Kurt. (_Frightened, controls himself, then, after a pause_) What do you intend to do? Trast. I have not decided as yet. If I can dissuade him from his imaginary duties to your house, and if I find you prepared to break off all further relationship, then perhaps I can remain silent. Kurt. And otherwise? Trast. That would be a matter for Herr Heinecke to settle. Kurt. Do you think I would accept a challenge from my clerk? Trast. Your what?--Oh, I see. Kurt. Count, do what you please. Trast. That is a habit of mine. Herr Heinecke is at this moment in your father's office. Permit me to remain here a few minutes in order that I may shorten your meeting. I should like to prevent you two from shaking hands. Kurt. The room is yours, Count. Trast. I thank you. (_They separate, and_ Trast _looks at the pictures_. Kurt _walks excitedly away from the others_) Lothar. (_To_ Hugo) What happened between those two? If I remember rightly there was a Count Trast in our regiment who came to a bad end. Wait a moment. Hugo. (_Nervously_) You aren't going to start a quarrel? Lothar. Why not? The other fellow has some scheme. (_He approaches_ Trast) The Count seems to like solitude. Trast. (_Turning_) Decidedly! Lothar. That is rather impolite. Trast. (_Looking at him squarely_) Ah! you seem to be carrying your sense of honor on your shoulder, Herr--er--pardon! Lothar. My name is Lothar Brandt and I feel that it is necessary to add that I am Lieutenant of the Reserves in the Cuirassier Regiment "Crown Prince." Trast. (_Politely_) Is that all? Lothar. (_Threateningly_) Is that all, Count? Trast. Pardon me! One serves in the Reserves during war time only. When I came back I hoped that I could live in peace. Lothar. You are mistaken, Count, one serves in the Reserves during the rifle practice, as well. Trast. Do you need me for rifle practice? Lothar. Permit me, Count, to ask you a question. Trast. With pleasure. Lothar. In the regiment to which it is my great honor to belong there was formerly a young fellow who bore the same name as yours. Trast. Ah? Then it was probably I. Lothar. (_Sharply_) The man left the army under a cloud. Trast. Exactly! Exactly! (_Very polite_) And if you wish to say in other words, that when we meet on the street you don't care to recognize me--I release you from the necessity of greeting--I can do without it. (_Bows and picks up a portfolio which he examines_) Hugo. (_Enthusiastically_) Well, _I_ was never despatched as elegantly as that, (_He approaches_ Trast _and bows deeply_)--Permit me--my name is Stengel! Trast. (_Turning_) Charmed! Hugo. Stengel! (Trast _bows--they talk_) Kurt. (_Comes forward and joins_ Lothar) Man, what are you trying to do. That's the almighty firm of Trast and Company.--Do you want to ruin your father's business? Lothar. (_Dismayed_) Why didn't you tell me before? Kurt. Whatever happens we must straighten the matter out Lothar. If you can do it in perfectly good form.