Leonore. Pardon me. I meant no disrespect to the ill-clad. But one doesn't bring them into the parlor. But I interrupted you, Herr Brandt. Perhaps I do misunderstand you. Please continue. Lothar. I must admit, Gnadiges Fraulein, you have intimidated me. And that is something! For what is a man without courage? Leonore. Ah, that is another thing. Courage, I can respect! But what have you done so far that has shown your courage? Lothar. Ask my friends. That at least is above reproach. Leonore. In other words, you have fought a duel. Lothar. One doesn't discuss such things before ladies. Leonore. But we hear about them just the same. We are here to offer the victor his laurels. Did you ever break a lance in defence of a conviction which you know in your heart you yourself have violated? Lothar. (_Indignantly_) How can you ask that? Such a thing could never occur to me! Leonore. Or have you never silently borne an unworthy suspicion? Lothar. I? Silently? On the contrary. Leonore. Never? Lothar. Never, Fraulein. Leonore. Then one can't be absolutely certain about your courage, Herr--may I say Lieutenant?--(_She rises_) First the test, and then perhaps we can discuss the matter further. Lothar. (_Trying to hold her back_) Fraulein-- (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) Wilhelm. Will the gentlemen step in here a moment? Leonore. At last! (Robert _and the_ Count _enter_; Lenore _runs to meet_ Robert.) Trast. (_To himself_) So that's the story! (_To the servant who is about to go out_) Here, come here! (_He takes one of the cards from the tray and puts it in his pocket_) Lothar. (_Looking at_ Robert _and_ Leonore) What does that mean? Trast. My card is enough. (_The servant goes out._) Robert. Leonore, I've brought Count Trast, my benefactor and my best friend. Leonore. (_Remembering_ Lothar) The gentlemen will permit me to introduce Herr Lothar Brandt? Herr Count von Trast--Herr Robert Heinecke, a playmate of my childhood. Lothar. (_To himself_) She introduces me to Alma's brother--That is fine!--The gentlemen will pardon me, but my friends--(_Stutters and clears his throat_) Trast. Are waiting for you, eh? Lothar. (_Staring at him_) Exactly! (_As he goes_) What sort of a count is he? (_Turns at the door and bows stiffly, clicking his heels and goes out_) Leonore. You have been away from home a long time, Herr Count? Trast. I have inhabited the tropics for a quarter century. Leonore. For pleasure? Trast. As much as possible. Meanwhile I have been speculator in coffee, cloves and ivory, and elephant-hunter. Leonore. (_Laughing_) In which of your many capacities am I to welcome you then, you many-gifted man? Trast. You may take your choice, Gnadiges Fraulein. Wilhelm. (_At the door_) The Herr Councillor is at your disposal. Robert. I must----