See here, my dear friend, we scattered remnants of the old college fraternity have grown so accustomed to ask your help in times of need, to look up to you as a sort of father confessor---- Ebeling. Do you want me to go and propose for you? v. Tietz. We'll talk of that later. But first I'd like to ask you something. See here, what role is Baron von Kanoldt playing in this family? Ebeling. So that's it! V. Tietz. You're his counsel in his divorce proceedings, aren't you? Ebeling. As the affair has become common talk, I need make no secret of it. v. Tietz. They say that it is the wife who has been the martyr. And yet, after fifteen years, _he_ begins the divorce proceedings. Why should he? Ebeling. My dear fellow, you must put that question to some one who's not so well informed as I am. v. Tietz. Oh, see here, I don't want to be indiscreet about it, but the further the case goes, the more persistent are the rumours that he has designs on Margot's hand--and, furthermore, that her mother is encouraging him! Ebeling. Frau von Yburg will be here in a few minutes.--Ask her! v. Tietz. What do you take me for? Ebeling (_shrugging his shoulders_). Oh, well then---- v. Tietz. But just think! that man--forty, if he's a day, fat, worn out, a roue whose amorous adventures are common gossip to every cabby on the street! Ebeling. Pardon me, my clients are all virtuous, young, handsome, desirable--of inestimable pulchritude. v. Tietz. See here--are you chaffing me? Ebeling. I'm only trying to make you understand that you've unwittingly walked into the enemy's camp. v. Tietz (_standing up_). Very well--if you don't want to---- Ebeling. (_Also stands up, and puts his hand on_ v. Tietz's _shoulder._) My dear fellow, you're ten years younger than I. You're one of your country's young hopefuls. Go ahead and do what your heart and pocket-book bid you. v. Tietz. I didn't need you to tell me that. (_A knock at the door._) Ebeling. Come in. Bonath. Frau von Yburg and---- Ebeling. Ask her in.