FORESTER.

And because you will not be a scoundrel, I am to be one?  Shall people say:  “Ulrich caused a quarrel between father and son?” Sir, my girl is too good to have it said of her that she stole into your family.  Mr. Stein, this is my home.  You know what I mean.

SOPHY.

At least let the children—­

FORESTER.

Do something foolish?  And you look on; and afterward you can do nothing better than weep.

ROBERT.

Mary, whatever befall—­

FORESTER.

I do not know whether I know Mary.  If I am mistaken in her then it is better you go with him at once.

MARY.

Father, he is so true.

FORESTER.

Very well.  Go with him.

SOPHY.

So inflexible—­

ROBERT.  In the name of heaven, Mary, which has
destined us for one another—­

FORESTER (as before, to his wife).

And let me advise you not to—­Do you hear, if it should come to pass—­

[Turns with her toward the background.]

ANDREW (bursting out).

Now it’s enough!  Mary, either you go or he goes.

SOPHY.

Now you are beginning too, Andrew! [Goes to him on the left side of the stage.]

ANDREW.

I have been silent long enough.  Let me alone, mother.  His father has insulted my father; I will not allow this fellow to insult my sister also.

ROBERT.

You belong to me, Mary.  I should like to see him who—­keep your hands off!

MARY.

Robert, it is my brother!

ANDREW (threatening).

Only one step further, or—­

ROBERT.

Away, I say; for God’s sake—­

ANDREW.

You are no match for me—­

ROBERT.

Not with the point of your finger shall you touch what belongs to me.  I defy you all—­

ANDREW.

Do you hear that, father?

FORESTER (stepping between the two).

Back there, fellow!  Who is master in this house?

ANDREW.

If you are master, father, then show that you are.  Otherwise let me show it to that fellow there.

FORESTER.

Andrew, go over there, and say not another word!

ANDREW.

Father—­

FORESTER.

Will you mind what I say?

[ANDREW pulls a rifle from the wall.]

FORESTER.

What are you doing there?

ANDREW (with suppressed rage).

Nothing.  Here in the house you are master.  Outside no one is master; outside we all are.

FORESTER.

In my forest I am master.

ANDREW.

But not a step beyond.

FORESTER.

What do you mean?  Answer!

ANDREW.

Nothing particular, father.  Only that fellow there need know.—­If you are not concerned about your own honor—­I shall protect Mary’s honor.  That is for him who dares to come near Mary.