Beermann.  You never can tell.

Stroebel.  Excuse me.  What is there left of family life when such things happen?

Beermann.  What do you mean?  If nobody finds it out?

Stroebel.  But such a man must live constantly under a deception.

Beermann.  My dear Assessor.  If the white lie ceases in married life, the couple drifts apart.

Stroebel.  I cannot believe that!

Beermann [persuadingly].  Take my word for it.  In every happy marriage the parties lie to each other to keep their affection from cooling.

Stroebel.  But both of them remain faithful.

Beermann.  Not in the least.

Stroebel.  Don’t say that!

Beermann.  Not in the least; anyhow not to the very letter.  A husband is true to his wife even if he ... and so forth.

Stroebel.  Your views surprise me.

Beermann.  This is what I mean.  He is true in his own fashion.  He remains kind to his wife, takes a good care of his family, and that is the principal thing.  That other which you have in mind is only an ideal.

Stroebel.  Ideals are lived up to.

Beermann.  Well, yes.  But if we don’t live up to them, we at least respect them.

Stroebel.  Herr Beermann, I am astounded.  You are the President of the Society for the Suppression of Vice?

Beermann.  Can I help it that I was elected?

Stroebel.  But at least you represent the views of your Society.  I thought you came here for that reason.

Beermann.  For what reason?

Stroebel.  To express your satisfaction at our discovery of the business of this person.

Beermann.  You thought I came here on that account?

Stroebel.  Didn’t you?

Beermann [mopping his brow with his handkerchief].  You’ll have to pardon me, Herr Assessor; I am still affected by that running up and down stairs.

Stroebel.  Perhaps our conversation tires you?

Beermann.  Don’t mention it.  I simply cannot follow you so quickly,
A moment ago you mentioned a diary, didn’t you?

Stroebel.  Of this Hauteville woman.—­Yes.

Beermann.  Have you been through this diary?

Stroebel.  No.  I have not had time yet.

Beermann.  But you just spoke about some jesting comments in it.

Stroebel.  Only those I noticed in glancing through it.

Beermann [relieved].  Ah!

Stroebel.  Besides, I must tell you, Herr Beermann, that the contents of this book must remain a secret to you.  My orders are not to show it to anyone.

Beermann.  No, no.  I don’t want to know anything about it.

Stroebel.  You will find out everything later when the matter comes up in court.