The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) Part 7

Norbert.

Luckily your father was out--and as for your mother--well, she simply laughed at me!

Ellen.

Oh!

Norbert.

 

Oh, you know how your mother laughs at one. It doesn't hurt. "Dear boy," she said, in the kindest way, "it's too soon to talk of such things to Ellen. You must give her time to grow up." And I gave her my word I would; and you see I've kept it.

Ellen.

And if mother should----

Beata _enters_.

Beata.

Ellen, dear, go to Miss Mansborough. It's time for your reading.

Norbert will come in a moment.

Ellen.

Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.)

Beata (_who has been watching them closely_).

By the way, Norbert--what about that promise you made me?

Norbert.

I've kept it, Aunt Beata.

Beata.

Then you want to talk to me about something else?

Norbert.

Yes. The storm-signals are up. My college club has turned on me: one, two, three, and out you go!

Beata.

Not in disgrace?

Norbert.

I'm not so sure. I got an official letter yesterday from the committee, asking me if I was the author of a pamphlet called "The Ordeal."

Beata.

Why did you write it under an a.s.sumed name?

Norbert.

Only on my father's account.

Beata.

If you disguised yourself at all, you ought to have done so more thoroughly.

Norbert.

Why, Aunt Beata! Haven't you often told me that every reformer must have the courage of his convictions?

Beata.

Yes; but I've no sympathy with unnecessary martyrdom. Keep a cool head, dear boy, and don't be drawn into controversy just yet. Haven't I often told you that this college duelling you rail against is only a preparation for the real battle of life--the battle of ideas and beliefs? You'll come to that later--ask your father how it is!

Norbert.

Oh, father--of course he's only interested in big things.

Beata.

What does he say to your article?

Norbert.

Immature.

Beata.

Was he vexed?

Norbert.

When I asked him if it annoyed him, he laughed and said:--"I know the world too well to agree with you. But you must work out the problem for yourself. I sha'n't interfere."

Beata.

Well, what more do you want? Did you expect him to go into raptures?

Norbert.

Wait and see, Aunt Beata! I mean to suffer for my convictions. I mean to brave persecution. Is that a laughing matter?