BOLLAND. Upon my word the story is gospel. [To Dobler.] I'd make
use of that plot ... How he founded his business and how it grew
and grew ...

[As Frau Beermann enters from the music room, the tremulous voice
of Prof. Wasner is heard.]

"Behuet dich Gott, es hat nicht sollen sein." [Footnote: God guard
thee well, it was but a dream.]

[The closing of the door shuts off the sound.]

DOBLER. In one respect you are right. The character of the SELF
MADE MAN [Footnote: So in original.] has hardly been treated in
contemporary German literature.

BOLLAND [with enthusiasm]. That's just what I claim. Always about
the poor people only. But take a man who has a large income--one
who makes a success of his business, that also is poetry.

HAUSER. I'd have my ledger novelized, if I were you, Holland. [A
maid opens door, admitting Frau Lund.]

FRAU BEERMANN [welcoming Frau Lund]. Mama Lund, how good of you.

FRAU LUND [vivaciously]. Always glad to come here. Good afternoon,
gentlemen. Where is my little Effie?

FRAU BEERMANN. In the music room. [To the maid.] Please tell my
daughter ...