Major von Tellheim, Landlord, JustMAJ. T. (entering).

Just!

JUST. (supposing the Landlord is still speaking).

Just? Are we so intimate?

MAJ. T.

Just!

JUST.

I thought I was "Herr Just" with you.

LAND. (seeing the Major).

Hist! hist! Herr Just, Herr Just, look round; your master--MAJ. T.

Just, I think you are quarreling! What did I tell you?

LAND.

Quarrel, your honour? God forbid! Would your most humble servant dare to quarrel with one who has the honour of being in your service?

JUST.

If I could but give him a good whack on that cringing cat's back of his!

LAND.

It is true Herr Just speaks up for his master, and rather warmly; but in that he is right. I esteem him so much the more: I like him for it.

JUST.

I should like to knock his teeth out for him!

LAND.

It is only a pity that he puts himself in a passion for nothing. For Ifeel quite sure that your honour is not displeased with me in this matter, since--necessity--made it necessary--MAJ. T.

More than enough, sir! I am in your debt; you turn out my room in my absence. You must be paid, I must seek a lodging elsewhere. Very natural.

LAND.

Elsewhere? You are going to quit, honoured sir? Oh, unfortunate stricken man that I am. No, never! Sooner shall the lady give up the apartments again. The Major cannot and will not let her have his room.

It is his; she must go; I cannot help it. I will go, honoured sir--MAJ. T.

My friend, do not make two foolish strokes instead of one. The lady must retain possession of the room--LAND.

And your honour could suppose that from distrust, from fear of not being paid, I . . . As if I did not know that your honour could pay me as soon as you pleased. The sealed purse . . . five hundred thalers in louis d'ors marked on it--which your honour had in your writing-desk . . . is in good keeping.

MAJ. T.

I trust so; as the rest of my property. Just shall take them into his keeping, when he has paid your bill--LAND.

Really, I was quite alarmed when I found the purse. I always considered your honour a methodical and prudent man, who never got quite out of money . . . but still, had I supposed there was ready money in the desk--MAJ. T.

You would have treated me rather more civilly. I understand you. Go, sir; leave me. I wish to speak with my servant.

LAND.

But, honoured sir

MAJ. T.

Come, Just; he does not wish to permit me to give my orders to you in his house.

LAND.

I am going, honoured sir! My whole house is at your service.

(Exit.)