Yes.

Kellinghausen.

How long ago?

Richard.

It must be ten or twelve years.

Kellinghausen.

Well, he has certainly profited by the training you gave him. He's raving against you like a madman.

Richard.

Did you happen to run across him?

Kellinghausen.

Heaven forbid!

Richard.

Did you hear what he said?

Kellinghausen.

Yes; Holtzmann told me about him. And I've had a lot of his speeches and proclamations sent to me. Capital stuff for lighting the fire.

Well, thank the Lord, it's all over.

Richard.

I wish I knew how to thank you, Michael----

Kellinghausen.

Nonsense. None of that. By the way, I picked up a pamphlet in the train to-day--"The Ordeal" or some such name. Holtzmann tells me that Norbert wrote it. Is that true? (Richard _nods_.)

Brachtmann.

Ah, indeed--your son wrote----?

Kellinghausen.

I say, Richard, you give him a long rein, don't you?

Richard.

My dear Michael, the chief thing I have to thank my father for is that he gave _me_ one. I vowed long ago that Norbert should have as much freedom as I had.

Kellinghausen.

Well, we shall have to take the young scamp in hand before long.

Richard.

I wish you would. I should like to know who has put him up to this. He won't tell me.

_Enter_ Beata, _with_ Baron Ludwig von Volkerlingk.

Beata.

May we join you? Don't let us break up your party.

Baron Ludwig.

(_Advancing toward the other men_.) Will you allow me?

Beata (_to_ Michael, _in a low tone_).

Well, are you enjoying yourself?

Kellinghausen.

Immensely, dear, immensely.

Beata.

Did you like the way I arranged the seats at table?

Kellinghausen.

Couldn't have been better. The brothers not too close together, yet near enough to talk. Now you must follow it up, and get them to make friends--eh?

Beata.

That is what I've come for. (_To_ Richard.) My dear Volkerlingk, I want to speak to you.

Kellinghausen.

(_To_ Richard, _as he approaches_.) Mind you obey orders, now! (_Joins the others_.)

Richard.

I am glad you are not too tired, Beata.

Beata.

I've been growing stronger every day since the elections. But you must take some notice of Leonie, Richard. She is saying things.