DR. WASNER. Because it is good German to call a spade a spade.

BEERMANN [getting up]. Why argue to no purpose? Let's start our
game of skat.

BOLLAND. Because it appears to be a conflict of two different
philosophies.

BEERMANN [rises, goes to card table, opens a drawer, takes out a
deck of cards and opens them]. It's always the same old story.
Never start anything with women! They must have the last word.
[Sits down at card table. Bolland gets up and sits beside him.]

FRAU LUND [laughing]. Spoken again like a typical reformer.

DR. WASNER [rising]. I don't want to continue this argument, but
if by any chance you have gained the impression that I regard this
matter from a prejudiced view point, I will cheerfully admit it. I
do.

BEERMANN [calling]. Oh, do come on, Herr Professor.

DR. WASNER [turning to card table]. I'm coming. [To others.] I
admit with pride that I am prejudiced. For me there exists only
one question: How can I best serve my fatherland?

BOLLAND. Herr Professor!

DR. WASNER [turning to table]. Just a moment. ... [To others.] Let
the sturdy qualities of our people be conserved. That stand is