Stroebel.  You will never learn to think precisely, Reisacher.

Reisacher.  Yes, Herr Assessor.

[Both resume their former positions.  Short pause.  Police Commissioner, Freiherr van Simbach, enters left.  Stroebel lays aside his paper, rises and salutes.  Reisacher writes hurriedly.]

Commissioner [Footnote:  President of Police, in original.] ’Morning, Herr Assessor. [To Reisacher.] Take your work outside, Reisacher, until I have finished. [Reisacher exit through middle door.] I want to ask you a few questions, Herr Stroebel. [Stroebel bows.  The Commissioner during the conversation takes center of stage and speaks nonchalantly and somewhat drawingly.] I read your report.  Day before yesterday, that was on Saturday, you ordered the arrest of a certain woman.

Stroebel.  Yes, Commissioner.

Commissioner.  Well, what about her?

Stroebel.  According to the report of Lieutenant Schmuttermaier, we have in our hands a very dangerous person.

Commissioner.  Is that so!

Stroebel.  Within a short time she has almost demoralized our city.

Commissioner.  She has been in the city about three or four years. ...

Stroebel.  She has, according to the report.

Commissioner.  In what way has she been dangerous?  Did bald headed gentlemen loosen up a bit in her house or are there special charges against her?

Stroebel.  No special ones, but her whole behavior.  She had a beautiful apartment in the best residential district.  According to the report, the neighbors began to talk about her.  She dressed in a rather fast and fashionable manner. ...

Commissioner.  Then because she did not cater to the common people, you consider her so terrible?

Stroebel.  No, Commissioner.

Commissioner.  I thought not.  Remember, please, I don’t want you to get any of the popular ideas about the corruption of our best society.  Slit skirts cause as much harm. [Stroebel bows.] What is her name?

Stroebel.  Ninon De Hauteville.  But her real name is Therese Hochstetter.

Commissioner.  H-a-u-t-e V-i-l-l-e?

Stroebel.  She comes of a good family.  Her father was a Peruvian consul.  When he lost his money, she married a consular secretary.  He divorced her four years ago.

Commissioner.  Indeed.  So she is a person of refinement.

Stroebel.  But she has ...

Commissioner. ...  A demoralizing influence.  I know all about that. 
Tell me, what made you arrest her?

Stroebel [with importance].  Eight days ago, I received a letter severely rebuking the police because her place was tolerated. ...

Commissioner.  Who was the letter from?

Stroebel [hesitatingly’].  It was ... really ... anonymous.