Indeed? I am so seldom at my brother's. The fact is--er, well. Yesterday was election-day at Lengenfeld, by the way. The papers were full of it this morning. It seems to cause a good deal of surprise that Count Kellinghausen should not only have withdrawn in favour of my brother, but should actually have gone about canvassing for him. I daresay that's an exaggeration, though? Holtzmann. On the contrary, your Excellency. The Count has been down in the country electioneering for weeks. Baron Ludwig. Really? And you were with him, I suppose? Holtzmann (_with a dry smile_). Very much so, your Excellency. I should be sorry to be answerable for all the nonsense I've had to talk and write! Baron Ludwig. H'm--just so. Nonsense always wins. Who said that, by the way? Julian the Apostate, wasn't it? Holtzmann. No, your Excellency. Talbot. Baron Ludwig. Julian might have said it. The losing side always philosophises. Holtzmann. I hope we sha'n't be on the losing side. Baron Ludwig. H'm. What is your profession? Holtzmann. Theology, your Excellency. Baron Ludwig. And how long do you think it will be before it lands you in socialism? Holtzmann (_offended_). Excellency! Baron Ludwig. My dear sir, look at the examples! I remember a predecessor of yours at my brother's--a theological student also, I believe. Well, he landed with both feet in the middle of the Socialist camp. Holtzmann. Yes, I know, your Excellency. You mean Meixner. Baron Ludwig. That reminds me--I hear the fellow has actually been taking a leading hand in the fight against my brother. Holtzmann. The report is true. Baron Ludwig. Well, I hope you hit back hard. Holtzmann. That is what I was there for, your Excellency. _Enter_ Beata _and_ Dr. Kahlenberg. Beata. I hadn't dared to hope that your Excellency would answer my summons so promptly. Baron Ludwig (_kissing her hand_). My dear Countess, your summons was a command--and one I was only too happy to obey. (Beata _turns to_ Holtzmann.) Ah, good-morning, my dear doctor. Kahlenberg. Good-morning, your Excellency. How is it you haven't been in lately to let me look you over? A guilty conscience, eh? Baron Ludwig. Lack of time, doctor. Give me a day of twenty-five hours, and I'll devote one of them to consulting my physician. Kahlenberg.