See, now you say to me all at once, "have pity"--Father, I am a dying man, I did not come here to make reproaches, but do you make none to me!
(_Embracing him, and stroking his hair_.) My son--my all--my boy--I don't permit--I will not----
Silence, silence, father! Mother should not hear that.
Yes, forgive me for giving way. It shall not happen again.... So how does the affair stand now?
I reported myself to the old man, that very night.
Spare me that, father.... Of course, I obtained the usual furlough at once, until the discharge comes. Well, that doesn't matter now.... It does not last long, thus.... This morning, the court of honor had a sitting. After my hearing, I rode away at once, so as to lose no time. I gave Mohammed to Hallerpfort in order to have him follow me as soon as judgment was pronounced. He may be here at any moment.
What was I to do, father, after Lanski declared to those who delivered my challenge that I was no longer--capable of having satisfaction?
Well, I hope they will decide favourably to me.
If not, the dev-- (_Softly_.) And then I will tell you a couple of measures to take so as to have a steady hand. Sleep properly, and don't eat a bite, and then tell the doctor----
Enough, enough, father, that is of no further use.
What does that mean? Is it possible that you will--to Lanski?----
I will not, father! And if you had seen the spectacle which the people of Wartenstein saw yesterday (_shudders_), you would demand nothing more of life for me than a half-respectable death....
Perhaps--they will not--grant you--the duel.
Well, if we have got to that last hope, father, then we are indeed in bad straits.... Shall I perhaps open a dram-shop in Chicago, or a cattle business with my paternal capital? Yes? Would you have done it?
So you see, father--so or so--your Fritz is done for.
THE SAME. WILHELM. _Afterward_ LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.
Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master.
(Hallerpfort _shakes hands with him and the_ Major, _and casts a glance at_ Wilhelm, _who forthwith disappears_.)
Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?
To-morrow morning, half after four o'clock behind the large drill-ground.
Fifteen paces--advance--five paces barrier--exchange of shots----