What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?
Major.
Ah! I will shoot the dog dead for that.
Fritz.
Well, I hope they will decide favourably to me.
Major.
If not, the dev-- (_Softly_.) And then I will tell you a couple of measures to take so as to have a steady hand. Sleep properly, and don"t eat a bite, and then tell the doctor----
Fritz.
Enough, enough, father, that is of no further use.
Major.
What does that mean? Is it possible that you will--to Lanski?----
Fritz.
Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....
Major.
Man, are you--are you----?
Fritz.
Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....
Major.
Man, yet have--yet consider----
Fritz.
I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (_shudders_), you would demand nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death....
Major (_brokenly_).
Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel.
Fritz.
Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it?
Major (_perplexed_).
I?
Fritz.
Say then say!
Major (_drawing himself up_).
No! (_Sinks down in his chair_.)
Fritz.
So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for.
Major (_sunk in gloomy reverie_).
My fault!--my----
_NINTH SCENE_.
THE SAME. WILHELM. _Afterward_ LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.
Fritz.
What is it?
Wilhelm.
Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master.
Fritz.
(_Hurrying past him to the door_.) Well?
(Hallerpfort _shakes hands with him and the_ Major, _and casts a glance at_ Wilhelm, _who forthwith disappears_.)
Fritz.
Well?
Hallerpfort.
Does your father know?
Major.
Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?