Bonath. No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected. Ebeling. Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (Bonath _lays them before him._) Ebeling. (_To_ v. Tietz.) You can go on speaking. These are only signatures.--Have you a light? v. Tietz. (_Who has stood up and is looking around the room._) Yes, thank you. Ebeling. See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at once. Bonath. Yes, Herr Ebeling. v. Tietz. You've become a collector, I see. Ebeling (_signing_). One must have some diversion. v. Tietz. What's that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original? Ebeling (_signing_). Would you expect it to be a copy? v. Tietz. H'm, your practice is certainly splendid. Ebeling. There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer than I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (_To_ Bonath.) Will it be necessary to work overtime? Bonath. Not to-day, Herr Ebeling. Ebeling. Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (v. Tietz _listens attentively._) Bonath. Very well, Herr Ebeling. (_Goes out._) v. Tietz. The lady you are expecting is Frau von Yburg? Ebeling. Of course you know that I've been the Yburg's legal adviser for years. v. Tietz (_sitting down_). Well, really, this is quite a marvellous coincidence. It's on account of the Yburgs that I've come to see you. Ebeling (_interested_). Is that so? What's the matter? v. Tietz. My dear friend, if you hadn't so completely drawn away from all society since your wife l---- (_alarmed._) I beg your pardon. Ebeling. Go on! Say it! Left me! Walked out of the house! You may say it. But then--drop it! Even our old fraternity friendship doesn't oblige us to be everlastingly putting each other on the grill. v. Tietz. No, really--it escaped me somehow. I'm awfully sorry. Ebeling. Oh, well, never mind. You know, I speak of it quite disinterestedly. And it's a good many years since then. Only--I'd rather not be attacked unawares. v. Tietz. Don't worry. I'll be on my guard. But--as we've mentioned it--there's something I wanted to ask you before--only I hadn't the courage. Tell me, do you always keep her picture on your table? Ebeling (_in a hard voice_). Yes.