Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 23

Fritz.

No, indeed, mother--stay here, mother. (_He grasps her hands_.)

Frau von Drosse (_imploringly_).

Richard, the time is just now so short.

Major.

Won't do, child! I have to speak to him about something.

Fritz.

What is it, father? There is indeed no question of ...

Frau von Drosse (_standing up and sighing_).

Don't be too long, Richard. Remember I wish to have something more of him. (_Goes with_ Agnes _to the door on the left, where she turns again_.) My boy, don't you look at me any more?

Fritz.

(_Who has been standing with averted face, biting his lips, turns suddenly_.) At your service, mother!

Frau von Drosse.

Now he is on his "at your service" footing, even with me.

(_Exit_ Frau von Drosse _with_ Agnes.)

_EIGHTH SCENE_.

MAJOR. FRITZ.

Major.

Well, Fritz, my boy, here we are now alone, just out with what you have to say ... Exactly what is the matter?

Fritz.

Nothing, father, absolutely nothing ... What should be the matter?

Major.

You know, this story about the sprained arm and the patrol ride, that is simply a lie!

Fritz.

How so?

Major.

Will you smoke a cigar with me?

Fritz.

If you please ... That is, I should like a gla.s.s of water. (_Tosses down two gla.s.ses of water_.)

Major (_lights his cigar_).

Just see, Fritz, in your rage you fail to notice that I am insulting you here.

Fritz.

How can a father be said to insult his son? If you don't believe me, then you just don't believe me.

Major.

But we are both officers, my son.... Well, let us set that aside--besides that, we are a couple of good friends from time immemorial.... Isn't that the case--are we not?

Fritz.

Oh, to be sure.

Major.

And when I see you running about here--in ecstasy or despair--I can make nothing out of it. Yes, I should like to advise you to put a little more confidence in me.... The affair is surely not so bad that a man of experience cannot put it in order again.... So just sit down here a while.... Have you gambled?

Fritz.

Yes, I have gambled too.

Major.

Have you lost?

Fritz.

No, I have won.

Major.

Then, as to women--how is it about women?

Fritz (_shrugs his shoulders_).

Ah!

Major.