Muhlingk. (_Throwing his coat to_ Wilhelm) What is that fellow thinking of to try and get into my office?--Good-day, gentlemen--let him send the books to me, then tell him to go to the devil--(Wilhelm _leaves_) Kurt, why are you sneaking away? We've got a little bone to pick, eh? Kurt. (_Aside to his friends_) Now I'm in for it--Get out now! before the storm! Hugo. Herr Councillor, we haven't much time---- Muhlingk. Good-day, gentlemen, I regret exceedingly. Good-day. Lothar. (_Aside_) You tell us how the thing comes out. (Lothar _and_ Hugo _go out._) Muhlingk. This time I've cleaned the matter up satisfactorily, and the sacrifice, God knows, will be put down to your debit. Now for the moral side of the question. (_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.) Kurt. (_Aside_) Here comes the old lady, this will be great. Frau Muhlingk. Oh, Kurt! Kurt! Kurt. Yes, Mother? Frau Muhlingk. (_Sitting_) You have brought a great deal of trouble to your parents. You forced your father to bargain with that rabble. (Leonore _enters left_) Oh, how disgusting! what humiliation for us! (_To_ Leonore) What do you want? Leonore. I have something to say to you. Muhlingk. We haven't time now, go to your room. Leonore. No, Father. I can't play the part of the silent daughter any longer. If I am a member of the family I want to take part in this conversation. Muhlingk. What is the meaning of all this ceremony? Leonore. Something very unfortunate has taken place in our family. Muhlingk. I don't know anything----! Leonore. You needn't try to hide it from me. According to the rules of modern hypocrisy which are applied to the so-called young ladies, I ought to go about with downcast eyes and play the part of innocent ignorance. Under the circumstances that doesn't work. I have heard about the whole affair. Frau Muhlingk. And you aren't ashamed of yourself? Leonore. (_Bitterly_) I am ashamed of myself. Muhlingk. Do you know whom you are speaking to? Are you mad? Leonore. If my tone was impertinent, please forgive me. I want to soften you, not to quarrel with you. Perhaps I have been a bad daughter--Perhaps I really haven't the right to have my own thoughts as long as I do not eat my own bread--If that is true, try to pardon me--I will make up for it a thousand times. But understand--give him back his honor---- Muhlingk. I won't ask you again what the fellow is to you?--what do you mean by "giving him back his honor?" Leonore. Heavens, you must first at least have the good will to make up for what has happened. Then we can find the means later.