Ebeling. My dear young girl, the hardest laws are never to be found in books. Margot. Yes, you are right. The laws that drag us down to destruction are the laws that we make for ourselves. And all those beautiful women! I suppose one must be very beautiful to join them? Ebeling (_parrying lightly_). Most of them are clients who have presented me with their pictures as a token of gratitude. Margot. Well, but I'm your client, too--and yet I should never dare to offer you my picture in that way. Ebeling. If you only---- Margot (_startled_). Oh, and there's your-- (_Looks at him questioningly, confused._) Ebeling. Yes, that's my former wife. Margot. I saw her only once in my life. I was a mere child then. She was very lovely. Ebeling. Yes, she was lovely. Margot. Oh, and the wonder--wonderful roses! Mamma has told me that you always have such lovely roses. Ebeling (_lightly_). Yes, I have an agreement with a gardener. He keeps me supplied. Margot (_seemingly convinced_). Oh! Ebeling. May I present them to you, Fraeulein Margot? Margot. Oh, dear me, no. The gardener who keeps you supplied might be offended. Ebeling (_laughing_). As you wish. Margot. And this is the inquisitional chair--where the poor secrets are dragged out? Ebeling. Quite the contrary! The secrets come forth of their own accord. I always have to say "stop." Margot. Well, then, I needn't hesitate to sit down. (_Does so._) _My_ secret you know--(_sighing_)--only too well! Ebeling. My dear Fraeulein Margot; the real secret of your life, the law that governs your thoughts and feelings, I believe no one knows--not even your mother. Margot (_smiling and shrugging her shoulders_). My good mamma! And I'm here to give you proofs of that fact, am I? Ebeling (_evasively_). Oh! Margot. The reason for my being here isn't the one you've given me. Ebeling. Indeed! What is it? Margot. I wasn't left here alone for nothing! Please go ahead, Herr Ebeling, do your duty and talk me nicely into marrying Baron von--(_shudders_). See?--I've never once been able to bring his name to my lips. And yet I'm to pass my whole life with that man! Can one picture anything more horrible? (_Shudders again._) Do you know of any occupation for me, Herr Ebeling?