Count Michael von Kellinghausen. Beata, his wife. Ellen, their daughter. Baron Richard von Voelkerlingk. Leonie, his wife. Norbert, their son, reading for the Bar. Baron Ludwig von Voelkerlingk (_Secretary of State, Richard's step-brother_). Prince Usingen. Baron von Brachtmann. Herr von Berkelwitz-Gruenhof. Dr. Kahlenberg (_Privy Councillor at the Board of Physicians_). Holtzmann (_candidate for Holy Orders, private Secretary to Baron Richard von Voelkerlingk_). Meixner. A Physician. Conrad, servant at Count Kellinghausen's. George, Baron Richard's servant. Another Servant. _The scene is laid in Berlin--the first three and the fifth acts at the house of Count Kellinghausen; the fourth act at Baron Richard Voelkerlingk's._ _Period: about 1899_. ACT I THE JOY OF LIVING ACT I _A drawing-room in the Empire style in_ Count Kellinghausen's _house. In front, on the left, a fireplace; to the left, in the background, a door to the inner apartments; to the right, back, a door into the front passage; in the foreground, on the right, a window. In the centre of back wall a wide opening between two columns, partly closed by an old Gobelins tapestry. On the right a sofa, table and chairs. On the left, in front of the fireplace, several low seats. Near the middle, placed diagonally, a writing-table with shelves; beside the table two seats with low backs and a comfortable arm-chair. Old portraits and coloured prints on the walls._ Holtzmann _is seated at the back of the room, a portfolio on his lap_. Conrad _ushers in_ Baron Ludwig. Conrad (_in the doorway_). If your Excellency will kindly come this way--the doctor is with Madame von Kellinghausen. Baron Ludwig. Ah? In that case perhaps I had better---- Conrad. Madame von Kellinghausen will be here in a moment, your Excellency. The other gentleman has already been announced. (_Indicating_ Holtzmann.) Baron Ludwig. Very well. (Conrad _goes out_.) Holtzmann (_rises and makes a deep bow_). Baron Ludwig. (_Bowing slightly in return wanders about the room and at last pauses before_ Holtzmann.) I beg your pardon but--surely I know your face. Holtzmann. Very likely, your Excellency. My name is Holtzmann, private secretary to Baron Richard von Voelkerlingk. Baron Ludwig.