The Joy of Living (Es lebe das Leben) A Play in Five Acts

Excerpt

ACT I

A drawing-room in the Empire style in Count Kellinghausen's house. In front, on the left, a fireplace; to the left, in the background, a door to the inner apartments; to the right, back, a door into the front passage; in the foreground, on the right, a window. In the centre of back wall a wide opening between two columns, partly closed by an old Gobelins tapestry. On the right a sofa, table and chairs. On the left, in front of the fireplace, several low seats. Near the middle, placed diagonally, a writing-table with shelves; beside the table two seats with low backs and a comfortable arm-chair. Old portraits and coloured prints on the walls.

Holtzmann is seated at the back of the room, a portfolio on his lap. Conrad ushers in Baron Ludwig.

Conrad (in the doorway).

If your Excellency will kindly come this way--the doctor is with Madame von Kellinghausen.

Baron Ludwig.

Ah? In that case perhaps I had better----

Conrad.

Madame von Kellinghausen will be here in a moment, your Excellency. The other gentleman has already been announced. (Indicating Holtzmann.)

Baron Ludwig.

Very well. (Conrad goes out.)

Holtzmann (rises and makes a deep bow).

Baron Ludwig.

(Bowing slightly in return wanders about the room and at last pauses before Holtzmann.) I beg your pardon but--surely I know your face.

Holtzmann.

Very likely, your Excellency. My name is Holtzmann, private secretary to Baron Richard von Völkerlingk.

Baron Ludwig.

Indeed? I am so seldom at my brother's. The fact is--er, well. Yesterday was election-day at Lengenfeld, by the way. The papers were full of it this morning. It seems to cause a good deal of surprise that Count Kellinghausen should not only have withdrawn in favour of my brother, but should actually have gone about canvassing for him. I daresay that's an exaggeration, though?

Holtzmann.

On the contrary, your Excellency. The Count has been down in the country electioneering for weeks.

Baron Ludwig.

Really? And you were with him, I suppose?

Holtzmann (with a dry smile).

Very much so, your Excellency. I should be sorry to be answerable for all the nonsense I've had to talk and write!

Baron Ludwig.

H'm--just so. Nonsense always wins. Who said that, by the way? Julian the Apostate, wasn't it?

Holtzmann.

No, your Excellency. Talbot.

Baron Ludwig.

Julian might have said it. The losing side always philosophises.

Holtzmann.

I hope we sha'n't be on the losing side.

Baron Ludwig.

H'm. What is your profession?

Holtzmann.

Theology, your Excellency.

Baron Ludwig.

And how long do you think it will be before it lands you in socialism?

Holtzmann (offended).

Excellency!

Baron Ludwig.

My dear sir, look at the examples! I remember a predecessor of yours at my brother's--a theological student also, I believe. Well, he landed with both feet in the middle of the Socialist camp.

Holtzmann.

Yes, I know, your Excellency. You mean Meixner.

Baron Ludwig.

That reminds me--I hear the fellow has actually been taking a leading hand in the fight against my brother.