Schmettau.  I am very grateful to you for these sentiments.

Stroebel.  I asked what she considered proper damages.  “Ten thousand marks,” she says.  I almost lost my senses.  With the necessary bail that would make Fifteen thousand marks.

Schmettau.  In the end perhaps that is not so gigantic.

Stroebel.  Who is going to pay it?

Schmettau.  Not we, of course.  Our state is a poor paymaster.

Stroebel.  Here is a fine mess, which I cannot solve—­at least not I. Herr Beermann, you said yourself that your Society for the Suppression of Vice is vitally interested in the undisturbed maintenance of the popular belief in morality.  For the members of your Society, it ought to be quite easy to collect that sum.  I know of no other way.

Beermann [with folded hands he stands in a pensive mood].  The Executive Committee is expecting its chairman.  And I know of a professor who alone ought to pay an extra thousand for a letter he wrote. [To the others.] Gentlemen, briefly speaking, I will do it.  On behalf of the society, I pledge this sum.

Schmettau.  Herr von Beermann, I can only say that you have acted honorably.  The House of Emil the Benevolent knows on whom to confer an order. [He offers his hand.]

Beermann.  But let me assure you, Herr Baron, I did not do it expecting a reward.

CURTAIN