The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) Part 31

Richard.

Do what you like. Say what you like. Curse me--shoot me. I sha'n't defend myself.

Kellinghausen.

You admit that one of us must die?

Richard.

No; I don't admit it; but I am at your orders.

Kellinghausen.

A duel between us is impossible----

Richard.

Impossible----

Kellinghausen.

I don't mean on account of the children. _That's_ all at an end.

Richard.

Why must it be at an end if one of us dies? But I am at your orders.

Kellinghausen.

I have pledged my word not to bring any scandal on the party. You are under the same obligation.

Richard.

Yes.

Kellinghausen.

So that the only thing left----

Richard.

Before you go any further, let me tell you that I decline to go through the farce of an American duel.

Kellinghausen.

You decline--? Perhaps you want to sneak out of the whole business?

Richard.

You don't believe that!

Kellinghausen.

Well--what other way is there?

Richard.

I know a way--but---- (Norbert's _voice is heard outside, speaking with_ Conrad.)

Kellinghausen.

(_With sudden decision, opening the door_.) Norbert!

Richard (_following him_).

For G.o.d's sake, Michael--do you want to disgrace my whole house?

Kellinghausen (_opening the door_).

You shall see.--Norbert! Come in, my boy--come!

Norbert _enters_.

Norbert.

Uncle Michael, what is the matter with Aunt Beata? The doctor is with her, and Ellen has been called----

Kellinghausen.

Nothing serious. Don't be alarmed. (_Takes his hand_.) Norbert, your father and I were just talking of last evening. You remember that stupid business interrupted our talk, and we never heard the end of your argument. Let us have it now. Sit down--sit down, Richard. (_They all seat themselves_.) There was one phrase of yours that struck me.

You said--you said--that if----

Richard.

You said that if a man of honour has injured another and is called on to atone for it, he is the best judge of his own punishment.

Norbert (_laughing_).

Did I? Very likely--but my head is so full of other things just now that I couldn't swear to it.

Kellinghausen.

That was not quite what I meant; but no matter. Suppose we take such a case. If the injured person says: "One of us two must die"--what ought the other to answer?

Norbert.

Why, Uncle Michael, I should say that depended on the nature of the injury--doesn't it?

Richard.