Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 26

What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?

Major.

Ah! I will shoot the dog dead for that.

Fritz.

Well, I hope they will decide favourably to me.

Major.

If not, the dev-- (_Softly_.) And then I will tell you a couple of measures to take so as to have a steady hand. Sleep properly, and don't eat a bite, and then tell the doctor----

Fritz.

Enough, enough, father, that is of no further use.

Major.

What does that mean? Is it possible that you will--to Lanski?----

Fritz.

Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....

Major.

Man, are you--are you----?

Fritz.

Lanski will hit me. Depend upon it....

Major.

Man, yet have--yet consider----

Fritz.

I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (_shudders_), you would demand nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death....

Major (_brokenly_).

Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel.

Fritz.

Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it?

Major (_perplexed_).

I?

Fritz.

Say then say!

Major (_drawing himself up_).

No! (_Sinks down in his chair_.)

Fritz.

So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for.

Major (_sunk in gloomy reverie_).

My fault!--my----

_NINTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. WILHELM. _Afterward_ LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.

Fritz.

What is it?

Wilhelm.

Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master.

Fritz.

(_Hurrying past him to the door_.) Well?

(Hallerpfort _shakes hands with him and the_ Major, _and casts a glance at_ Wilhelm, _who forthwith disappears_.)

Fritz.

Well?

Hallerpfort.

Does your father know?

Major.

Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?