The Commissioner. I really wanted
to speak to him personally, but he told me I should go to the
gentleman who has "Morality." Are you the gentleman who has all
the morality?
STROEBEL. Certainly.
BEERMANN. At last. [Mopping his braze.] Good God? when a matter is
so urgent and so much depends on it they ought not to chase one
all over the building. I must rest a bit. All this excitement and
running up and down stairs. ... So you are the gentleman who has
the matter in hand.
STROEBEL. What matter?
BEERMANN. On Saturday night a lady was arrested. A Madam de
Hauteville, and certain papers were taken from her. Have you those
papers here?
STROEBEL. What business is that of yours?
BEERMANN. My name is Beermann; Fritz Beermann, the banker. I am
the Chairman of the Society for the Suppression of Vice.
STROEBEL [very politely]. Oh, indeed! Pardon me! I didn't recall
your name immediately, but I was expecting you.
BEERMANN [startled]. You--were expecting--me?
STROEBEL. The Commissioner said that you would undoubtedly call on
us.
BEERMANN. He said that I undoubtedly would call? But he never
mentioned a word to me about that, and I saw him just a moment
ago. Perhaps after all it will be better if I go down to see him
again?
STROEBEL. That is not necessary. I have full charge of the matter.
BEERMANN. Oh, yes, quite right; you have charge of the matter.
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