[A knock on the door.]
BEERMANN [crouching]. Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty
comes in from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.]
BETTY. The gentleman says it is very urgent.
BEERMANN [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting
card and reads]. Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says
with forced vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.]
BEERMANN. And this has been my state of mind for the past six
hours.
HAUSER [offering him his hand]. Now be brave, my dear friend, and
even if they should come to you, just deny it outright. You'll
know how to lie. A man of such rare abilities. ... Good night.
[Goes out on the left. In the doorway, he almost collides with
Professor Wasner. They greet each other.]
WASNER [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his
right shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand. His hair is
disheveled. His flaxen beard falls on his chest]. I am here in
regard to the most remarkable matter a man ever came to consult
another about.
BEERMANN [very nervous]. Must it be today, Herr Professor?
WASNER. The situation permits of no delay.
BEERMANN. But it is getting so late.
WASNER. I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make
visits. Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats
himself at the desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it
against his forehead.
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