v. Tietz.

We'll talk of that later. But first I'd like to ask you something. See here, what role is Baron von Kanoldt playing in this family?

Ebeling.

So that's it!

V. Tietz.

You're his counsel in his divorce proceedings, aren't you?

Ebeling.

As the affair has become common talk, I need make no secret of it.

v. Tietz.

They say that it is the wife who has been the martyr. And yet, after fifteen years, _he_ begins the divorce proceedings. Why should he?

Ebeling.

My dear fellow, you must put that question to some one who's not so well informed as I am.

v. Tietz.

Oh, see here, I don't want to be indiscreet about it, but the further the case goes, the more persistent are the rumours that he has designs on Margot's hand--and, furthermore, that her mother is encouraging him!

Ebeling.

Frau von Yburg will be here in a few minutes.--Ask her!

v. Tietz.

What do you take me for?

Ebeling (_shrugging his shoulders_).

Oh, well then----

v. Tietz.

But just think! that man--forty, if he's a day, fat, worn out, a roue whose amorous adventures are common gossip to every cabby on the street!

Ebeling.

Pardon me, my clients are all virtuous, young, handsome, desirable--of inestimable pulchritude.

v. Tietz.

See here--are you chaffing me?

Ebeling.

I'm only trying to make you understand that you've unwittingly walked into the enemy's camp.

v. Tietz (_standing up_).

Very well--if you don't want to----

Ebeling.

(_Also stands up, and puts his hand on_ v. Tietz's _shoulder._) My dear fellow, you're ten years younger than I. You're one of your country's young hopefuls. Go ahead and do what your heart and pocket-book bid you.

v. Tietz.

I didn't need you to tell me that. (_A knock at the door._)

Ebeling.

Come in.

Bonath.

Frau von Yburg and----

Ebeling.

Ask her in.

(Bonath _stands aside, opening the door. Enter_ Frau v. Yburg _and_ Margot. Frau v. Yburg _is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention; but hidden behind her a.s.surance, and scarcely noticeable, are the traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile_. Margot _is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy, reserved manner._)

v. Tietz (_at sight of Margot_).

Ah!

Frau v. Yburg.

I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch a glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind.

Ebeling (_kissing her hand_).

A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (_Shakes hands with_ Margot.)

Frau v. Yburg.

Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (_Gives him her hand._)

v. Tietz.