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 compet.i.tion 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.