
Leonore. At last!
(Robert _and the_ Count _enter_; Lenore _runs to meet_ Robert.)
Trast. (_To himself_) So that's the story! (_To the servant who is
about to go out_) Here, come here! (_He takes one of the cards from the
tray and puts it in his pocket_)
Lothar. (_Looking at_ Robert _and_ Leonore) What does that mean?
Trast. My card is enough.
(_The servant goes out._)
Robert. Leonore, I've brought Count Trast, my benefactor and my best
friend.
Leonore. (_Remembering_ Lothar) The gentlemen will permit me to
introduce Herr Lothar Brandt? Herr Count von Trast--Herr Robert
Heinecke, a playmate of my childhood.
Lothar. (_To himself_) She introduces me to Alma's brother--That is
fine!--The gentlemen will pardon me, but my friends--(_Stutters and
clears his throat_)
Trast. Are waiting for you, eh?
Lothar. (_Staring at him_) Exactly! (_As he goes_) What sort of a count
is he? (_Turns at the door and bows stiffly, clicking his heels and
goes out_)
Leonore. You have been away from home a long time, Herr Count?
Trast. I have inhabited the tropics for a quarter century.
Leonore. For pleasure?
Trast. As much as possible. Meanwhile I have been speculator in coffee,
cloves and ivory, and elephant-hunter.
Leonore. (_Laughing_) In which of your many capacities am I to welcome
you then, you many-gifted man?
Trast. You may take your choice, Gnadiges Fraulein.
Wilhelm. (_At the door_) The Herr Councillor is at your disposal.
Robert. I must----
Trast. (_To_ Robert) Stay where you are. I have something to say to the
manager first. (_To_ Leonore) For ten years, he has been singing your
praises; shouldn't you take the trouble to listen to ten minutes'
praise of me?
Leonore. (_Shaking her finger at_ Trast) You are an old rogue!
Trast. A rogue in your own service! (_He goes out_)
Leonore. (_Taking_ Robert's _hand_) At last I have you here again!
Robert. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for those words.
Leonore. Oh, how polite we are!--My words aren't alms! Come here,
(_Leads him to the fireplace_) Sit down--here by the fire--beside me.
You mustn't freeze in cold Germany!--Wait, I'll start up the fire!
(_She blows with the bellows_) These fireplaces are--impractical
things--most impractical, but anyway we can chat in front of it. In
India you don't need fireplaces, do you? (_To herself_) I'm so
happy!--Oh, I'm glad to see you again. And now, out with the "but" that
you have up your sleeve. I'll parry it.
Robert. Don't make my heart too heavy.
Leonore. That's the last thing I want to do.
Robert. But that's what you're doing when you conjure up this ghost of
a happiness that is now forever buried.
Leonore. Oh, if you were only as you used to be.
Robert. So I am. Heaven knows!--but there is a gulf between us!
Leonore. Then there was--yes!
Robert. God!--you must understand me! I cana't say what's in my
heart--do you remember what you said to me when we parted?
Leonore. Well?
Robert. You said: "Be true to me, Robert."
Leonore. Is that what I said? Exactly that?
Robert. Such a thing one doesn't forget.
Leonore. They had forbidden us to call each other by our first names.
Robert. But you did it just the same.
Leonore. And why don't we do it any more?
Robert. You are playing with me.
Leonore. You are right, my friend. And I must not do it. It would look
like coquetry, although it is nothing but the joy of seeing you again.
You have shown me plainly enough that the dream of our childhood is
over.
Robert. It must be. Your father lifted me out of the gutter in a moment
of overflowing generosity. Everything that I think and know and feel I
must thank him for. And for that very reason I have lost the right of
independent action. I am a dependent of this house, and have not the
right to approach its young mistress--in any way whatever.
Leonore. Your own pride punishes your lying words!
Robert. Perhaps it is my pride that forces me to accept this position!
Leonore. And you are not willing to sacrifice a little of it for my
sake?
Robert. Don't torture me! It isn't that alone! Only think what I am
suffering. For the first time, this moment, when I sit opposite you, do
I realize anything like a home-coming! But I would be terribly selfish
if I allowed myself to admit this feeling. Back there in the alley is
my family!--Father, mother, sister--and this family--is my family! Oh,
I tell you things have happened back there that you in your goodness
can't even imagine.
Leonore. My dear friend, one doesn't have to go to India to become
estranged from one's family.
Robert. You, too?
Leonore. It is better not to speak of it. I am ashamed of myself. I am
even more of an outcast than you. I have lost all sense of duty.
A sort of gloomy ill-will has come over me and now it is almost
arrogance--towards my own people and all the others about them--and I'm
not arrogant or proud by nature! Tell me, what is it that----?
Robert. Shh!
(Trast _and_ Muhlingk _enter at the right._)
Muhlingk. (_To_ Trast) Well, until to-morrow then. Count.--Ah, there is
the young man. (_Extending his hand_) Welcome, welcome, do you want to
go over the report at once?
Robert. I only came to present my respects, Herr Councillor, my papers
aren't unpacked yet.
Muhlingk. Well, well, there's no hurry. But what are you doing here,
Leonore?
Leonore. I simply wanted to say how d'ye do to Robert.
Muhlingk. Mm--But you know that Mama has been asking for you. Come,
young man, I have plans for you; plans. You know, Count, we have no
secrets from you.
Trast. You can get to know him better if you are alone with him. (_To_
Robert) I'll wait for you here.
Leonore. (_Shaking_ Robert's _hand_) Au revoir, Robert.
Muhlingk. Hm! (_Reprovingly. He goes out with_ Robert)
Leonore. Count, you heard--? I must go.
Trast. Gnadiges Fraulein! (Leonore _goes to door, he watches her, she
turns and he shakes his finger at her_)
Leonore. (_Surprised_) What do you mean, Count?
Trast. Hm--I mean! (_He claps his hands_)
Leonore. And what does that mean?
Trast. That means--(_Through his hands_) Bravo!
Leonore. (_Dignified_) I don't understand you. Count--ah! (_She bursts
out laughing and goes up frankly and puts out her hand_) Yes, I do
understand.
Trast. (_Taking her hand in both his_) That's better.
Leonore. Count!
Trast. Fraulein! (Leonore _goes out_) She's a splendid specimen--that
girl! I'll let her have him. He must have her.
(_Enter_ Kurt.)
Kurt. (_To_ Stengel _who is coming in_) Courage, courage, my boy! Come
in.
Trast. (_Recognising_ Kurt _as he comes in with_ Brandt) He--here!
Kurt. (_Sees_ Trast; _startled, goes up to him, in a low voice_) You
wished to see me, sir?
Trast. No, but I'm glad to see you.
Kurt. With whom have I the honor----?
Trast. Count Trast.
Kurt. (_Astonished and very polite_) Ah, we may thank--thank--our
employe--er--our--a traveling acquaintanceship, I suppose--for this
visit?
Trast. You are the son of the house?
Kurt. I beg your pardon, yes! At your service! Naturally--ah, Count, we
are both men-of-the world enough to forget the affair of last night.
Trast. You think so?
Kurt. The girl is nice, I ought to know if anyone does. All honor to
your good taste. But you must admit that I was in the right. I hope
there will be no rivalry?
Trast. Especially, as the girl's brother is the best friend I have?
Kurt. (_Frightened, controls himself, then, after a pause_) What do you
intend to do?
Trast. I have not decided as yet. If I can dissuade him from his
imaginary duties to your house, and if I find you prepared to break off
all further relationship, then perhaps I can remain silent.
Kurt. And otherwise?
Trast. That would be a matter for Herr Heinecke to settle.
Kurt. Do you think I would accept a challenge from my clerk?
Trast. Your what?--Oh, I see.
Kurt. Count, do what you please.
Trast. That is a habit of mine. Herr Heinecke is at this moment in your
father's office. Permit me to remain here a few minutes in order that I
may shorten your meeting. I should like to prevent you two from shaking
hands.
Kurt. The room is yours, Count.
Trast. I thank you. (_They separate, and_ Trast _looks at the
pictures_. Kurt _walks excitedly away from the others_)
Lothar. (_To_ Hugo) What happened between those two? If I remember
rightly there was a Count Trast in our regiment who came to a bad end.
Wait a moment.
Hugo. (_Nervously_) You aren't going to start a quarrel?
Lothar. Why not? The other fellow has some scheme. (_He approaches_
Trast) The Count seems to like solitude.
Trast. (_Turning_) Decidedly!
Lothar. That is rather impolite.
Trast. (_Looking at him squarely_) Ah! you seem to be carrying your
sense of honor on your shoulder, Herr--er--pardon!
Lothar. My name is Lothar Brandt and I feel that it is necessary to add
that I am Lieutenant of the Reserves in the Cuirassier Regiment "Crown
Prince."
Trast. (_Politely_) Is that all?
Lothar. (_Threateningly_) Is that all, Count?
Trast. Pardon me! One serves in the Reserves during war time only. When
I came back I hoped that I could live in peace.
Lothar. You are mistaken, Count, one serves in the Reserves during the
rifle practice, as well.
Trast. Do you need me for rifle practice?
Lothar. Permit me, Count, to ask you a question.
Trast. With pleasure.
Lothar. In the regiment to which it is my great honor to belong there
was formerly a young fellow who bore the same name as yours.
Trast. Ah? Then it was probably I.
Lothar. (_Sharply_) The man left the army under a cloud.
Trast. Exactly! Exactly! (_Very polite_) And if you wish to say in
other words, that when we meet on the street you don't care to
recognize me--I release you from the necessity of greeting--I can do
without it. (_Bows and picks up a portfolio which he examines_)
Hugo. (_Enthusiastically_) Well, _I_ was never despatched as elegantly
as that, (_He approaches_ Trast _and bows deeply_)--Permit me--my name
is Stengel!
Trast. (_Turning_) Charmed!
Hugo. Stengel! (Trast _bows--they talk_)
Kurt. (_Comes forward and joins_ Lothar) Man, what are you trying to
do. That's the almighty firm of Trast and Company.--Do you want to ruin
your father's business?
Lothar. (_Dismayed_) Why didn't you tell me before?
Kurt. Whatever happens we must straighten the matter out
Lothar. If you can do it in perfectly good form.
Kurt. Pardon me. Count--my friend regrets----
Lothar. Regrets is hardly the word, Kurt.
Kurt. (_Stuttering_) Well--er--er----
Trast. Perhaps our friend would like to consider our little
conversation as not having taken place?
Lothar. We can go as far as that at least, Kurt.
Trast. I must keep pace with his generosity, and--express the same
desire.
Kurt. Then the matter is settled.
Lothar. And I take the liberty to express my pleasure at meeting
personally, the man whose work I have respected for so many years.
Trast. (_Very politely_) You see, Lieutenant, that it was not entirely
superfluous when I asked "Is that all?" As business men, we can
understand each other perfectly. Gentlemen, Herr Brandt Junior, heir to
the worthy firm of importers, Brandt and Stengel, with which I am
pleased to have business relations, has just given me a little
statement in private on the theme of "Honor." Permit me to make the
answer public. (_They sit down_) In confidence, there is no such thing
as honor, (_All are astonished_) Don't be frightened. It won't hurt
you.
Lothar. And what we call honor?
Trast. What we commonly call honor is nothing more than the shadow we
throw in the sunlight of publicity. But the worst part of it is that we
have as many kinds of honor as we have business circles and strata. How
can one find his way among them?
Lothar. (_Sharply_) You are mistaken. Count. There is only one honor,
just as there is only one sun and one God. One must feel that--or he is
no gentleman.
Trast. Hm!--Permit me to tell you a little tale. In a journey through
Central Asia I stopped at the house of a Thibetan Chief. I was dusty
and footsore. He received me, sitting on his throne. Beside him was his
charming little wife. "Rest yourself, traveler," he said to me, "my
wife will prepare you a bath and then we men shall dine together." And
he gave me over to his young wife.--Gentlemen, if ever in my life my
self-control was put to test it was in that hour--And when I returned
to the hall, what did I find? The attendants under arms, threatening
voices and half-drawn swords. "You must die!" cried my host, "you have
given a deadly insult to the honor of my house. You have scorned to
accept the most sacred thing I could offer you."--You see, gentlemen, I
am still living, for eventually the deficient sense of honor of the
barbaric European was forgiven. (_They laugh_) If you happen to know
any of our modern writers on the theme of adultery you might tell them
this story.
(_All laugh, and move gradually towards the left._)
Trast. (_Continuing_) Gentlemen, I don't want to be considered immoral.
The study of the puzzles of civilization is a thing apart.--You see it
lies in the nature of your so-called honor, that it may only be
possessed by the certain few, the demi-gods; for it is an emotional
luxury that loses value in direct proportion as it is appropriated by
the rabble.
Kurt. But that is a paradox. Count. Is it not permitted to everyone to
be a man of honor?
Trast. On the contrary. Then the poorest devil in the alley might
dispute the honor of a gentleman. (Kurt _is perplexed_)
Lothar. If he acts according to honor, then he must be a gentleman.
Trast. Hm! Really? May I tell you another, a shorter story?--But I am
afraid I'm boring you.
Lothar _and_ Hugo. (_Laughing_) No!--No!
Trast. It took place somewhere in South America--the Spaniards are the
aristocrats there,--the population is a mixture of negroes, Indians,
and a sort of white trash. A product of this mixed race,--his name
was--hm--Pepe--had the opportunity of being transported to the Spanish
mother country where he (_Breathes on his left elbow_) absorbed a
little of the pure Castillan sense of honor. (Robert _enters without
being heard and listens_) When he came back, after several years, he
found his little sister on all too intimate terms with a young
aristocrat--Gentleman, we mustn't get angry, Considering her origin it
was the girl's destiny. But the young fellow dared to attempt to avenge
his sister's honor, not as a mestizo but as a Hidalgo!
Kurt. (_In a hurt voice_) Listen, that means me!
Trast. You see, gentlemen, that was madness and he was treated as a
madman. Then the fellow showed his real nature. Like a thug he waited
for the young nobleman and he shot him down. He was sentenced, and even
under the very gallows the fool declared,--his name was Pepe--that he
was dying for his honor. Gentlemen, isn't that absurd?
Robert. (_Who has made his appearance unobserved_) You are mistaken, my
friend! This fool was right. I should have acted exactly the same way.
Trast. Oh, oh, it's you! (_Going quickly to him_) You don't know these
people! Don't look around. Come with me. (_Draws him toward the door_)
Robert. Isn't that Kurt?
Trast. They are strangers.--Come. You will excuse me, gentlemen? We are
in a hurry. Goodbye.
Lothar. (_To_ Kurt) Now, I'll settle him. (_To_ Trast) Permit me just
one more question, Count. (_Affectedly_) If you intend to do away with
honor entirely; what do you expect gentlemen of honor to put in its
place?
Trast. (_Straightening up_) Duty, young man--(_To himself_) This is
certainly unpleasant, Gentlemen----
Kurt. (_As_ Trast _and_ Robert _are about to leave_) It was a great
honor to our house, Count.
Robert. Pardon me, but you are Herr Kurt Muhlingk?
Kurt. That is my name?
Robert. (_Confused_) But--aren't--? Of course, you don't recognize me!
I am--(_He is about to offer his hand to_ Kurt)
Trast. (_Stepping between_) You don't shake hands with this man.
Robert. (_Looks about confused, stares at_ Kurt, _then at_ Trast, _then
at_ Kurt _again, gives a little cry, then controls himself_) I should
like to have a word with you--Herr Muhlingk--in private.
Kurt. As you see, I have some guests here now, but in an hour I shall
be at your service.
Robert. In an hour, Herr Muhlingk!
Trast. (_To himself_) He found out quickly enough!
(Trast _and_ Robert _go to the door as_
THE CURTAIN FALLS.)