Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/413

 wouldn't suit me to settle the affair through a game of billiards.

Friedrich.—No, but in another way.

Natter.—If I had wished that, not so very long ago there would have been a better opportunity.

Friedrich.—Why didn't you do it? A man doesn't suddenly become I know that as a young man you risked your life for less valuable considerations.

Natter.—Less valuable? For other things.

Friedrich.—If the thing affected you so, why do you remain with your wife?

Natter.—Let me explain. Because to me life without Adele would be absolutely absurd. I am hopelessly in love with her. Such things happen, Hofreiter. There is nothing to be done about them. Have you any idea what measures I have tried to loose the inner ties that bind me to her? In vain, all in vain. I love her in spite of everything. Monstrous, isn't it? Yet, there it is.

Friedrich.—And you revenge yourself against me by inventing a monstrosity?

Natter.—Perhaps by spreading the truth.

Friedrich.—Man, do you really believe that I about the American duel?

Natter.—Disprove it if you can.

Friedrich.—I could. I know the reason for Korsakow's suicide. I know But what am I coming to—? To justify myself to you—you, you

Natter.—Be careful.

Friedrich.—I swear to you, you are mistaken. I swear it.

Natter.—By your wife's virtue, eh?

Friedrich.—Sir (Makes a step towards him.)

Natter (Grasps his arm).—Quiet, no scene. I won't fight with you. But another word and

Friedrich.—Is it possible that I should be defenseless against you?

Natter.—One is sometimes.

Friedrich.—Yes, against a

Natter.—Against a man who finds life tremendously amusing, my dear Hofreiter, and nothing more.

Paul (Coming from the tennis court).—Mr. Hofreiter, your singles match is due with the Ensign.

Friedrich.—Oh, yes. I'm ready. The relative standing must be cleared up once for all I know