Auguste. (_To_ Michalski, _with gesture of counting money_) Watch! Muhlingk. (_Who has been looking around the room_) You seem to be living in a very comfortable place, my good people. Heinecke. (_Deferentially_) Would the Herr Councillor be so kind as to sit down? Muhlingk. Ha! ha! real silk. Frau Heinecke. Yes, it is silk. Muhlingk. A present, perhaps? Frau Heinecke. (_Hesitatingly_) Well, yes, you might say---- Muhlingk. (_Innocently_) From my son? Heinecke. Yes, sir. \ > (_Together_) Frau Heinecke. Sh! / Muhlingk. (_Aside_) Rascal! (_Aloud_) By the way, your good son has not acted in a very dutiful manner toward mine. Frankly, I expected a little more gratitude. You can tell him that he is discharged and that I shall give him until four this afternoon to settle his accounts. Frau Heinecke. Oh, that will make him feel bad. Heinecke. He loved the Herr Councillor like his own father! Muhlingk. Really! I'm glad to hear it! But that is not what brought me here, good people; you have a daughter. Auguste. (_Advancing_) At your service! Muhlingk, What can I do for you? Auguste. (_Deferentially_) I am the daughter. Muhlingk. Ah! very good, very good. But I was not referring to you. The girl's name is Alma. Frau Heinecke. That's it. And a mighty pretty girl, if I do say it myself. Muhlingk. Ah! it is always pleasing to see children who make their parents happy. But there is one thing that I don't like--your daughter has taken advantage of the fact that I have allowed you to occupy my house, and has established illicit relations with my son. Frankly, I expected a little more gratitude. Frau Heinecke. Oh, Herr Councillor! Muhlingk. In order to sever all connection whatsoever between your house and mine, I offer you a cash compensation--which you, my dear Heinecke, and your daughter Alma, may divide, with the understanding that half will go to her as a dowry, as soon as she finds someone who--(_Laughs discreetly_) Well, you understand! Until then, the entire sum will be at your disposal. Do you agree? Auguste. (_Behind_ Heinecke) Say yes! Heinecke. I--I---- Muhlingk. I have offered an unusually large amount in order to free myself of a promise extracted yesterday by your son from my son.--It amounts to--a--fifty thousand marks. Heinecke. (_With an exclamation_) God! Herr Councillor, are you in earnest? Frau Heinecke. I'm getting dizzy! (_Sinks into a chair_) Muhlingk. (_Aside_) I made it too high!--I put the question again, will you be satisfied with forty thousand marks? Auguste. (_Nudging her father_) Say yes, quick--or he'll come down again. Heinecke. I can't believe it, Herr Councillor! Even the forty--There isn't that much money--It's nonsense--show me the money. Muhlingk. It is at the office, waiting for you.