Stroebel [pacing up and down].  I will bring that fellow out of your wardrobe.  I will bring him to light.  Into bright daylight! [Remains standing in front of Hauteville.] What did you say?

HAUTEVILE.  Non.

Stroebel [resuming his pacing’].  One of those fine fellows who wallow in the mire and then expect us to make exceptions. [Stops pacing, facing Hauteville.] What were you saying?

Hauteville.  Nothing.

Stroebel.  Sad enough that now and again a halfway decent person strays into your place.

Hauteville.  He can only regret that he was disturbed.

Stroebel [goes quickly to desk and unlocks a drawer].  Besides, do not deceive yourself.  We do not need your disclosures. [He takes out a rather bulky paper, a school composition book, and holds it triumphantly in the air.] There; do you recognize this?

Hauteville. [quietly, without a single trace of surprise].  It looks like my diary.

Stroebel.  It is your book.  It was found in your desk.

Hauteville. [very calm].  The desk was locked,

Stroebel.  It was broken open.  Well?  What about your loyalty now?

Hauteville. [shrugs her shoulders].  I kept it.  I haven’t a fire-proof safe.

Stroebel [contemptuously].  Would you by chance like to show me the name?

Hauteville.  What name?

Stroebel.  Of the gentleman in the wardrobe.

Hauteville. [laughs].  His name really is not in it.

Stroebel.  Do not evade but show me.

Hauteville.  Oh, there are parties whose names are not in the Hotel
Register.  They travel incognito.

Stroebel [persuadingly].  Hochstetter, I have an impression that you are not such a stupid girl, and I believe that you would like to [pointing to the diary] take good care of your—­patrons.  If you do not immediately reveal the name of that man, I will summon the whole bunch.

Hauteville. [shrugs her shoulders].  That’s something I cannot stop you from doing.

Stroebel.  What then is your belief in fair play?

Hauteville.  I never submitted that diary to you.  You could not have gotten it from me voluntarily, but it quite suits me that the officer found it in my desk.

Stroebel.  Why?

Hauteville.  Because he might have searched for it in the wardrobe.

Stroebel.  Now my patience is at an end. [Presses the button on his desk.] I will have no consideration for anyone.

Hauteville.  After all, perhaps you will.  For yourself.

[Police officer enters.]

Stroebel.  Take this woman downstairs, [The officer leaves with Hauteville.  Stroebel sits down, pushes the chair angrily to the desk, then gets up and throws the diary and several other books on the desk, saying to himself:] Never heard anything like it!  Such impudence!