Kurt. But that is a paradox. Count. Is it not permitted to everyone to be a man of honor? Trast. On the contrary. Then the poorest devil in the alley might dispute the honor of a gentleman. (Kurt _is perplexed_) Lothar. If he acts according to honor, then he must be a gentleman. Trast. Hm! Really? May I tell you another, a shorter story?--But I am afraid I'm boring you. Lothar _and_ Hugo. (_Laughing_) No!--No! Trast. It took place somewhere in South America--the Spaniards are the aristocrats there,--the population is a mixture of negroes, Indians, and a sort of white trash. A product of this mixed race,--his name was--hm--Pepe--had the opportunity of being transported to the Spanish mother country where he (_Breathes on his left elbow_) absorbed a little of the pure Castillan sense of honor. (Robert _enters without being heard and listens_) When he came back, after several years, he found his little sister on all too intimate terms with a young aristocrat--Gentleman, we mustn't get angry, Considering her origin it was the girl's destiny. But the young fellow dared to attempt to avenge his sister's honor, not as a mestizo but as a Hidalgo! Kurt. (_In a hurt voice_) Listen, that means me! Trast. You see, gentlemen, that was madness and he was treated as a madman. Then the fellow showed his real nature. Like a thug he waited for the young nobleman and he shot him down. He was sentenced, and even under the very gallows the fool declared,--his name was Pepe--that he was dying for his honor. Gentlemen, isn't that absurd? Robert. (_Who has made his appearance unobserved_) You are mistaken, my friend! This fool was right. I should have acted exactly the same way. Trast. Oh, oh, it's you! (_Going quickly to him_) You don't know these people! Don't look around. Come with me. (_Draws him toward the door_) Robert. Isn't that Kurt? Trast. They are strangers.--Come. You will excuse me, gentlemen? We are in a hurry. Goodbye. Lothar. (_To_ Kurt) Now, I'll settle him. (_To_ Trast) Permit me just one more question, Count. (_Affectedly_) If you intend to do away with honor entirely; what do you expect gentlemen of honor to put in its place? Trast. (_Straightening up_) Duty, young man--(_To himself_) This is certainly unpleasant, Gentlemen---- Kurt. (_As_ Trast _and_ Robert _are about to leave_) It was a great honor to our house, Count. Robert. Pardon me, but you are Herr Kurt Muhlingk? Kurt. That is my name? Robert. (_Confused_) But--aren't--? Of course, you don't recognize me! I am--(_He is about to offer his hand to_ Kurt) Trast. (_Stepping between_) You don't shake hands with this man. Robert. (_Looks about confused, stares at_ Kurt, _then at_ Trast, _then at_ Kurt _again, gives a little cry, then controls himself_) I should like to have a word with you--Herr Muhlingk--in private. Kurt. As you see, I have some guests here now, but in an hour I shall be at your service. Robert. In an hour, Herr Muhlingk!