_Frans._ Oh! no—he was too stiff and solemn for that. He always looked sulky and discontented. He was a tiresome sort of fellow. I think, even, that he used to make verses.
_Van Weller._ And he was your master’s friend?
_Frans._ No, and ... yes! He was always with us, and at our rooms. He always helped the young master when he had the chance; but afterwards he used to give it him like blazes.
_Van Weller._ Strange, very strange! And how long ago is that?
_Van Weller._ What was your master doing then?
_Van Weller._ How? I thought he was at the university.
_Frans._ Well—studying, and doing nothing—that comes pretty much to the same thing.
_Frans._ Before that _fâcheux évènement_ I spoke of, he was studying too. I think he wanted to be a lawyer....
_Van Weller._ Silence! Nothing but what I ask you! Is your master a good sort of man?
_Van Weller._ Silence! You deserve a good thrashing. He is a bad servant that speaks ill of his master. If I ask you any question that you would injure your master by answering, then you are to hold your tongue. Do you understand? I don’t want to make any traitors. Remember this carefully, or I shall give the word. Did your master play high at the university? [_Frans is silent._] ... So—he’s silent ... therefore our young gentleman _did_ play ... therefore he is betraying his master by his silence.... Out!
_Frans._ Oh! my dear good gentleman, what _am_ I to say? No, no, the young master never gambled.
_Van Weller._ He lies! Yes—I forgot to say that if you don’t tell the truth, I shall give the word too. Did your master gamble at the university? Out!
_Frans_ (_points to the window_). Fire! fire! for heaven’s sake!—save yourselves! ... fire!
[_The General hastens to the window. Andries remains rigidly at his post. Frans runs to the door._]
_Frans._ I should have done that sooner. (_With a low bow._) General, your humble servant.
_Van Weller_ (_returning from the window_). I see nothing, absolutely nothing. Where is the fellow?
_Andries._ That was not in the orders, sir.
_Van Weller._ The scoundrel has been making a fool of me! Never mind—I know enough for the present. Do you know him, Andries?
_Andries._ Yes, sir, he’s a good-for-nothing fellow.
_Van Weller._ Of course—like master, like man!