_Reiss._ (confidentially.) I must tell you that Selling has already mentioned something to me about it. The young man's conscience is alarmed. He does not like to lend a hand in those sort of things. But I would not believe it. _Grob._ It is but too certain. _Reiss._ O Lord! who could think any thing like it of such a man? that is mean, that is--that must not be permitted. Ay, ay! and the minister prefers such a man, reposes confidence in him, because men, like me, take him by the hand. They think, because such a man is of a low extraction, he must have the interest of the lower class at heart. And then he will betray and sell the state! _Grob._ As an inhabitant, I ought to have the preference to a stranger. _Reiss._ Most undoubtedly. _Grob._ I am very willing to go to some expence too, only-- _Reiss._ Not a single penny; God forbid I should be guilty of such a sin! That contract with Benniger must be annulled. _Grob._ If that were possible, I would with all my heart-- _Reiss._ Ay, it must be so. I am very intimate with the Privy Counsellor. He was to have my daughter; but I will never give her to a man like him. You must furnish me immediately with a plea, in which you must develope the whole transaction. _Grob._ Good God! the Privy Counsellor! _Reiss._ I give you my word and hand, as an honest man, I will run all the consequences. In such a case one is in conscience bound; only let me have the declaration immediately. I will manage in such a manner that the Privy Counsellor shall come off with tolerable good credit. _Grob._ If you will do that-- _Reiss._ Yes, yes, yes! _Grob._ But Counsellor Selling-- _Reiss._ Is a young man;--out of fear of displeasing the Privy Counsellor, he has lent his aid. Such a young man may yet be taught in time. That is my principal object. _Grob._ Well, the declaration shall be drawn up without delay. Heaven bless you, dear Sir, for thus taking the part of a poor fellow-townsman! [Exit. _Reiss._ My duty, my duty!--Bravo, little Selling, that is prettily managed! SCENE IV. Enter Counsellor SELLING. _Sell._ Old Wellenberg wishes to call on you. _Reiss._ Has he taken any steps yet with the Doctor, concerning the mad patient? _Sell._ No, the Doctor is breathing his last. _Reiss._ If God should call him off, the calumniator will escape a very serious action in this world. Now my claims and the will have been confirmed, I will, of my own accord, make the children a handsome present. _Sell._ Very laudable! _Reiss._ When is Benniger to bring you the present for the Privy Counsellor? _Sell._ Very soon, I expect. _Reiss._ Take it, that we may have a proof; then tell Benniger your mind, and open the business to me. _Sell._ But; then I fear the Privy Counsellor will take it in dudgeon.