Robert. (_After a pause_) Trast--forgive me! Trast. Forgive--Nonsense, I like you!--That's enough! Robert. Trast--I--won't fight--the duel! Trast. Your word? Robert. My word! Trast. Come, then. Robert. Where? Trast. How do I know? Into the world. Robert. Forgive me--shall I? (_Enter_ Wilhelm.) Wilhelm. The Herr Councillor has just come into his office. Trast. (_Aside_) Kurt not home!--That's good. Robert. I'll go in. (_He takes his portfolio_) Trast. Good! Wait for me! Robert. What do you want here? Trast. Never mind about that. Come here. (_Aside to_ Robert) Before you go, give me your revolver. Robert. (_Startled_) You know? Trast. Anyone could see it inside your coat Robert. Please--let me keep it--or can't you trust me? Trast. I'm afraid that story of Pepe will go to your head. Robert. Hasn't a word of honor between two dishonored men any value? Trast. Good! Keep it, (Robert _goes out followed by_ Wilhelm. Trast _is about to follow him, but stops_)--Perhaps it was imprudent after all?--But if the youngster comes home, I'll keep them apart. Now there is something else to attend to. If this girl here is what I think she is--(_Enter_ Leonore L. _wearing a winter costume_) Ah, this is very fortunate. Leonore. (_Giving him her hand. Excitedly_) Count, do you know where I've been? To your apartment! (_Takes her coat and hat off_) Are you shocked at my boldness? But you were the only one to whom I could go to find out what has happened. I was afraid my brother was on the way to ruin that young girl. I suspected it. Has your friend found out? Trast. If that were all! Leonore. What else could there be---- Trast. I admit, I really can't find words to---- Leonore. Please tell me! Trast. Very well! Your parents have considered it necessary to make those poor people forget their trouble--so they appealed to them on their weakest side--namely, by their poverty. Leonore. Do you mean to say that?--that--they--bought my brother's--(_As_ Trast _nods_) Oh, God! Trast. It goes without saying that personally I offer no criticism of them whatever. That is the customary means of ending such relationships. But I am afraid for my friend. Leonore. (_Her face in her hands_) How can I ever make it up to him? Trast. Do you feel that it is your duty? Leonore. My duty? My whole being revolts against this disgusting practice of my home!--Pay!--always pay! pay for honor, pay for love, pay for justice! We can afford it, we have the money. (_Throws herself into a chair. Then springing up_) Forgive me! I don't know what I'm doing! I spoke of my family as though they were strangers. Trast. Perhaps they are more strangers to you than you think! Leonore. (_Confused_) If you were only right! (_As he appears to listen to something outside_) What is it? Trast. Isn't that your brother's voice? Leonore. (_At the door_) Yes, with some of his friends.