Trast. (_Aside_) I shouldn't have let him keep the revolver. (_Taking his hat_) Is he going to the office? Leonore. No, I think they are coming here. Trast. (_Putting his hat down again_) Good, I will wait for him--One thing, Fraulein--My friend leaves this house to-day; he leaves the city to-morrow and perhaps Europe in a short time. Leonore. (_To herself_) Oh, God! Trast. But to-day I should like to prevent a meeting between him and your brother. If that meeting does occur, without my being able to prevent it, I should like you to remain in the vicinity. Leonore. (_She nods; voices are heard at the door. She hurries to the left, then turns_) What shall I do. Count? Trast. Be true to him! Leonore. I will! (_She goes_) Trast. Now--the brother! (_Enter_ Kurt, Lothar _and_ Hugo.) Kurt. (_Surprised_) Count! Lothar. (_Aside_) Good thing we came with you! Trast. I should like a few words with you, Herr Muhlingk. Kurt. Sorry, but I am very pressed for time; my father is waiting for me! Trast. (_Aside_) Oho!--(_To_ Kurt) It's a personal favor. Kurt. I have no secrets from my friends, Count. (_They sit down_) Trast. Someone, a great friend of mine, has suffered deeply because of his honor. On my advice and as a favor to me he has foregone sending you a challenge. Kurt. You are mistaken, Count; Herr Heinecke received satisfaction. Lothar. We could allow no other satisfaction. Trast. (_Looks at him from head to foot_) We won't go into that any further, Herr Muhlingk. My friend at this moment is with your father, settling his accounts in person. Kurt, Well, that is his privilege. Trast. He is to have an interview with him at the same time. Kurt. That is also his privilege. Count. Trast. In an hour my friend will have left this establishment. In consideration of the strain of excitement under which he is probably suffering at present, it would be to the advantage of both sides if a meeting between you could be avoided. Lothar. That---- Trast, (_Quietly_) Herr Lieutenant, I have not as yet taken the liberty of addressing you! Herr Muhlingk, let us consider this seriously. You are speaking with some one who has your material welfare at heart--not out of sympathy, I am free to admit--Therefore, I may speak to you almost as a friend, don't let these gentlemen intimidate you. Hugo. No, don't let us intimidate you! Trast. And consider this! I don't dare think of the wrong I have done that man--you will--you'll do me this favor? Lothar. (_Behind_ Kurt) Now show him! Kurt. I have nothing to say, Count, because I find it impossible to choose words to express my astonishment at your extraordinary request. (_All rise._) Lothar. (_To_ Kurt, _aside_) Fine! fine! Kurt. And furthermore, I should like to know by what right you dare make such a request to me in my own house? Trast. You refuse? Kurt. Do you still doubt it, Count? Lothar. (_Aside to him_) More cutting, more cutting.