The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann - novelonlinefull.com
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Good-bye, Streckmann. Tell me, though, what's going to be the outcome of that affair?
STRECKMANN
[_Stops and shrugs his shoulders._] It isn't goin' to be much of an outcome for me!
FLAMM
Why?
STRECKMANN
I suppose I'll have to suffer for it.
FLAMM
What consequences a little thing will sometimes have!--How did it happen that you quarreled?
STRECKMANN
I can't say as I can remember clearly. That day--I must ha' been off my head--but the truth is I just can't get it straight how it did happen.
FLAMM
The bookbinder is known to be a very peaceable man.
STRECKMANN
An' yet he's always quarrelin' with me! But the thing's just gone from me.--All I know is that they fell on me just like hungry wolves! I thought they was tryin' to kill me right there! If I hadn't been thinkin'
that, my hand wouldn't ha' slipped the way it did.
FLAMM
And the man's eye couldn't--be saved?
STRECKMANN
No, an' it makes a feller feel sorry. But ... there's nothin' to be done.
The misfortune isn't on my conscience.
FLAMM
A thing of that kind is bad enough in itself. And when the courts take a hand in it, that only makes it worse. I'm especially sorry for the girl.
STRECKMANN
Yes; I'm thin an' wasted with the misery of it. It's gone straight to my heart. I tell you, your honour, I don't know what it is to sleep no more.
I haven't got nothin' against August really. But, as I said, I just can't account for it.
FLAMM
You ought to go over and see Bernd some day. If you insulted his daughter and weren't in a clear state of mind, you could simply retract what you said.
STRECKMANN
That's none o' my business. That's his'n. Of course, if he knew what'll come out--he'd take back his accusation. Somebody else ought to tell him.
He's not doin' the girl no service by it. That's how things is. Good-bye, your honour.
FLAMM
Good-bye.
_STRECKMANN leaves the room._
FLAMM [_Excitedly, to himself._] If one could only get at the throat of a creature like that!
_MRS. FLAMM is wheeled in by a maid from FLAMM'S den._
MRS. FLAMM
What are you muttering about again?--[_At a gesture from her the maid retires._]--Did you have any annoyance?
FLAMM
Oh, yes; a little.
MRS. FLAMM
Wasn't that Streckmann?
FLAMM
The handsome Streckmann. Yes, that was the handsome Streckmann.
MRS. FLAMM
How is that affair getting on now, Christie? Did you talk about Keil?
FLAMM
[_Scribbling._] Oh, pshaw! My head is full of figures.
MRS. FLAMM
Do I disturb you, Christie?
FLAMM
No; only you must keep quiet.
