Beermann. ...  Against immorality in the lower strata where it easily degenerates into licentiousness.  As the President of this Society, I, at least ought to know what was intended.

Stroebel.  Even Frau Hochstetter belongs to the lower strata.  If we are now stepping on anybody’s corns, I am very sorry. ...

Beermann.  The police have no business to do anything they will be sorry for later on.  Good Lord, had the Commissioner only listened to me.  An affair like this should not be treated in such a purely business-like way.

Stroebel.  The Commissioner can only tell you the same thing.  He cannot change the law.

Beermann.  Anything can be done.

Stroebel.  Not at this stage.  We could probably have prevented it had we known that this case would have such far-reaching consequences, but now here are the proofs. [Pointing to the diary.] No one in the world can destroy them, not even the Commissioner.

Beermann.  Then what do you propose to do with them?

Stroebel.  They are going down to the District Attorney’s office. 
The avalanche is on its way.

Beermann.  And we have simply to wait and watch what it hits? 
(Telephone bell rings.)

Stroebel.  Pardon me a moment.

(Goes to the right to the telephone.  While Stroebel is answering the telephone, and has his back to Beermann the latter crosses to the desk and tries to look into the diary.  Timidly he opens it several times but shuts it again quickly, when he fears that Stroebel will turn around.)

Stroebel [answering the telephone].  Police Department. ...  Assessor Stroebel speaking.  Who is this please ... yes, this is Assessor Stroebel. ...  Yes, Commissioner ... [pause] I understand you, I will remain in the office ...  Yes, I examined the Hochstetter woman. ...  Yes, this Madame Hauteville [pause] I will remain in the office until you call. ...  Yes, Commissioner.  Good-bye. [He hangs up the receiver.]

Beermann [Energetically closes the book and tries to appear indifferent.]

Stroebel.  Now you can convince yourself, Herr Beermann, the Commissioner himself is following up this matter.  He wants to have another conference with me about it to-day.

Beermann.  Am I to wait helplessly until the catastrophe happens?

Stroebel.  You must be consistent. ...

Beermann.  It is possible that my best friends, acquaintances or relatives are involved ...

Stroebel.  You must remain consistent.  Doesn’t this splendidly justify the founding of your Society?

Beermann [in a rage].  Oh, leave me alone with your stupid Vice Society.  Are we not all human, after all!

Stroebel.  I do not understand you.

Beermann.  Do you realize what severe pangs of conscience I suffer?  Last night as I pictured to myself all that is about to happen, all these family misfortunes, I asked myself this question:  What really is morality?  And ...  I could not find the answer.