Kellinghausen. (_Putting his head through the curtains_.) Ha! No one there? Have our wives made way with each other? (_To_ Richard, _who has followed him_.) They're not so deuced fond of one another. I say, old man, just now, when I was talking about the elections, why did you all put on that air of statesmanlike reserve? Did I say anything out of the way? Richard. What an absurd idea! Kellinghausen. One is always liable to make an ass of one's self. I'm not conscious of having blundered, but--oh, well, I sha'n't get anything out of you. (_Raising the curtain and calling out_--) Brachtmann--Usingen--come here a moment. Richard. Michael, if you take my advice we'll drop the election for the present. I give you my word that if anything occurs that reflects on you---- Kellinghausen. On me? Reflects on me? What on earth do you mean? I'm thinking of the party. Our business is to look out for the party. _Enter_ Brachtmann _and the_ Prince, _followed a moment or two later by_ Norbert. Brachtmann. Hear, hear! But what are you talking about? Kellinghausen (_to_ Norbert). Aha, young man, where have you come from? Tea in the school-room, eh? Norbert. Aunt Beata was not very well, Uncle Michael. (Richard _starts_.) Kellinghausen. Ah? Norbert. She is feeling better now. She will be here in a few minutes. Kellinghausen. That's good--that's good. By the way, Master Norbert, we're going to put you through your paces. How about this so-called "Ordeal," eh? Do you own up to it? Norbert. I'm proud to, Uncle. At least, no--not so very proud; for I've found out lately that it's all been said before, a thousand times better than I've said it. Brachtmann. And also by a member of the Conservative party? Norbert. Well--no--not exactly. Brachtmann. Ah--but that's the point. Norbert. I beg your pardon, Herr von Brachtmann, I thought truth was truth, no matter who uttered it. Prince. What is truth? said Pilate. Norbert. And washed his hands. We also wash our hands of many things, your Highness. I have even heard it said that the use of soap and water is the only thing that distinguishes us from the masses. But no matter how much washing we do, we can't wash off the blood we have shed in the abuse of our class-privileges. Prince (_to_ Richard). Very neatly parried. He has a good wrist. Richard.