unassailable. Then I will be sure that my efforts have at least
...

BEERMANN [loudly]. But, my dear Wasner!

WASNER [not dismayed, continuing]. ... at least a national scope.

HAUSER. Wouldn't you rather play skat, professor?

WASNER [going over to card table]. There remains only one thing
for me to say. If I have used sharp words, I want to apologize.
[Takes a seat.]

BEERMANN. You deal, Professor.

DR. WASNER [shuffling the cards and talking at the same time]. For
me there exists but one ideal. That which Tacitus described as it
once prevailed among the old Teutons. Quamquam severa illic
matrimonia nec ullam morum partem magis laudaveris. [He lets
Bolland cut and then deals.] The most praiseworthy trait of the
Teutons was the strictness of their marriage customs. Nam prope
soli Barbarorum singulis uxoribus contenti sunt. They were almost
the only barbarians to content themselves with a single wife.

BEERMANN [loudly]. Tournee!

BOLLAND. I'll go you!

BEERMANN. Twenty!