Schmettau.  It was not his intention. [To the Assessor.] Then I will assume that it was never said. [The Assessor clicks his heels.] I am somewhat nettled but you cannot be surprised at that.  You can imagine with what care I undertook this task.  This Madame de Hauteville was recommended to me by reliable parties.  She has good manners and does not talk.

Commissioner.  In her way, she certainly seems a very decent person.

Schmettau.  Absolutely.  Since it was my belief that His Highness must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the Commissioner.] We understand each other?

Commissioner.  Certainly.

Schmettau.  Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top.  Now picture it to yourself.  I do all a man possibly can and this inconceivably awful scandal happens.

Commissioner.  It is the old story.  These people have no tact.

Schmettau.  That doesn’t help me any.  I am not trying to mix in your business.  That never occurred to me.  But this does not help me one bit.  The whole blame attaches to me.  I simply will be told that such things should not have happened.  That is an unheard of business.

Commissioner [to Assessor].  For which you are to blame.

Schmettau.  Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would have informed you.

Commissioner.  If you only had!

Schmettau.  Who would think of such things?  We all take it for granted that the police first of all respect protection!

Stroebel.  On my word of honor Herr Baron.  Not even in my dreams did I think of an occurrence like this.

Schmettau. [squares his shoulders].  Is it so difficult for you to think?

Commissioner.  That’s just what I say.  If a man knows his work thoroughly these things come to him.  But people who are interested in the uplift movements are always in the clouds.

Schmettau.  This Lieutenant or whatever that fellow was, behaved as though he was collecting material for a socialist newspaper.  His Highness was hardly in the house five minutes when there was a loud ringing.  Then, someone in heavy shoes ran up against the door like a drunken sailor.  Madame de Hauteville breaks into the room and cries, “Your Highness, how unfortunate I am.  The police are here,” she says.  “Leave them alone,” I say, “they will go away presently.”  “Impossible,” she says, “I can never permit His Highness to be found by the police in my place.  I will take the blame upon myself entirely.”  Fancy the tact of that woman!  “Impossible,” she says, “that His Highness should be caught in my place.”

Commissioner.  Really, very decent!