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 ap.r.o.n-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"
a.s.sociation----
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" Cuira.s.sier regiment.
Leonore. (_Smiling, looking toward the table_) Ah, yes! Note visiting card!