_Enter_ Schwartze. _He takes out a pistol-case and opens it. Takes a pistol, cocks it with difficulty, examines the barrel, and aims at a point on the wall. His arm trembles violently. He strikes it angrily, and lets the pistol sink. Enter_ Max. SCHWARTZE. [_Without turning_.] Who's there? MAX. It's I, uncle. SCHWARTZE. Max? Ah, you may come in. MAX. Uncle, Marie told me-- What are the pistols for, uncle? SCHWARTZE. Ah, they used to be fine pistols,--beautiful pistols. See, boy, with this I have hit the ace of hearts at twenty paces, or say fifteen. And fifteen would be enough. We ought to have been in the garden already, but--but [_helplessly touches his trembling arm, almost in tears_]--but I can nevermore-- MAX. [_Hurrying to him_.] Uncle? [_They embrace each other for a moment_.] SCHWARTZE. It's all right,--it's all right. MAX. Uncle, I need not say that I take your place, that I meet any man you point out; it is my right. SCHWARTZE. Yours,--why? In what capacity? Will you marry into a disgraced family? MAX. Uncle! SCHWARTZE. Are you prepared to strip off the uniform of our regiment? Yes, I might set up a gambling-house, and you could play the stool-pigeon for a living. There is no knowing what we might do. What! you, with your beautiful name, your noble name, propose this sacrifice,--and I to profit by it! Ha, ha! No, my boy; even if you still were willing, I am not. This house and all within are marked for ruin. Go your way from it. With the name of Schwartze you have nothing more to do. MAX. Uncle, I demand that you-- SCHWARTZE. Hush! Not now! [_Motions to the door_.] Soon I may need you as one needs a friend in such affairs, but not now--not now. First I must find the gentleman. He was not at home--the gentleman was not at home. But he shall not think he has escaped me. If he is out a second time, then, my son, your work begins. Until then, be patient,--be patient. _Enter_ Theresa _from hall_. THERESA. Councillor von Keller. [Schwartze _starts_.] MAX. He here! How-- SCHWARTZE. Let him come in. [_Exit_ Theresa. MAX. Uncle! [_Points to himself in great excitement_. Schwartze _shakes his head, and signs to_ Max _to leave the room. Enter_ Von Keller. _Exit_ Max. _They meet in the doorway_. Von Keller _greets_ Max _courteously_. Max _restrains himself from insulting him_.] VON KELLER.