Richard.
What do you mean?
Baron Ludwig.
A certain personage was heard to say after your speech: _That is the man I need_. Don"t look as if you saw a ghost. You deserve it all, my dear Richard.
Richard.
(_Walks up and down in agitated silence_.) Ludwig--you have led me to the top of a high mountain and shown me the promised land in which I shall never set foot. Give me time to renounce the idea.
Baron Ludwig.
Why should you talk of renouncing it? But this brings me to the object of my visit. Richard, how long do you suppose your enemies will wait before making capital out of your speech?
Richard.
I"m ready for them, my dear fellow. I"ll pay the shot--to the last penny!
Baron Ludwig (_in a lower tone_).
We are talking at cross-purposes. I referred to the insinuations of your former secretary.
Richard.
I understand.
Baron Ludwig.
You know there is nothing they are so eager to attack as our private life. Of course I don"t for a moment imagine the man has anything to go on--but unless you can silence him he may make a scandal in which everything will go under--your name, your career--and other things besides.
Richard.
What can I do to prevent it?
Baron Ludwig.
For one thing, you might jump into a cab and hunt your man down with a big bribe in your pocket.
Richard.
Do you think that kind of man could be bribed?
Baron Ludwig.
My dear Richard, this is not merely a matter of life and death.
Remember that. Of course you may be too late; but it"s the only way I can suggest. (_There is a knock on the door_.)
Richard.
Come in.
_Enter_ Holtzmann.
Holtzmann.
I beg your pardon, Baron. (_In a low voice_.) An important matter----
Richard.
You may speak before my brother. I have no secrets from him.
Holtzmann.
There is a man waiting in my room who wishes to speak to you. His name is Meixner. (_The two brothers look at each other_.)
Richard.
Thanks. Please tell Herr Meixner that I will see him in a moment.
(Holtzmann _goes out_.)
Baron Ludwig.
Well, this ends my mission. Good-bye, Richard. Your luck frightens me.
Richard (_laughing bitterly_).
My luck!
Baron Ludwig (_pressing his hands_).
Don"t hang back now, my dear fellow. The way is open to you.
Richard.
Thank you. Good-bye. (Baron Ludwig _goes out_. Richard _rings_.)
_Enter_ George.
Richard.
I will see the gentleman who is waiting. You will remain in the ante-room. Don"t let in any one else. (George _goes out. After a short pause_ Meixner _enters_.)
Richard.
Herr Meixner, after what has happened, doesn"t it strike you as rather a liberty that you should enter my house?
Meixner.