Ebeling (_holding out a box of cigars_).
There! Now let"s chat. Will you smoke?
v. Tietz (_helping himself_).
Really now--if I"m disturbing you----
Ebeling.
See here, my dear fellow, if you were disturbing me, I"d make short work of you. But (_looking toward the clock_) my office hours are over.
And we"ll find out immediately what else there is. (_He rings._)
Bonath _appears with a bundle of papers_.
Ebeling.
Is any one still there?
Bonath.
No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected.
Ebeling.
Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (Bonath _lays them before him._)
Ebeling.
(_To_ v. Tietz.) You can go on speaking. These are only signatures.--Have you a light?
v. Tietz.
(_Who has stood up and is looking around the room._) Yes, thank you.
Ebeling.
See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at once.
Bonath.
Yes, Herr Ebeling.
v. Tietz.
You"ve become a collector, I see.
Ebeling (_signing_).
One must have some diversion.
v. Tietz.
What"s that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original?
Ebeling (_signing_).
Would you expect it to be a copy?
v. Tietz.
H"m, your practice is certainly splendid.
Ebeling.
There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer than I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (_To_ Bonath.) Will it be necessary to work overtime?
Bonath.
Not to-day, Herr Ebeling.
Ebeling.
Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (v. Tietz _listens attentively._)
Bonath.
Very well, Herr Ebeling. (_Goes out._)
v. Tietz.
The lady you are expecting is Frau von Yburg?
Ebeling.
Of course you know that I"ve been the Yburg"s legal adviser for years.
v. Tietz (_sitting down_).
Well, really, this is quite a marvellous coincidence. It"s on account of the Yburgs that I"ve come to see you.
Ebeling (_interested_).
Is that so? What"s the matter?
v. Tietz.
My dear friend, if you hadn"t so completely drawn away from all society since your wife l---- (_alarmed._) I beg your pardon.
Ebeling.