SCHMETTAU. [Schmettau speaks very precisely but puts a slight emphasis on his s.] I was completely dumfounded. I cannot understand how it could happen. Just picture it ... Lord knows ... I was and am of the opinion that our young Highness must learn to know life. Faith, it is not my business to act as his pastor.... COMMISSIONER. If you please, Herr Baron, that goes without saying.... SCHMETTAU. That of course is merely my opinion. I am a man of the world and of affairs. I consider it fitting that his Highness should learn to know life.... COMMISSIONER. But I entirely share your opinion. SCHMETTAU. A moment ago the word "decency" was used. In my position I can listen to such words from the pulpit, but outside of the church I deem them entirely out of place. COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. You used that expression. SCHMETTAU. If anyone wants to claim that my bearing is not a proper one, he will have to prove it with a revolver in his hand. STROEBEL. I did not think that the word would offend you. SCHMETTAU. It did offend me. Such expressions are fitting in an asylum for feeble-minded people. They should never be used to characterize the recreation of Cavaliers. COMMISSIONER. May I put in a good word for my Assessor? It certainly was not his intention to offend you. SCHMETTAU. It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I will assume that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his heels.] I am somewhat nettled but you cannot be surprised at that. You can imagine with what care I undertook this task. This Madame de Hauteville was recommended to me by reliable parties. She has good manners and does not talk. COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent person. SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the Commissioner.] We understand each other? COMMISSIONER. Certainly. SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top. Now picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this inconceivably awful scandal happens. COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact. SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in your business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help me one bit. The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told that such things should not have happened. That is an unheard of business. COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame. SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would have informed you. COMMISSIONER. If you only had! SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for granted that the police first of all respect protection! STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams did I think of an occurrence like this. SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to think?