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.