Beermann [frightened, exclaims].  There, do you hear that?

Hauser.  Some visitor, I suppose.

Beermann.  This is no time to make visits. [Anxiously picking up the diary.] What shall I do with the damned thing? [Takes out a volume of the encyclopedia and wants to hide the diary in it but hesitates, and then puts the volume back on the shelf.] Lord, where shall I put it?

Hauser.  Come, give it to me.

Beermann [Gives him the book and Hauser puts it in his side pocket.]

Hauser.  No one will search me for it.

Beermann.  Stay here with me ... please.

Hauser.  If it gives you any pleasure, yes; but man alive, pull yourself together.  Suppose it really were the police; you are trembling all over. [A knock on the door.]

Beermann [crouching].  Quiet now. [Another knock.] Come in. [Betty comes in from the left and hands Beermann a visiting card.]

Betty.  The gentleman says it is very urgent.

Beermann [with a trembling hand Beermann takes up the visiting card and reads].  Professor Wasner. [He sighs audibly and then says with forced vigor.] Show the gentleman up. [Betty exit.]

Beermann.  And this has been my state of mind for the past six hours.

Hauser [offering him his hand].  Now be brave, my dear friend, and even if they should come to you, just deny it outright.  You’ll know how to lie.  A man of such rare abilities. ...  Good night. [Goes out on the left.  In the doorway, he almost collides with Professor Wasner.  They greet each other.]

Wasner [wears a cape the left corner thrown picturesquely over his right shoulder, holds a large slouch hat in his hand.  His hair is disheveled.  His flaxen beard falls on his chest].  I am here in regard to the most remarkable matter a man ever came to consult another about.

Beermann [very nervous].  Must it be today, Herr Professor?

Wasner.  The situation permits of no delay.

Beermann.  But it is getting so late.

Wasner.  I admit that this is hardly the proper time to make visits.  Nevertheless, I entreat you to hear me. [Beermann seats himself at the desk, takes out a large handkerchief and presses it against his forehead.  Wasner remains standing and continues.] For many years, as you well know, I undertook the task of collecting all publications which have been undermining public morals.  I daresay today, that my collection is most complete and that I have unquestionably proven the harm of pornographic literature.  What corrupting influence this temptation has through suggestion and imagination can today no longer be doubted, because—­[an impressive pause; Wasner lowers his voice]—­I myself fell a victim to it. [Beermann remains in his apathetic attitude.  Pause.] I can well understand that you lack words.  I, too, became, on account of it, much disgusted with my character.  I asked myself if I still have the right to participate in the moral salvation of our people and I have decided affirmatively only after a thorough examination. [Pause.]