It happened before he made that speech.

Kellinghausen (_startled_).

What? You knew----?

Holtzmann.

Why--naturally.

Kellinghausen.

Herr Holtzmann, we were in the train together for hours. We drove together for miles. I have always treated you as a friend. Why did you never speak of this? (Holtzmann _remains silent_.) Let me tell you one thing: you can't put me off with a shrug. If you think you can, you don't know me.

Holtzmann.

I beg your pardon, Count Kellinghausen--but I must remind you that I am not in your service.

Kellinghausen.

My dear Herr Holtzmann, you are known as one of the most zealous supporters of our party. Probably you attach some importance to that fact. Your silence in this matter surprises me, and I shall not fail to draw my own conclusions.

Holtzmann (_rising_).

You must draw what conclusions you please, sir. Personally I have nothing to gain by serving your party. I might have a living at any moment, and if I have preferred, for the present, to devote myself to politics, it was only because I thought I could be of use to the cause.

Kellinghausen (_after a pause_).

I have offended you. You must make allowances for my excitement--this business has unnerved me. (_Holds out his hand_.) Sit down again and let me ask you a question. Has this Meixner any recognised standing in his party, or is he merely a hanger-on?

Holtzmann.

He must have a certain standing, since he is their candidate for the next election.

Kellinghausen.

Ha! ha! A nice lot they are! Well, the gentleman has given us his measure by sending copies of this paper to the wives of the men he attacks.

Holtzmann.

If he has done that, sir, can you guess his reasons?

Kellinghausen.

No. Can you?

Holtzmann.

Perhaps----

Kellinghausen.

Well----?

Holtzmann.

I'm sorry, sir--but I can't say anything more just now.

Kellinghausen (_rising_).

Good-day, then, Herr Holtzmann.

Holtzmann.

My respects to you, sir. (_Goes out_.)

Kellinghausen (_giving way to his rage_).

Hounds! Brigands! d.a.m.n them! All tarred with the same brush----

Beata _enters_.

Beata (_quietly_).

Flying into a pa.s.sion won't mend matters, Michael.

Kellinghausen.

And I can't make you out, either. Here they are, throwing mud at us--calling you I won't say what--and you stand there like--like--Haven't you got any blood in your veins? Don't you realise what it all means?

Beata.

I haven't much strength to spare, and I have to economise my emotions.

Kellinghausen.

Good G.o.d--how white you are! Don't mind me--I'll pull myself together.

We won't talk of the d.a.m.ned thing any more.

Beata.

It will be the first time in twenty years that we haven't talked over what you had on your mind.

Kellinghausen.

I wish to heaven I'd never told you of it. The devil take Leonie! She can't hold her cursed meddling tongue; Richard ought to muzzle her. By the way, it's strange he hasn't shown himself to-day.

Beata.

I have had a note from him. He asked me to tell you that he is deep in his speech. He is coming as soon as he has a moment to spare.