If he only thought I had not the intention!--And you have tried everything?
MoLLER.
Everything.
STEIN.
Did you also threaten him with G.o.dfrey? As if he were to be appointed forester, as if you were to deliver to him his commission immediately, in case--
MoLLER.
As if I were to?--My instructions were more definite. I bring you G.o.dfrey"s respectful acknowledgment; he accepts the position.
STEIN.
He ac--he accepts it? He really accepts it? What an obliging man he is, that G.o.dfrey! And you into the bargain--with your haste. Have you entirely lost your senses, sir? The whole thing was intended to scare Ulrich. I wanted him to listen to reason--to yield. And if in the first heat I actually did say it as you understood it, you should have interpreted it differently. You know that in my heart I am not thinking of dismissing that old man who is worth a thousand times more--but you understand it, you understood it right, but--now that it is too late, I recall you always opposed this marriage.
MoLLER.
I have served the firm of Stein and Son for twenty years, time enough to learn at last that one can serve too faithfully. I have done nothing but execute your instructions literally. And if, in spite of that, you persist in misjudging me, then this must be my consolation. I have never compromised the dignity of Stein and Son.
[_Sits down to work_.]
STEIN.
Then the dignity of Stein and Son may thank you for what you have done; I shall not. [_Pause_.] And yet, when one considers the matter calmly, what else was to be done? After all that took place? Don"t be uneasy; I simply a.s.serted myself as master.
PASTOR.
That is quite a new sensation!
STEIN.
Now I have confronted him with that confounded alternative, before old Wilkens there. Surely, I cannot--confound the rash word!--a word that in my innermost heart I did not mean seriously, and which now becomes fate, because I did not take the pains to keep that word under control.
PASTOR.
Indeed! it is exceedingly disagreeable for discretion to acknowledge the debts that pa.s.sion has contracted. Why, in the name of common sense, did you not have your quarrel by yourselves, as usual?
STEIN (_who has been walking up and down_).
No, it will not do. And yet, if I think of those hot-headed boys--Moller, please send immediately for my Robert; send some one to find him and tell him that I must speak with him.
[_Exit_ MoLLER, _and returns soon_.]
STEIN.
I can"t help the obstinate old fellow; this time _he_ must knuckle under. I cannot go back on my word; that he must see himself. And by this time he also may have come to his senses. But in order that he may see that I am ready to do whatever I can toward a reconciliation, without losing my dignity--how would it be, parson, if you went to see him? His post, I dare say, he must resign for the time being; but his present salary he may--yes, he shall draw twice the amount. He may regard it as a pension, until further notice. I should think--after all, his is the chief fault in this business--in this way he is let off easily enough for his share.
PASTOR.
I am going at once.
STEIN.
And I shall accompany you part of the way. I ought not to walk all alone.
[_Exeunt to the left_.]
SCENE V
MoLLER _alone; later,_ G.o.dFREY.
MoLLER.
Even if the marriage with Miss Lohlein should not come to pa.s.s, at least Stein and Son have a.s.serted themselves. It used to turn my stomach to see how he always was the first to make up. This time I am satisfied with my chief, and will not mind his rebuke. But who is making that noise out there? [_At the door_.] It is lucky that they went through the rooms. It is G.o.dfrey. And in what condition! What sort of man do you call that? [_Leads in _G.o.dFREY, _who is intoxicated_.]
G.o.dFREY (_while still behind the scenes_).
Where is Stein? Hey there, fellow! Stein, I say! Is that you, Moller?
MoLLER (_with a patronizing air_).
There can be no doubt that it is you. What do you want here?
G.o.dFREY (_while_ MoLLER _pushes him down on a chair_).
Thank him, why, I must thank him. Fetch Stein. Thank him, for that"s the fashion.
MoLLER.
In this condition?
G.o.dFREY (_while_ MoLLER _is obliged to hold him forcibly down on the chair_).
Condition? What"s my condition to you? That I want to express my thanks is condition enough. Let me alone with my condition. Is he in? Hey?
MoLLER.
n.o.body is in there. Be glad that n.o.body is in. You are past all help.
You have made up your mind not to get along. Those who have your interest at heart can never do anything for your advantage without your doing something that counteracts their efforts a hundredfold, so that everything is spoiled. My master already repents having given you the post, and now you at once give him an opportunity--
G.o.dFREY.
You stupid fellow, you. With your patronizing air, hang it! As if you did not want to make a break between Stein and Ulrich because of that Lohlein girl. I should know that, even if I were as stupid as that confounded, patronizing fellow of a Moller. That"s all I have to say.
And what of it, that I am forester for a day? For it won"t be two days before those two cronies are again one heart and one soul; after that it"s all over with my forester"s job. You think you are a decent fellow, because you are not thirsty. It will last one day--for one day I shall be sp--spite-forester--and that day I have turned to account, my dear fellow--with Ulrich"s Andrew--turned to account, my dear fellow. Come, my dear fellow, for I am jolly, my dear fellow. You patronizing fellow of a Moller. [_Embrace him_.]