(All rise.)
Lothar. (To Kurt, aside) Fine! fine!
Kurt. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare make such a request to me in my own house?
Trast. You refuse?
Kurt. Do you still doubt it, Count?
Lothar. (Aside to him) More cutting, more cutting.
Trast. (Aside) Force--Yes, I doubted it, for I still cherished the slight hope that I was dealing with a man of honor--I beg your pardon--I made a mistake.
Kurt. Sir--that is----
Trast. An insult--yes.
Kurt. Which will be properly dealt with.
Trast. I ask for nothing better.
Kurt. You will hear from me to-morrow.
Trast. To-morrow--So you sleep on a thing like that? I am accustomed to settling such matters at once.
Kurt. (Chokingly) Immediately.
Trast. (Aside) Thank God! (Aloud) Then we'll go!
Lothar. (Stepping between) Always correct, Kurt. You, as principal, have nothing further to do with the gentleman. (Sharply) In the first place, Count, the Code of Honor permits the challenged as well as the challenger twenty-four hours in which to arrange his affairs. We, my principal and I--shall make use of this rule, unless--and now I come to the second point--we shall be prevented from enjoying that privilege--for you. Sir, have not insulted us----
Trast. Ah!
Lothar. You belong to those who cannot insult us.
Trast. (Merrily) Ah, yes!
Lothar. Will you be kind enough to recall, that the Count von Trast-Saarberg, as we can still see in the register,--on the twenty-fifth of June, 1864, was released, under a cloud, from his regiment, because of unpaid gambling debts. That is all. (Bows negligently)
Trast. (Breaking out into laughter) Gentlemen, I thank you heartily for the little lesson--I certainly deserved it--for the worst crime under heaven is to be illogical! And one thing I see above everything else. No matter how much a man is elevated above the modern Honor he must still remain her slave, even if it is only when he wants to help a poor devil of a friend out of a hole--Gentlemen, I have the honor-- Pardon! I haven't the honor! You have denied me that; so nothing remains but the pleasure--the pleasure of saying "Good-day," but that is better still! (He goes out laughing)
Hugo. Here we are with our honor and still we've made ourselves ridiculous.
Lothar. We acted quite correctly.
Hugo. But, Lothar, the coffee, the coffee.
Lothar. One must be willing to sacrifice for the sake of his Honor, my friend. I am glad I could do you this service, Kurt--What would you have done without me? Well, until to-night.
Kurt. Are you going back to town already?
Lothar. Yes.
Kurt. I'll go with you.
Lothar. Oh, that will look as though you wanted to get away from the noble brother.
Kurt. What do you mean?
Lothar. Do you want the Count to laugh in his sleeve? Now it has become almost a duty to stay.
Kurt. Hardly that.
Lothar. Your duty, unless you want it thought you are a coward.
(Enter Muhlingk in a fur coat and hat, Wilhelm follows him.)
Muhlingk. (Throwing his coat to Wilhelm) What is that fellow thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(Wilhelm leaves) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to pick, eh?
Kurt. (Aside to his friends) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before the storm!
Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time----
Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day.
Lothar. (Aside) You tell us how the thing comes out.
(Lothar and Hugo go out.)
Muhlingk. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral side of the question.
(Enter Frau Muhlingk.)
Kurt. (Aside) Here comes the old lady, this will be great.
Frau Muhlingk. Oh, Kurt! Kurt!
Kurt. Yes, Mother?
Frau Muhlingk. (Sitting) You have brought a great deal of trouble to your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. (Leonore enters left) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! (To Leonore) What do you want?
Leonore. I have something to say to you.
Muhlingk. We haven't time now, go to your room.
Leonore. No, Father. I can't play the part of the silent daughter any longer. If I am a member of the family I want to take part in this conversation.
Muhlingk. What is the meaning of all this ceremony?
Leonore. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family.
Muhlingk. I don't know anything----!
Leonore. You needn't try to hide it from me. According to the rules of modern hypocrisy which are applied to the so-called young ladies, I ought to go about with downcast eyes and play the part of innocent ignorance. Under the circumstances that doesn't work. I have heard about the whole affair.
Frau Muhlingk. And you aren't ashamed of yourself?
Leonore. (Bitterly) I am ashamed of myself.
Muhlingk. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad?
Leonore. If my tone was impertinent, please forgive me. I want to soften you, not to quarrel with you. Perhaps I have been a bad daughter--Perhaps I really haven't the right to have my own thoughts as long as I do not eat my own bread--If that is true, try to pardon me--I will make up for it a thousand times. But understand--give him back his honor----
Muhlingk. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you mean by "giving him back his honor?"
Leonore. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up for what has happened. Then we can find the means later.
Muhlingk. You think so? Sit down, my child--I shall let my customary mildness still govern me and try to bring you to reason, although perhaps a stricter method would be more in place--Look at this old gray head. A great deal of honor has been piled up there and still in my whole life I have never meddled with this so-called sense of honor--ah, what a person has to endure without even saying "Hum" when he expects to succeed in life. Here is a young man from whom you say, I have taken his honor. Taking for granted that you are right--where does a young fellow like that get his honor? From his family? Or from my business? My clerks are no knights. You say he had honor, and I'm supposed to give it back to him. How? By taking his sister as a daughter-in-law?
Frau Muhlingk. Really, Theodore, you mustn't say these things even as a joke.
Muhlingk. If I did that, I should disgrace myself and my family. On the other hand, this young man has the chance of getting out of the trouble. If he refuses, and it comes back to me, who shall be made unhappy, we or he? My answer is; he shall, I have no desire to be, myself--That's the way I've always done, and everyone knows me as a man of honor.
Leonore. (Rising) Father, is that your last word?
Muhlingk. My last! Now, come, give me a kiss and beg your mother's pardon.
Leonore. (Shrinks back with a shudder) Let me go! I can't deceive you!
Muhlingk. What do you mean?
Leonore. Father, I feel I am in the wrong, that I am asking the impossible from you. I shall have to know the world differently from--(Stops suddenly and listens. There are voices in the hall)
Muhlingk. And----?
Leonore. (Aside) It's he!--Oh, I can't stand it any longer!
(Enter Wilhelm.)
Wilhelm. The young Herr Heinecke from the Alley is there again.
(Kurt starts.)
Muhlingk. Did you tell him what I told you to say?
Wilhelm. Yes, Herr Councillor, but he followed me here from the office.
Muhlingk. What impertinence!--If he doesn't leave this----!
Kurt. Pardon me. Father. Perhaps he only wants to thank you! I believe he has reasons.
Muhlingk. Such people never give you thanks.
Kurt. Has he money to give you?
Muhlingk. Certainly.
Kurt. There must be something back of it--get it over and we'll be done with him.
Muhlingk. As far as I'm concerned--let him come.
(Wilhelm goes out.)
Frau Muhlingk. We'll go, Leonore,
Leonore. (Aside) Kurt!
Kurt. Well?
Leonore. Be on your guard!
Kurt. Bah! (Trying to hide his fear)
(Frau Muhlingk and Leonore go out. Enter Robert, apparently calm, respectful in manner--he carries a portfolio.)
Muhlingk. You were a little insistant, young man--Well, I never criticize a man in the discharge of duty; least of all when he is about to leave his employer, at the eleventh hour. Take a seat!
Robert. If you don't mind, I'll remain standing.
Muhlingk. Just as you like--I had word from my nephew yesterday. He is getting on well--having a good time--a little too much according to Count Trast--Well, a little pleasure is always in the blood of gentlemen of good family--You have brought the annual report with you, I hope?
Robert. Yes.
Muhlingk. And----
Robert. (To Muhlingk) There, sir, (Takes a sheet and hands it to the Councillor)
Kurt. (Playing the part of indifference) May I see, Father?
Muhlingk. Yes, yes--or perhaps you have a copy?
Robert. Yes, I have.
Muhlingk. Please give it to my son. (Robert hands it to Kurt. The two stand, measuring each other with their eyes) As far as I can see at the first glance that is exceedingly good. The net gain is----
Robert. 116,227 Gulden.
Muhlingk. The dutch gulden is one mark seventy--Kurt figure it with me.
Robert. 197,585 Marks.
Muhlingk. 8--1--3--5--8. Right--197,285 Marks and 90 Pfennigs. Kurt, are you figuring it up?
Kurt. And ninety pfennig. Yes, Father.
Muhlingk. Ha--And in the coffee "a small profit?" What does that mean?
Robert. (Handing him a sheet) Here is the special account. I was in a position to foresee the crisis caused by the competition in Brazil and I had five-sixths of the area planted with tea.
Muhlingk. You?
Robert. Yes, Herr Councillor, I----
Kurt. Strange!
Muhlingk. And how is the "Quinquina?"
Robert. Here is the report. (Hands him the paper)
Muhlingk. Not much, either! Where does the profit come in that brings up the average?
Robert. The chief source of gain was Sumatra tobacco and the tea--especially the tea. (Handing another sheet)
Muhlingk. You made this trial on the strength of your own judgment, too?
Robert. Not entirely, I followed a suggestion that my friend, Count Trast, gave me.
Muhlingk. And my nephew approved of it?
Robert. Afterwards--yes.
Muhlingk. You are right, Kurt--it is strange!
Robert. Have the gentlemen any further questions?
Muhlingk. Judging from the manner in which you behave here, one might think that you had been running my business in Java yourself. What do you imply by that?
Robert. That I had the authority, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. And where was my nephew, meanwhile?
Robert. That is a question too general to answer, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. Didn't he come to the office every day?
Robert. No, Herr Councillor.
Muhlingk. (With increasing anger) When did he come?
Robert. When the post from Hamburg came, and when he had need of money.
Muhlingk. Do you imply by that that my nephew neglected his duty?
Robert. I don't wish to imply anything that I have not said.
Muhlingk. Then kindly explain to me.
Robert. I don't feel myself called upon to discuss the private life of my former manager.
Kurt. But to paint him as black as you can--that suits you better!
Robert. (Starts forward toward him, but controls himself) Have the gentlemen any further questions?
Muhlingk. What monies have you brought with you?
Robert. I have notes from different banks amounting to about 95,000 gulden--here they are.
Muhlingk. Kurt, check that up. (Kurt rises and takes each paper from Robert in turn and looks it through)
Robert. Have you finished, Herr Councillor?
Muhlingk. Just a minute. (Pause)
Kurt. Correct.
Muhlingk. Well, my dear Herr--Heinecke, I wish you success in your future enterprises. Be an industrious fellow and don't forget what you owe to this house.
Robert. No, Herr Councillor, I shan't forget! Here is the forty thousand marks that you had the kindness to give to my father.
Muhlingk. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan.
Robert. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return.
Muhlingk. Has your father given his authority for the return of the money?
Robert. No, he has not.
Muhlingk. Then the money is your own?
Robert. Yes.
Muhlingk. Hmm!
Kurt. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has saved so much money?
Robert. (Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of Kurt's insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He seizes Kurt by the throat) Cur! take that back!--back!
Muhlingk. Help! help!
(Leonore enters.)
Leonore. Have pity! Robert!
Robert. (Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his hands. Kurt struggling for breath sinks to sofa) Oh!
(Enter Frau Muhlingk.)
Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (Rushing to him) Help! Murder! Murder! Ring, Theodore!
Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get out!
Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (At a movement from Leonore) Yes, Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!
Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done!
Robert. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you! You stole my home and my trust in God and man! You stole my sense of shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!
Muhlingk. (After a pause) Shall I have the servants put you out?
Leonore. (Stepping between) That you won't do, Father.
Muhlingk. What! You?
Leonore. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you can put me out, too.
Robert. Leonore, what are you doing?
Leonore. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word?
Muhlingk. You are mad!
Robert. Stop, Leonore! I will think of you with--gratitude--as long as I live. When I leave you I leave the only thing that I can call home--God bless you! and farewell! (He goes to door)
Leonore. (Embracing him) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you!
Robert. Leonore!
Muhlingk. What!!!
Leonore. Don't leave me alone! My soul is frozen between these walls! You are my home, too! You have always been! See, I've thrown myself into your arms!
Muhlingk. Oh! what a disgraceful scene!
Leonore. Father dear, we needn't get angry with each other. I love this man. For that which you have taken from him I offer that which I have. (Half to Robert) I only have myself--If he wants that----
Robert. Leonore!
(Enter Trast.)
Trast. What has happened?
Leonore. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way. Robert, let us make a new home, new duties.
Robert. (Bitterly, with a look at Kurt who is sitting as though dumb) And a new honor! (He takes her in his arms)
Frau Muhlingk. So that is our thanks, Father!
Leonore. Father, Mother, I ask your forgiveness, but what I am doing now I must do! I am sure that it can't be wrong. But I beg of you, think kindly of me--sometimes.
Muhlingk. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse! (He lifts his arm as though to curse her) You----
Trast. (Stepping up to him) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of wearing yourself out with curses? (Quietly) and furthermore, in confidence, your daughter isn't making a bad match. The young fellow will have my station and, since I have no heirs, my fortune.
Muhlingk. But, Count--why didn't you explain!
Trast. (Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless him) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing!
(Follows the two to the door as
THE CURTAIN FALLS.)
FOOTNOTES:
Footnote 1: Certain German houses are divided Into two parts the so-called "Hinterhaus" and "Vorderhaus." The "Vorderhaus" (translated roughly "on the avenue") is the larger part and usually belongs to the owner. The "Hinterhaus" (rendered "on the alley") is a few rooms opening on an alleyway or court whose occupants sometimes act in the capacity of caretakers, but who often have nothing to do with the people in the Vorderhaus and hardly consider themselves on a plane with the richer family's servants.--Tr.
Footnote 2: A newspaper.--Tr.
Footnote 3: The German workman is allowed time in the middle of the morning for a light lunch which tides him over from his coffee and rolls to the more substantial dinner at noon.--Tr.
Footnote 4: A well known quotation from Schiller's "Die Rauber."
Footnote 5: Thus in the original.--Tr.
Footnote 6: The poor people in Germany drink an infusion of oak-leaves in place of coffee.
Footnote 7: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.
Footnote 8: Suburbs of Berlin.--Tr.