PRESIDENT (as he enters). So! here he is! (All start in terror.) FERDINAND (retiring a few paces). In the house of innocence! PRESIDENT. Where a son learns obedience to his father! FERDINAND. Permit me to---- PRESIDENT (interrupting him, turns to MILLER). The father, I presume? MILLER. I am Miller, the musician. PRESIDENT (to MRS. MILLER). And you, the mother? MRS. MILLER. Yes, alas! her unfortunate mother! FERDINAND (to MILLER.) Father, take Louisa to her chamber--she is fainting. PRESIDENT. An unnecessary precaution! I will soon arouse her. (To LOUISA.) How long have you been acquainted with the President's son? LOUISA (with timidity). Of the President's son I have never thought. Ferdinand von Walter has paid his addresses to me since November last. FERDINAND. And he adores her! PRESIDENT (to LOUISA). Has he given you any assurance of his love? FERDINAND. But a few minutes since, the most solemn, and God was my witness. PRESIDENT (to his son angrily). Silence! You shall have opportunity enough of confessing your folly. (To LOUISA.) I await your answer. LOUISA. He swore eternal love to me. FERDINAND. And I will keep my oath. PRESIDENT (to FERDINAND). Must I command your silence? (To LOUISA). Did you accept his rash vows? LOUISA (with tenderness). I did, and gave him mine in exchange. FERDINAND (resolutely). The bond is irrevocable---- PRESIDENT (to FERDINAND). If you dare to interrupt me again I'll teach you better manners. (To LOUISA, sneeringly.) And he paid handsomely every time, no doubt? LOUISA. I do not understand your question. PRESIDENT (with an insulting laugh). Oh, indeed! Well, I only meant to hint that--as everything has its price--I hope you have been more provident than to bestow your favors gratis--or perhaps you were satisfied with merely participating in the pleasure? Eh? how was it? FERDINAND (infuriated). Hell and confusion! What does this mean? LOUISA (to FERDINAND, with dignity and emotion). Baron von Walter, now you are free! FERDINAND. Father! virtue though clothed in a beggar's garb commands respect! PRESIDENT (laughing aloud). A most excellent joke! The father is commanded to honor his son's strumpet! LOUISA. Oh! Heaven and earth! (Sinks down in a swoon.) FERDINAND (drawing his sword). Father, you gave me life, and, till now, I acknowledged your claim on it. That debt is cancelled. (Replaces his sword in the scabbard, and points to LOUISA.) There lies the bond of filial duty torn to atoms! MILLER (who has stood apart trembling, now comes forward, by turns gnashing his teeth in rage, and shrinking back in terror). Your excellency, the child is the father's second self. No offence, I hope! Who strikes the child hits the father--blow for blow--that's our rule here. No offence, I hope! MRS. MILLER. God have mercy on us! Now the old man has begun--we shall all catch it with a vengeance!