"
BEERMANN. How?
STROEBEL. They will not commit perjury.
BEERMANN. That's utterly impossible!
STROEBEL. I will make it quite warm for that man, in any event.
BEERMANN. But, Counselor!
STROEBEL [clinking heels]. Assessor Stroebel.
BEERMANN. But, Assessor, that is simply impossible. You do not
want to ruin the family life of the entire city, do you?
STROEBEL. In what way?
BEERMANN. Do you expect a respectable gentleman to appear in court
and in the presence of all people to say, yes; it is true that I
... and so forth?
STROEBEL. Why not?
BEERMANN [shouting]. But they are all respectable fathers of
families!
STROEBEL. But, my dear Herr Beermann, what difference does that
make to me?
BEERMANN. It must make a difference. It makes a difference to
everybody at all times.
STROEBEL. I assure you that I am not a bit sentimental.
BEERMANN [glancing over to Reisacher]. Could we have a few words
together, alone?
STROEBEL. If you wish it. Reisacher, finish your police report in
the outer office.
REISACHER. Certainly, Herr Assessor.
(Takes several sheets of paper and goes out through the middle
door.)
STROEBEL. Do have a seat, Herr Beermann.
(Beermann sits down on the sofa. Stroebel does likewise.)
BEERMANN [mopping his brow]. A personal question, Herr Assessor,
are you married?
STROEBEL.
Pages:
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66