What's a man to do? I'm a country squire--I've got to work--and besides I'm too poor to live in town. A man has got to make a show here--keep up appearances--I--hang it, that champagne's gone to my head--what was I going to say? Oh, yes: well, you see, I've got four boys growing up; one is in the Rathenow Hussars--crack regiment, you know--I always look out for that sort of thing--but costs like the devil! The second is with the Pacific squadron on board the Princess William. _He_ doesn't cost as much except when he's ashore. The third is to study forestry, and just now he's with his rifle-corps. The fourth is at college--Bonn--belongs to all the most expensive clubs--but smart, deuced smart! That's the chief thing. I expect all four to make their living out of the state, but meanwhile they're a confounded expense to me. You've no idea what it costs to keep Oscar alone in white gloves! Prince (_to_ Brachtmann). And these are the sources of German statesmanship! von Berkelwitz. What did you say, Prince? Prince. Nothing, nothing. von Berkelwitz. Not that we can't give you as good a dinner as you'll get here. But as to keeping up a countryseat and a town house and a shooting-box and a racing-stable--why, it's out of the question. I've had to mortgage my place--and the men's wages--coming round every Saturday! well--well--I tell my boys--rich marriages--_that's_ the cure. And they _ought_ to, by gad! Good-looking fellows, you understand. What the deuce are we Prussian noblemen for, if the state doesn't provide for us? Just answer me that! Prince (_who has been studying the pictures_). You ought to ask the Socialists that, Herr von Berkelwitz--ask it in the Reichstag, you know. It would be rather effective. (_Turns back to the pictures_.) A capital Sustermans. Brachtmann (_smiling_). After all, we're all looking out for ourselves. von Berkelwitz. And how have we succeeded? What have we landed proprietors accomplished? Oh, we can all talk loud enough; but when it comes to action, there we stand with our hands in our pockets. Prince. (_Who is turning over photograph-albums on the table_.) Other people's pockets. Brachtmann (_laughing_). Prince--Prince! von Berkelwitz. (_In a low tone, to_ Brachtmann.) I say, is that fellow making fun of us? Brachtmann. He's ten times more of a Conservative than either of us. von Berkelwitz. He talks like a Radical. Prince (_in a startled tone_). Oh, the devil! Brachtmann. What's the matter? Prince. Isn't this the Countess's writing-table? Brachtmann. Yes.