Magda Part 40

SCHWARTZE.

[_Without turning_.] Who's there?

MAX.

It's I, uncle.

SCHWARTZE.

Max? Ah, you may come in.

MAX.

Uncle, Marie told me-- What are the pistols for, uncle?

SCHWARTZE.

Ah, they used to be fine pistols,--beautiful pistols. See, boy, with this I have hit the ace of hearts at twenty paces, or say fifteen.

And fifteen would be enough. We ought to have been in the garden already, but--but [_helplessly touches his trembling arm, almost in tears_]--but I can nevermore--

MAX.

[_Hurrying to him_.] Uncle? [_They embrace each other for a moment_.]

SCHWARTZE.

It's all right,--it's all right.

MAX.

Uncle, I need not say that I take your place, that I meet any man you point out; it is my right.

SCHWARTZE.

Yours,--why? In what capacity? Will you marry into a disgraced family?

MAX.

Uncle!

SCHWARTZE.

Are you prepared to strip off the uniform of our regiment? Yes, I might set up a gambling-house, and you could play the stool-pigeon for a living. There is no knowing what we might do. What! you, with your beautiful name, your n.o.ble name, propose this sacrifice,--and I to profit by it! Ha, ha! No, my boy; even if you still were willing, I am not. This house and all within are marked for ruin. Go your way from it. With the name of Schwartze you have nothing more to do.

MAX.

Uncle, I demand that you--

SCHWARTZE.

Hus.h.!.+ Not now! [_Motions to the door_.] Soon I may need you as one needs a friend in such affairs, but not now--not now. First I must find the gentleman. He was not at home--the gentleman was not at home. But he shall not think he has escaped me. If he is out a second time, then, my son, your work begins. Until then, be patient,--be patient.

_Enter_ Theresa _from hall_.

THERESA.

Councillor von Keller. [Schwartze _starts_.]

MAX.

He here! How--

SCHWARTZE.

Let him come in. [_Exit_ Theresa.

MAX.

Uncle! [_Points to himself in great excitement_. Schwartze _shakes his head, and signs to_ Max _to leave the room. Enter_ Von Keller. _Exit_ Max. _They meet in the doorway_. Von Keller _greets_ Max _courteously_.

Max _restrains himself from insulting him_.]

VON KELLER.

Colonel, I am grieved at having missed you. When I returned from the Casino, where I am always to be found at noon,--where, I say, I am always to be found,--your card lay on the table; and as I imagine that there are matters of importance to be discussed between us, I made haste--as I say, I have made haste--

SCHWARTZE.

Councillor, I do not know whether in this house there should be a chair for you, but since you have come here so quickly, you must be tired. I beg you to be seated.

VON KELLER.

Thanks. [_Sits down, near the open pistol-case, starts as he sees it, watches the_ Colonel _apprehensively_.] H'm!

SCHWARTZE.

Now, have you nothing to say to me?

VON KELLER.

Allow me first one question: Did your daughter, after our conversation, say anything to you about me?

SCHWARTZE.

Councillor, have you nothing to say to me?

VON KELLER.

Oh, certainly, I have a great deal to say to you. I would gladly, for instance, express to you a wish, a request; but I don't quite know whether-- Won't you tell me, at least, has your daughter spoken of me at all favorably?