The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) - LightNovelsOnl.com
You're reading novel online at LightNovelsOnl.com. Please use the follow button to get notifications about your favorite novels and its latest chapters so you can come back anytime and won't miss anything.
Norbert.
You said you had something to tell me, father.
Richard.
Yes, yes; to be sure. But first, haven't you something to tell _me_?
Norbert (_with an embarra.s.sed smile_).
Yes; but not to-day--when you're so----
Richard.
The very day, dear boy! To-morrow I may but there's nothing to tell, after all. Aunt Beata and I have seen this coming and it has made us very happy.
Norbert.
(_Flinging his arms about his father_.) Father! Father!
Richard.
Norbert! My dear lad! But we don't yet know what Uncle Michael will say----
Norbert.
Uncle Michael? When I'm _your_ son? Father, you've heard something. You wouldn't frighten me for nothing.
Richard.
I have heard nothing. But, Norbert, listen. Whatever comes to you in after days, I want you to remember one thing: it doesn't matter whether we succeed or not. What we need is the guiding note of a voice that seems the echo of our best hopes. It doesn't matter whether we are mistaken in the voice or not--the great thing is to hear it. And the worst thing is not to feel the need of it.
Norbert.
Thank you, father. I'm not sure I understand--but you may be sure I shall listen for the voice.
Richard.
And one thing more. Uncle Michael is very busy just now. Leave him alone for a day or two--even if you have the chance of speaking. And let me see you to-morrow morning early. I may have to go on a long journey--and before I start----
Norbert.
On a journey? Now? Just as you----
Richard (_nods_).
This is between ourselves. But meanwhile, try to see Aunt Beata for a moment. I want you to tell her--but stay, I'll write. (_He seats himself at the writing-table and begins to write_.)
_Enter_ George.
George.
His Excellency Baron Ludwig von Volkerlingk.
_Enter_ Baron Ludwig. Richard _starts up, pleased and surprised_.
George.
The evening papers, your Excellency. (_He puts them down and goes out_.)
Richard.
Ludwig! It's a long time since you've given me this pleasure.
Baron Ludwig.
Thank you, Richard.
Richard.
Will you excuse me a moment? I am finis.h.i.+ng a letter. (_He folds the letter, puts it into an envelope and writes the address, while_ Norbert _and_ Baron Ludwig _are greeting each other_.) There!
Norbert (_taking the letter_).
An answer, father?
Richard.
As soon as possible. (Norbert _goes out_.)
Baron Ludwig.
My dear Richard--we're quite alone, I suppose? (Richard _nods_.) Forgive the suggestion, but-- (_he glances about the room_) Leonie sometimes overhears----
Richard.
Leonie is out.
Baron Ludwig.
So much the better. But first let me tell you with what admiration I listened to you just now--what breathless admiration! (Richard _makes a gesture of thanks_.) Still, I confess that your having to speak on such a subject just at present made me--er--a little nervous----
Richard.
Why so?
Baron Ludwig.
I was almost afraid--but we'll go into that presently.--Well, at all events, if nothing goes wrong, you may look upon this as the starting-point of a career that any man living might envy you.
