Major von Tellheim, Landlord, JustMAJ. T. (entering).
Just!
JUST. (supposing the Landlord is still speaking).
Just? Are we so intimate?
MAJ. T.
Just!
JUST.
I thought I was "Herr Just" with you.
LAND. (seeing the Major).
Hist! hist! Herr Just, Herr Just, look round; your master--MAJ. T.
Just, I think you are quarreling! What did I tell you?
LAND.
Quarrel, your honour? God forbid! Would your most humble servant dare to quarrel with one who has the honour of being in your service?
JUST.
If I could but give him a good whack on that cringing cat's back of his!
LAND.
It is true Herr Just speaks up for his master, and rather warmly; but in that he is right. I esteem him so much the more: I like him for it.
JUST.
I should like to knock his teeth out for him!
LAND.
It is only a pity that he puts himself in a passion for nothing. For Ifeel quite sure that your honour is not displeased with me in this matter, since--necessity--made it necessary--MAJ. T.
More than enough, sir! I am in your debt; you turn out my room in my absence. You must be paid, I must seek a lodging elsewhere. Very natural.
LAND.
Elsewhere? You are going to quit, honoured sir? Oh, unfortunate stricken man that I am. No, never! Sooner shall the lady give up the apartments again. The Major cannot and will not let her have his room.
It is his; she must go; I cannot help it. I will go, honoured sir--MAJ. T.
My friend, do not make two foolish strokes instead of one. The lady must retain possession of the room--LAND.
And your honour could suppose that from distrust, from fear of not being paid, I . . . As if I did not know that your honour could pay me as soon as you pleased. The sealed purse . . . five hundred thalers in louis d'ors marked on it--which your honour had in your writing-desk . . . is in good keeping.
MAJ. T.
I trust so; as the rest of my property. Just shall take them into his keeping, when he has paid your bill--LAND.
Really, I was quite alarmed when I found the purse. I always considered your honour a methodical and prudent man, who never got quite out of money . . . but still, had I supposed there was ready money in the desk--MAJ. T.
You would have treated me rather more civilly. I understand you. Go, sir; leave me. I wish to speak with my servant.
LAND.
But, honoured sir
MAJ. T.
Come, Just; he does not wish to permit me to give my orders to you in his house.
LAND.
I am going, honoured sir! My whole house is at your service.
(Exit.)
