When marriage is a mockery, he said, the state may intervene and dissolve it. That was all. Never in my life have I heard such a scathing denunciation of infidelity! Holtzmann. Ah? Indeed? Norbert. There was such terrible menace in his words that I--oh, well, I can't explain it--but I began to feel afraid--of I don't know what---- Holtzmann (_half to himself_). This will explain---- Norbert. Explain what? What do you mean? George _enters_. George (_urgently_). Herr Holtzmann! Holtzmann (_to_ Norbert). One moment, please. (_He goes up to_ George.) George (_in a whisper_). The man is here again, and asking to see you. He is waiting in the cafe across the street. Holtzmann. Doesn't he give his name? George. Yes. Something like Meister or Meissner. Holtzmann (_startled, in a whisper_). Meixner? George. That's it. Holtzmann (_turning to_ Norbert). Will you excuse me? Some one has sent for me. Norbert. Don't let me keep you. (Holtzmann _and_ George _go out_. Norbert _goes to the window, his hand shading his eyes, and gazes out eagerly_. Richard _comes in quietly and lays his portfolio on the writing-table_.) Norbert (_turning toward him_). Father! Father! (_He throws himself in_ Richard's _arms_. Richard _thanks him with a smile_.) Norbert. Mother sends you her love and is sorry she can't be here to congratulate you. She's in waiting on the Princess this evening. Richard. Ah? (_He moves about the room_.) Norbert. Oh, father, how happy you must be! How they cheered, how they fought to get near you and shake your hand! Oh, if only I could have one such hour in my life! Richard (_laying a hand on his shoulder_). If you do, my son, may you pay for it less dearly! Norbert. What do you mean? Richard. Listen, Norbert.--Have you heard anything of Aunt Beata? Norbert. I went there, but they told me she wouldn't see any one. Richard (_musingly_). H'm. Norbert. The fact is, I wanted to see Uncle Michael. Richard. (_Who has walked toward the window_.) Uncle Michael? That reminds me that I wanted to tell you-- How the sunset shines on the house-tops over there! Everything is in a glow--we shall have glorious winter weather soon---- Norbert. You said you had something to tell me, father.