Norbert.
You said you had something to tell me, father.
Richard.
Yes, yes; to be sure. But first, haven"t you something to tell _me_?
Norbert (_with an embarra.s.sed smile_).
Yes; but not to-day--when you"re so----
Richard.
The very day, dear boy! To-morrow I may but there"s nothing to tell, after all. Aunt Beata and I have seen this coming and it has made us very happy.
Norbert.
(_Flinging his arms about his father_.) Father! Father!
Richard.
Norbert! My dear lad! But we don"t yet know what Uncle Michael will say----
Norbert.
Uncle Michael? When I"m _your_ son? Father, you"ve heard something. You wouldn"t frighten me for nothing.
Richard.
I have heard nothing. But, Norbert, listen. Whatever comes to you in after days, I want you to remember one thing: it doesn"t matter whether we succeed or not. What we need is the guiding note of a voice that seems the echo of our best hopes. It doesn"t matter whether we are mistaken in the voice or not--the great thing is to hear it. And the worst thing is not to feel the need of it.
Norbert.
Thank you, father. I"m not sure I understand--but you may be sure I shall listen for the voice.
Richard.
And one thing more. Uncle Michael is very busy just now. Leave him alone for a day or two--even if you have the chance of speaking. And let me see you to-morrow morning early. I may have to go on a long journey--and before I start----
Norbert.
On a journey? Now? Just as you----
Richard (_nods_).
This is between ourselves. But meanwhile, try to see Aunt Beata for a moment. I want you to tell her--but stay, I"ll write. (_He seats himself at the writing-table and begins to write_.)
_Enter_ George.
George.
His Excellency Baron Ludwig von Volkerlingk.
_Enter_ Baron Ludwig. Richard _starts up, pleased and surprised_.
George.
The evening papers, your Excellency. (_He puts them down and goes out_.)
Richard.
Ludwig! It"s a long time since you"ve given me this pleasure.
Baron Ludwig.
Thank you, Richard.
Richard.
Will you excuse me a moment? I am finishing a letter. (_He folds the letter, puts it into an envelope and writes the address, while_ Norbert _and_ Baron Ludwig _are greeting each other_.) There!
Norbert (_taking the letter_).
An answer, father?
Richard.
As soon as possible. (Norbert _goes out_.)
Baron Ludwig.
My dear Richard--we"re quite alone, I suppose? (Richard _nods_.) Forgive the suggestion, but-- (_he glances about the room_) Leonie sometimes overhears----
Richard.
Leonie is out.
Baron Ludwig.
So much the better. But first let me tell you with what admiration I listened to you just now--what breathless admiration! (Richard _makes a gesture of thanks_.) Still, I confess that your having to speak on such a subject just at present made me--er--a little nervous----
Richard.
Why so?
Baron Ludwig.
I was almost afraid--but we"ll go into that presently.--Well, at all events, if nothing goes wrong, you may look upon this as the starting-point of a career that any man living might envy you.