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.