NINTH SCENE.
Archibald Alexander translation
THE SAME. WILHELM. Afterward LIEUTENANT VON HALLERPFORT.
Fritz.
What is it?
Wilhelm.
Lieutenant von Hallerpfort wishes to speak to the young master.
Fritz.
(Hurrying past him to the door.) Well?
(Hallerpfort shakes hands with him and the Major, and casts a glance at Wilhelm, who forthwith disappears.)
Fritz.
Well?
Hallerpfort.
Does your father know?
Major.
Yes, my dear Hallerpfort, I know.--Granted?
Hallerpfort.
To-morrow morning, half after four o'clock behind the large drill-ground.
Fritz.
Thank God!
Major.
Thank God! (They embrace.)
Fritz (disengaging himself).
Conditions?
Hallerpfort.
Fifteen paces--advance--five paces barrier--exchange of shots----
Fritz.
To a finish?
Hallerpfort.
To a finish.
Fritz.
Very well!
(Major turns toward the door, and presses his hands to his face.)
Hallerpfort (approaching him).
Major, as your son's best friend----
Major (grasping his hands).
I thank you, my dear Hallerpfort, I thank you.... You will ride away at once, will you not?
Hallerpfort.
Unfortunately we must, Major.
Major.
Then just listen.... I will pass the hours until the duel, with my son.... That you can understand, can't you?... My carriage is hitched up but I cannot go away with you for fear of making my sick wife uneasy. Wait for me at the end of half an hour in Schrander's inn.... Don't fear. We shall be on time....
Hallerpfort.
It will be as you order, Major.
Major.
And now, courage, Fritz!
Fritz.
That is understood, father!
Major.
(Holding open the door on the left, in a different tone.) Now, boys, just come quickly in! Only think, darling----