She has
good manners and does not talk.
COMMISSIONER. In her way, she certainly seems a very decent
person.
SCHMETTAU. Absolutely. Since it was my belief that His Highness
must learn to know life, I could not find a better place. [To the
Commissioner.] We understand each other?
COMMISSIONER. Certainly.
SCHMETTAU. Every guarantee against vulgarity; everything tip-top.
Now picture it to yourself. I do all a man possibly can and this
inconceivably awful scandal happens.
COMMISSIONER. It is the old story. These people have no tact.
SCHMETTAU. That doesn't help me any. I am not trying to mix in
your business. That never occurred to me. But this does not help
me one bit. The whole blame attaches to me. I simply will be told
that such things should not have happened. That is an unheard of
business.
COMMISSIONER [to Assessor]. For which you are to blame.
SCHMETTAU. Had I a suspicion that this was contemplated, I would
have informed you.
COMMISSIONER. If you only had!
SCHMETTAU. Who would think of such things? We all take it for
granted that the police first of all respect protection!
STROEBEL. On my word of honor Herr Baron. Not even in my dreams
did I think of an occurrence like this.
SCHMETTAU. [squares his shoulders]. Is it so difficult for you to
think?
COMMISSIONER. That's just what I say. If a man knows his work
thoroughly these things come to him.
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