WASNER. I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make visits. Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats himself at the desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it against his forehead. Wasner remains standing and continues.] For many years, as you well know, I undertook the task of collecting all publications which have been undermining public morals. I daresay today, that my collection is most complete and that I have unquestionably proven the harm of pornographic literature. What corrupting influence this temptation has through suggestion and imagination can today no longer be doubted, because--[an impressive pause; Wasner lowers his voice]--I myself fell a victim to it. [Beermann remains in his apathetic attitude. Pause.] I can well understand that you lack words. I, too, became, on account of it, much disgusted with my character. I asked myself if I still have the right to participate in the moral salvation of our people and I have decided affirmatively only after a thorough examination. [Pause.] BEERMANN [absentmindedly]. Yes ... yes ... Herr Professor. WASNER. You are entitled to know everything. Only spare me the details. Briefly stated, one day I could not view my collection as objectively as usual and thru a friend I was induced to make a most damnable visit. I assure you that I simply loathe that fellow. BEERMANN. But just why are you telling me all this? WASNER. Because together we have fought against immorality shoulder to shoulder. I ask you if you still deem me worthy to strive for our common ideal. BEERMANN. For my part, go as far as you like, I won't stop you. WASNER. Then you will not deny me your assistance? BEERMANN. Suppose we discuss all this tomorrow, Herr Professor? WASNER. Tomorrow will be too late. [Beermann falls back into his chair in an attitude of apathy.] After my false step I became convinced that it is my duty to protect others from this temptation. My feeling of duty became stronger until finally I wrote a letter to be exact--an anonymous letter--to the police, wherein I demanded emphatically that they put an end to the misconduct of this person. BEERMANN [now attentive.] Really that was not nice. WASNER. I wanted to assure myself that within I still had the right to belong to the Society for the Suppression of Vice. BEERMANN. I consider that rather mean. You should always be grateful. WASNER. This very feeling would have made me feel still more guilty. [Beermann shrugs his shoulders nervously.] But now I come to the reason for my being here. My information had results ... This creature was arrested and today after dinner my false friend comes to tell me that he had not been careful, had mentioned to her my name, and I am certainly indexed in the book she kept. This book was found in her place by the police. BEERMANN [jumping up]. What's her name? WASNER. Hauteville.