Part 14 (2/2)

As you please. (Richard Volkerlingk _is seen approaching. The_ Prince _glances toward him_.) Which won't prevent my feeling the sincerest sympathy for our friend there. His phenomenal self-possession is enough to confirm my suspicions.

_Enter_ Richard.

Richard.

I've been looking for you every where, Brachtmann. I want to shake hands and tell you how glad I am to be under your orders again.

Brachtmann.

We won't talk of being under my orders, my dear Volkerlingk. You know how badly we need you, and how anxious we are to have you take the lead in the coming debate. (Richard _bows_.) I suppose we may count on your speaking on the Divorce Bill next Friday?

Richard (_hesitating_).

Why--I had hardly expected----

Brachtmann.

It's the very thing we want of you. According to the Socialists, a man and his wife are no more bound to each other than a pair of cuckoos. We need a speaker of your eloquence and your convictions to proclaim the sanct.i.ty of the marriage-bond.

Richard.

But I hardly know if I should have time to get my facts together. And besides-- (_He draws_ Brachtmann _aside and continues in a low tone_.) An hour or two ago I received a copy of a speech that a fellow called Meixner has been making against me. The man is a former secretary of mine, turned Socialist----

Brachtmann.

Ah--Meixner was your secretary?

Richard.

You knew of this?

Brachtmann.

My dear Volkerlingk, don't you see that after such an attack it's doubly important that you should speak on this very question? As for the party, I think I may say in its name that our asking you to do so is equivalent to a vote of confidence.

Richard.

Thanks, Brachtmann. I believe you're right. My refusal might be misinterpreted.

Brachtmann (_turning toward the others_).

We were speaking of this when you joined us. We have all received copies of the paper.

Richard (_to the group_).

Then I must apologise for not having mentioned the matter; but I was waiting to bring it before you in committee. It seems to be a question of personal spite, for my son has received the paper too.

Brachtmann.

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