·SANTINIKETAN
LIPKARY
Class No. :
Author No 64-6
Shelt No..
Accession No. 1665

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·LIGITS OUT

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·LIGHTS OUT
d PLAT
In Four dots
By FRANZ ADAM BEYERLEIN
AUTHOR OF "JENA' OR 'SEDAN'?"
TRANSLATED BY H. HAVELOCK
LONDON: WILLIAM I EINEMANN
CIV

·Copyright 1905. All rights resericii.

·THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY
CAPTAIN VON B. BANNEWITZ
LIEUTENANT VON HÖWEN
LIEUTENANT VON LAUFFEN
SERGEANT-MAJOR VOLKHARDT 3rd Squadron, Magdeburg
CORPORAL QUEISS
Uhlan Regiment, No. 25
CORPORAL HELBIG
PRIVATE MICHAEL
PRIVATE SPESS
MAJOR PASCHIKE, 19th 1/satinn Artill.cry
CAPTAIN LEHDENBURG, 10th Palatinate Cuirassicrs
LIEUTENANT HACERMEISTER, 186th Infuntry
FOURTH MEMBER
FirTI MEMBER
PROSECUTOR
} of the Court-martial
('OUNCILLORS
SECRETARY
A DOCTOR
AN ORDERLY
KLARA VOLKHARDT

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·THE SCENES OF THE PLAT'
THE FIRST ACT
ORDERLY-ROOM IN THE BARRACKS
TIE SECOND ACT
LIEUTENANT VON LAUFFEN'S QUARTERS
THE THIRD) ACT
COURT-ROOM IN THE BARRACKS
THE FOURTH ACT
LIEUTENANT VON LAUFFEN'S QUARTERS
The action of the Play bukes place il Sennheim, a small
ywrison town on the term frontier, in Alstere
TIME: THE PRESENT

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·LIGHTS OUT
TIIE FIRST ACT
TuE SCENE. --The squadron orderly room.
et bare apartment, painted gray. In the side
rrall, riyht, a window with a striped blind. In the
centre wall a door painted brown. Before the
window a fairly larye table, with writiny
materials, d'c., and a woolen chair in front. To
the right of the door a frame for hanging up
caps, dic. ; further off a small cupboard for
pepers, and in the corner an iron-bound, chest.
Left of the door a smaller tuble, under which «
bench is shoul, in the corner ( metal wrashstand,
on the wall the tourel. On the (loor hangs the
inrentory, on the frame a luncc-cap, a bandolier,
am a belt, with the Seryeant-Majors sabre. Ilis
cup lies on the small tuble.
Bright mid-day light.
Captain vos BANNEWITZ, SERGFANT-MAJOR
VOLKIARDT.
BAXXEWITZ.
(Leans uyainst the table, right, and reals a list of
official shupe: he is in his orcrcoat, the skirts buttoned
back, bandulier, and field-sack, but rears a cap. The
uniform is not too new and fairly lusty, for he has
just come off parale. Ile has a stock-whip under his
arm, and is smoking a cigarette. Ilalf to himself-]
A

·2 LIGHTS OUT ACT 1 M'yes. That we can quite well leave like that. Only-ſhe lets the list drop lower --Sergeant-Major- VOLK HARDT. [llas been writing at the table, left, springs up and stands to attention.] Sir! BANNEWITZ [Resignedly]. Sergeant-Mujor, if you knew how nervous it makes me, that springing up and that awfully exact observance of the prescribed position- Lord knows, Volkhardt, you would not do it. VOLKHARDT. Very well, sir. BANNEWITZ. Oh, yes, very well-but you do not do it. [11e threatens him playfully with his whip.] Look here, Volkhardt, I will spoil your blank defaulters' sheet one of these days with a couple of days' arrest for continued disregard of the wishes of your squadron commander. Well, now, this allotment of the horses for autumn manwuvres on the whole, I have no objection to make, only you have assigned Lieutenant von Lauffen, in addition to his regimental charger, 6 Caroline." VOLKIARDT, You will excuse me, sir. Lieutenant von Lauffen is to lead the third troop, and “Diane," that your honour knows, is a wretch! A knacker she is, a regular damned carrion ! BANNEWITZ. That is quite right, Sergeant-Major. That is just why Lauffen is to ride her. He can do it. Can he not?

·ACTI LIGIITS OUT 3 VOLKUARDT. [Beaming.] Certainly he can. BANYEWITZ. Well, then. VOLKIARDT. Excuse me, sir, but that makes a bad impression on the men if the troop leader is in difficulties before the front. And above all when the animal is horsey, it is as if it was its nature to go on its hind legs. BANNEW ITZ. Volkhardt, your head is swimming. It is very honourable of you certainly to stand up so for Lieutenant Lauffen. His papa, the old Excellency, backed you out from among the French Cuirassiers at Vionville in '70, and so you naturally do not want to be responsible for the son coming a cropper with his nag. Give the Lieutenant the restive beast, and don't trouble. VOLKUARDT. Very well, sir. BANNEWITZ. Then you will report to mo so to-morrow. VOLKII TRDT. Very good. BANNEWITZ. M'yes, and look here, you don't go with other people. Here (pointing to the list] is Sergeant-Major Volkhardt, “ Derſlinger. Well, you know, Sergeant, that buckjumper, I should not like to ride. The brute plunges ·4 LIGHTS OUT ACT I SO that every time it is enough to mash up att ammunition loaf. A man should not undertake too much. And you don't get younger, Volkhardt. Fifty, and thirty-three years in the service! You may well let yourself go a bit easy. VOLKIIARDT. Excuse me, sir, if you mean it this way, Captain, that I am too old and cannou do my duty properly-- then I beg the Captain most obediently to tell me so. It will be very hard for me to leave the regiment. BANNEWITZ. [Slaps the tops of his riding-boots thoughtfully with his whip, then looks sharply at the SERGEANT-MAJOR. Volkhardt, I think, Lord knows, that this must be the first time since I have had the squadron that I ought by rights to be rough to you-beastly rough. Why, man, you know very well what all your superiors think of you, from the General commanding down to the youngest Lieutenant, do you not? VOLKAARDT. As you please, sir. BANNEWITZ. Well, then, let us leave it like that. And me of all people, Sergeant, I am the last person you should have behaved so to! In ten years one learns not only to value the Sergeant-Major, but to respect the man. Good Lord, I shall perhaps be a Major now soon, and who knows where I may get to then ? But, believe me or not as you will, I shall not forget you, Volk- ·ACTI LIGIITS OUT un hardt. You will always be remembered by me as the pattern of an excellent Prussian under-officer, [G'ives him his hand. VOLKIIARDT. [Falteringly.] Thank you, most obediently, Captain, and--forgive me, Captain, it was wrong of me, but once for all, it is so; some time or other I must leave the service. And that time I do dread very greatly. BAXNEWITZ, Well, Sergeant, I can well sympathise with you there. If your youngster were still alive, Volkhardt, it would be easier for you, I fancy. Would, perlaps have become as good an under-officer as his father. It is a pity about him. VOLKHARDT. Roughly.] No, Captain. BANNEWITZ. Not a pity? Well, all right. But that is not nice of you, Sergeant-Major. VOLKHARDT. Forgive me, sir, but I think it was just as well that the accident happened when it did. As it is, I can think of my boy as a dear and, to some extent, good fellow. If he had gone on living--I don't know, sir, in the long run it might not have turned out well. That he liked a drink and went after women, well, that is like many another; but the gambling and you know, sir, I think, with all respect, sir, it is as well as it is.

·6 LIGIITS OUT ACT I BANNEWITZ. All the same, it would have helped you out when some day you take off the clear old tunic. [Prits on his gloves and makes ready to yo.] As it is, Miss Klara must see to it by herself, VOLKHARDT. [ith a beaming face.] Quite so, sir. ought to have been the boy. There is no giddiness about her. One can count on her, sir. The girl BANNEWITZ. [With a little more animation than usual.] Your Klara is a girl in a thousand. Whoever gets her for a wife will be a lucky man. VOLKITARDT. Quite so, and since the Captain happens to mention the subject --I suppose Corporal Helbig could get leave to marry ? That is, if it came to that. BANNEWITZ. [Somewhat slowly.) Helbig? Yes, I do not think there would be anything against it. So he is the happy man? Why, of course you brought him up. So you have known the couple a long time. And today he is back from llanover. At the Military School he behaved faultlessly, quite faultlessly; a bit heavy, but a good man. Do you think, though, your Klara would suit him, Volkhardt? VOLKHARDT. I do, indeed, think so, sir.

·ACT LIGHTS OUT 7 BANNEWITZ. Well, that the little lady must know best herself, after all. Only one thing I do beg of you, Sergeant- Major, do not influence your daughter. She will best find her own way for herself. VOLKHARDT. [Smiling.] Excuse me, sir, that too would come very hard to me. The girl is good and honourable, but the proper military subordination I have not been able to teach her. BANNEWITZ. [At the cloor.) Well, Sergeant, thank the Lord ! After all, the cavalry drill regulations do not apply to the whole world. Enter KLARA quickly, slightly embarrissed. KLARA. Oh, the Captain will excuse me, I only wanted to ask father something. BANNEWITZ. [ Thoroughly polite, with something of the fatherly gallantry towards her of an uncle to his niece.] That you shall at once. Only first I beg you to accept this flower froin me. [lle euses a bough of hedge-roses out of his tunic.] It conies from France, Fražilein Klara, and, who knows, perhaps it may come to war over it. KLARA. Let us hope not over that, Captain. [She puts the flowers in her blouse.] Did you go as far as that this morning early?

·8 LIGIITS OUT ACT 1 BANXEWITZ. Yes indeed, as far as the frontier. Our friends, the Dragons of Giromagney, were afoot already too. I plucked the rose from a French bush and cried to the enemy's captain, “ Pour mon amour /" Then he saluted and replied, “ Bien des choses de ma part.” So, Fraulein Klärchen, even the French Captain of Dragoons lays himself at your feet. KLARA. You will not get ine to believe that, Captain. But the roses are wonderfully fine. Thank you for them. BANNEWITZ. And now I will no longer stand in the wiry of your question, young lady. Good-bye. (Makes « slight bou.] Moining, Sergeant-Major ! KLARA. Good-bye, Captain. VOLKIARDT. Morning, sir. BANNEWITZ. Morning! [Erit. VOLKHARDT. Scolding good-humouredly.] I wonder, my girl, how often have I told you already not to come bouncing in here? Well, now, say what you want. and then [Ile whistles and points to the door. KLARA. Directly, dad. Well, an orderly is come from the ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 9 sergeants mess it wants to know whether the small cask that you-you, dad—have ordered for this evening is to be Colmar Lager or the genuine. VOLKHARDT. [Draws himself up, then after a brief refle m.] The genuine. [Goes on writing. KLARA. [Smacks her lips.] Thunder, that's grand! Of course the Magdeburg Lancers! Look here, dad, what's up? VOLKILARDT. Curiosity is ur. [Points to the door. KLARA. Dad! VOLKIIARDT. Girl, I have work to do. KLARA. When you have told me what is up you can go on with your writing till the evening. [She squats on a chair.] Well, father? VOLKHARDT. Well--some one has come. KLARA, Some one, that you order a cask of the genuine in honour of ? I know of no such person.

·10 LIGHTS OUT ACI 1 VOLKHARDT. Or, rather, some one has come back. [KLARA thinks it over for a bit and then shakes her head. VOLKTIARDT. From Hanover. From the Military Riding School. KLARA. [Thinks it over again, then suddenly sturts in aların ; all her gaiety leares her. Otto? VOLKIIARDT. Why, Klara, what is the matter? Aren't you glad of it? KLARA, Yes, yes, dail. Only I had not thought of itnot at all. VOLKHARDT. [Scratches his head.] Klara, come here. [11e drau's her down on to his huee ] That's it, child. Now look at me. [Klara hangs her heud ; with supiresrell anger he adds.) Deuce and deuce again! Surely you can still look me in the face? Do you hear, Klara ? Or have you a guilty conscience ? (KLARA forces herself to look her father in the eyes. VOLKHARDT. That's right! Why, what could you have on your conscience ? Now tell me, child, what is the matter with you? Something has come to you that I don't like at all. First you sing and trill like a larkwithout any reason and then again you hang your head like a foundereil horse. And again without ·ACT 1 LIGHTS OUT II l'eason. Klara, I don't like that. Then I think I am going to make you happy by telling you Otto is coming back, and you KLARA. [Gets up from her father's lap, then somewhat defiantly.] I do not know what you want, father. Yes, I am glad that Otto is coming back, but to jump as high as the ceiling ?-Why, that is not the thing to be done. VOLKHARDT. Why, I suppose you two--it is all settled, isn't it? KLARA, Who said so? VOLKIARDT. Oh, thunder! Let any one understand you women I have seen what I have seen, girl; don't stand there so like a mule. Open your lips rather and- LAUFFEN. Comes in hastily, in the same trim as the CAPTAIN. Sergeant-Major, the Captain would like to see you about a forage voncher. They have, I believe, supplied six bundles of hay too little. VOLKIARDT. [Eagerly.] Very good, sir. It is the last voucher. [Pulls it out. LAUFFEN. [Greeting KLARA meanwhile with some little awkwurdness.] Day, Frailein Klara ! who can.

·12 LIGHTS OUT ACT I KLARA. Good day, Lieutenant. LAUFFEN. [To the SERGEANT, who is hurrying out of the door with the paper.] The Captain is in the remount stable. VOLKIIARDT, [As he goes off.] Very good, sir. [E.cit. LAUFFEN. [K'issing her.? Morning, mouse ! KLARA, Morning, Joachim ! LAUFFEN, Slept enough? KLARA. What do you take me for? I have seen you already earlier, LAUFFEN, Really, you? Nonsenso, you were still sleeping like a Pom. KLARA. Now, if you please. As if any could help waking up when a whole Lancer regiment marches out. LAUFFEX. Half-past two at night. It's a scandal. Lord knows, pet, it is often no easy time when one is serving with a frontier Corps like this. Fact! No mistake.

·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 13 KLARA, And you yawned, Joachim. LAUFFEN. Well, that's human; that may happen. KLARA. Yes, and you give Michael one behind the ears. I say, that is ill-treating soldiers. LAUFFEN. Why, yes. Just fancy, the cow had filled my flask with bay rum. Because the cognac was all gone. KLAKA, Dirty dog! LAUFFEN. Quite so. And you? [11e draws her gently, nearer to him.] Of course you crept back again into your little soft white bed. [lle starts and pushes her away.] Some one is coming. [QUEISS connes hastily in; as he catches sight of LAUFFEN stands to attention, notices KLARA rrith but little astonishment. LAUFFEN. [Sharply. What do you want, Queiss ? QUEISS. Excuse me, sir, the Captain would like to speak to the Sergeant Major about the last delivery of forage.

·14
LIGHTS OUT
ACT I
LAUFFEN.
I have told the Sergeant-Major so already. Ile
has gone long ago.
QUEISS.
Very good, sir.
(Exit, salutiny punctiliously.
LAUFFEN.
Unpleasant fellow, that Queiss.
KLARA.
I don't know--he never did anything to me, but I
am afraid of him somehow.
LAUFFEN.
Oh, bosh! [A8 KLARA looks up astonished, adels
kindly.] Nonsense, sweetheart. Something uncanny.
Bah! How so? Disgusting sneak, that's all. A
kind of a conspirator; a brute of a Socialist in it
tunic, perhaps. Nothing open or frank. He looks
like Father Filucius in " Pious Helen." Can't bear
the fellow for the life of me.
KLARA.
[T'imidly.] Did he notice anything that time?
LAUFFEX.
[Unpleasantly moved.] When ?
KLARA.
That time--you know-when I was leaving you.
He had just inspected the stables, and it was already
a bit light.

·ACT I
LIGHTS OUT
15
LAUFFEN.
Nonsense, lass! That's just your fancy. He saw
nothing. It's sheer seeing ghosts. Sure enough,
fact.
KLARI.
God grant it! Howuver, there is no help for it.
But now I will go across. Good-bye, Joachim.
[Mukes for the door. LAUFFEN holds her back
and kisses her.
LAUFFEN.
Wit, do. A kiss in the orderly-room-why, that
has probably never been known before.
KLARA,
(Returns the kiss.] Dear Joachim !
LAUFFEN.
[in a low tone.] Say now, sweetheart, won't you
come over to me again once? In the evening ? Eh,
sweet, dear lass, will you? After tattoo, eh? Do, do
say yes?
KLARA.
But, dearest
LAUFFEX.
Oh, you! Say yes! El, lass?
KLARA.
It will not do.
LAUFFEN.
It will, it will. If you only would, sweetheart!

·16 LIGHTS OUT ACT 1 KLARA, [Meditating.] The under-officers are at their casino over there, to-day; that's all right, but- [After a last hesitation throus herself por LAUFFEN's breast. LAUFFEN. You will come, won't you? (KLARA nods, and releases herself from his aims. LAUFFEN. Supposing I put the green shade over the lartp. [KLARA nods, and mores torrards the door. LAUFFEN still holds her by the hand. Enter CORPORAL HIELBIC: in Orlerly's uniform, is astonished to find KLARA there. Is he catches sight of LAUFFEN stands to attention and reports. HELBIG. Corporal Helbig returned this day from Riding School to the squadron. LAUFFEN. [Somewhat confused, then haughtily] H'm. Thanks, Helbig. Well--did you like Hanover? Lively place, eh? HELBIC. If you please, sir, it is fine there. With a glance at KLARA.] But at home with the regiment it is still better. LAUFFEN. Bless the man, here at Sennheim ? Well, as you

·ACT 1
LIGHTS OUT
17
will. A matter of taste. With an air of dismissal.
All right, Helbig. But I suppose you inean to wait
for the Sergeant-Major ?
HELBIG.
If
you please, your honour.
Very well. [?'urns to KLARA to let her pass first.]
Please, Fraiilein Klara.
KLARA.
Oh, no, sir. [After a brief hesitation.] I must really
wish my foster-brother good-day first.
LAUFFEN.
Your foster-brother, Frailein?
KLARA,
Yes, there he stands, Lieutenant. [Takes HELBIA'S
hand with somewhat forced decision, and shakes it.]
Day, Otto!
LAUFFEN.
[Bites his lips.) Right, I had quite forgotten that.
Volkhardt was your guardian, eh, Helbig?
HELBIG.
If
you please, sir; and from the age of twelve I was
brought up by the Sergeant-Major.
B

·LIGHTS OUT
ACT
LAUFFEN,
Yes, yes, now I remember. [Roughly.) Well then
I won't disturb you. Morning !
[E:cit, with a slight bow to KLARA.
HELBIG.
[After standing at attention to LAUFLEN and opening
the door for him, grasp8 joyously at KLARA's hand.]
Thunder, Klara, this is a surprise, eh? What, you
had not the faintest idea I was coming? Ay, I made
your father solemnly promise it should be a surprise,
just like a flank attack at manæuvres. And it has
succeeded finely, hasn't it?
KLARA.
[With a feeble attempt to fall into the same strain.]
Yes, and how well, Otto! However, father had
spoken to me of your coming back. Just before---
HELBIG.
[Violently.) So then he couldn't hold his tongue
after all ?
KLARA.
[Trying to yet away.] Have you seen him already
then, Otto? I will tell him.
HIELBIC.
Oh, no, Klara ! Stay here rather! Your father
was with the Captain in the remount stable. I
nodded to him on the sly; he is coming directly.

·ACT I LIGIITS OUT 19 KLARA. Yes, but I really must go across, a casino orderly is waiting for an answer. HELBIC. What of that? Ile can wait a bit, till his legs grow into his belly. KLARA. No, no. [11/akes for the door HELBIG. (Pluces himself in front of her with outstretched arnis.] Halt! Who goes there? No one passes here. KLARA. Stop that horse-play, Otto ! HELBIG. Horse-play! That is the usage of war, Klara. [ Moves towards her, then tenderly.] Well, won't you really then say how do you do to me properly, Klara? When I have been away two whole years? KLARA. I have already given you my hand. HELBIG. Ay, ny. Well, then, I will just take my kiss. [lle tries awkwardly to embruce and kiss her.] Klara. [Repulses him vehemently.] Otto, stop that. I won't have it.

·20 LIGHTS OUT ACT 1 ? HELBIG. [Draws back bewildered.] Well, then, don't. Butthat's not exactly nice of you. (KLARA shrugs her shoulders and goes towards the door. HELDIG. [Beseechingly.] Klara, what have you against me all of a sudden ? We used always to get on very well together. Why are you now suddenly—so harsh to me ? KLARA. My Lord, Otto, what should I have against you Nothing, nothing at all. But you must see that the foolishness of those days cannot go on. HELBIG. So you call that foolishness, Klara ? [Imploringly.] Just listen to me, Klara. See, what you now call foolishness I have been thinking of all the time I was at Hanover. This I can tell you, the service there is not easy, and in the first weeks Lord knows whether one's bones are really broken or one only fancies so; and the riding-masters-well, it was hard work to swallow that! And then-well, I often thought of here, and how good it was. And by-and-bye, when the business got easier to me, then I remembered the rest still more, how kind and nice you were to mejust what you now call foolishness- KLARA. Dear Otto, I am glad too that you have come back again-- ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 21 HELBIG. (Roughly.] Thunder! Don't act 80 foolishly. [Then more pacifically.] Klara, look you, all the long journey here, from yesterday morning and all night through, I was fancying all the while how glad you would be when I turned up so suddenly. I thought to myself, if she howled like a watchdog when you went away, now she will fall on your neck and And now you are all "just keep your distance." There must be some reason for it, Klara ! Before, we used to give each other a kiss without any fuss. KLARA, Before, we used to call each other "sweetheart" and something else. HELBIG. [Firing up.] So that too is to stop? Now, at any rate, I know how things stand. KLARA. My Lord, Otto, if you would only be sensible! HELBIG. God damn me, shut your mouth! Don't mince matters any more! KLARA. [After wincing, loftily.] Do you think cursing will alter things ? HELBIG. Oh, you can't listen to that now? Damn me again! You have grown damnably grand. Yes, I certainly ·22 LIGHTS OUT ACT I don't suit the fine miss any longer! No wonder, when a Captain dangtes after you and makes you a present of flowers. KLARA. (Looks up in astonishment. To herself.] How can he know that? HELBIG. Yes, I am not quite so stupid. Before, when I reported myself, the Captain had the roses in his tunic, and now you have them in your bodice. Aye, there is naturally no more room for a common underofficer! He is something much more aristocratic--the old Captain, who has scarcely a hair left on his nut, and looks like a knacker with the spavins ! KLARA. I only advise you don't let father hear anything like that. He would make the point of view clear to you forcibly enough. You seem to have become half a Red in Hanover. II ELBIG. What stuff! a Red ! But this I certainly have taken in : that an officer is only a man like one of us, and not God Almighty. KLARA. No one has said so yet, and for that matter it is all the same to me what you think about that. [IVith eager entreaty.] But one thing I will beg of you, Otto, don't go and make father's heart heavier than it is already. He is quite worried enough about his having soon to retire. And how that weighs upon him you ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 23 can well fancy. So do not let us burden him with our affairs as well! See, now, you have assured me more than once that you are fond of me—that I am sorry for, because I cannot return it. I-I am fond of you, but quite in a different way. But, if you are really fond of me, do not vex my father. HELBIC. Ah, see now, Klara, when you are like that to me, then--then I am quite different directly, too. Then you can ask anything of me. And your fatherwherwshall I drag him into it? If you no longer care for me, how could your father help me about it? And then, what I said some time back about the Captain, that was horrid of me, yes, l'eally quite horrid. It was only blabbed ont in a rage. I know he used to pet you even as a little girl, and that-[with some bitterness)—why, that seenis to have remained just as it was. KLARA. Well now, that is talking sensibly. And it may pacify you to know-really the thing is not worth talking about-father stood yonder, and the Captain, when the flowers were given me-- ILELBIG. Klara, I do believe you. And really it was only foolish anger on my part. Ile walks up and down once or twice. I ought not to be so now anyhow-but do you know, I could sooner be jealous of Lieutenant Lauffen than of the Captain.

·24 LIGHTS OUT ACT I KLARA. I should like to know how so. HELBIG. Well, he would not let your band at all a wbile ago. I saw it plainly. KLARA. He was joking. HELBIG. Why, yes. I think it was only that. He has got on, hasn't he? Four years ago I trained him as a Cornet; the young man at first would not take kindly to it; he was a bit spoilt; but I took him with a high hand, Master Beardless. And now, sure enough, he has become a fine fellow. KLARA. (Nervously.] Lord knows, Otto, things seem to go on finely at the Riding School. You have brought back expressions-before you did not talk so---so disrespectfully. HELDIG. Now, Klara, do not exaggerate so. I stand to attention before Lauffen as much as any one, and 1 carıy out orders, for there is no help for it. But real true respect-I mean, in my mind-here should I get it from? I obey because that is my cursed duty and obligation ; but I see all the saine that he is nothing more than a young man with a fresh face and a little fair moustache, just what folks call a goodlooking lad.

·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 25 KLARA. You have become a regular red-hot Socialist. HELBIG. Not a bit. I know what I swore when I was attested, and that I stick to. KLARA. And for you to peck at Lieutenant Lauffen of all people, that is simply-simply shabby of you. HELBIC. How is that? How so? KLARA. I should have thought you would know. HELBIG, Of course I know. The Lieutenant's father, the old Excellency, saved our father's life in '70. Good, that's the old man. But the young one? KLARA. [Struggling with her anyer.] Just ask in the squadron or the regiment what he is like. We all think--the Colonel, the Captain, my father, and I, too--that he will one day be worthy of his Excellency. Yes, indeed. HELBIG. stand up for the Lieutenant very strongly, Klara. You-you ·26 LIGHTS OUT ACT I KLARA. Oh, not at all. But I do not allow him to be slandered. Nor to be belittled or made contemptible either. HELBIG. [Something beginning to daun on him) You- Klara? KLARA, (Hurries to the door.] I must now go across at last. JIELBIC, Iruffen, then? KLARA. [Stamping her foot.] Keep his name out of your mouth! 1) you see? [Erit. HELBIG, [At first means to follow her anul goes a couple of steps towards the door. Just wait! Then flinys his sabre hard on the floor and throu's himself into a chuir at the table, right, burying his face in his hands.] [QUEISS comes in and is proceeling to stand at attention by the door, then, as he recoywises 11 LLBIO, comes forvard more carelessly. (Helbig looks about him, rises slowly and goes to meet QueiSS. QUEISS. Day again, lad ! IT ELBIG. [Shaking his hanıl.] Day, Queiss !

·ACT 1 LIGHTS OUT 27 QUEISS. Well, what a long face you are pulling HELNIC. I? I should like to know. QUEISS. [Shrugs his shoulders, and whistles the “ Trot" call, then after a pause.] Well, land, how did you like it in Hanover? HELBIG. Mud, very much. QUEISS. Have you nothing more to tell? Dammit! That is not much, Has a nag given you a wipe on the mouth some time that you can't 11.5e it, eh? HELRIC. Nonsense! QUEISS. You used not to be so slow with your tongue, dammit. [l'histles the call “ Charge, Charge !"] Told off the horses yesterday for maneuvres. Have given you 66 Dolores." HELBIG. [Indifferently.] Yes? What sort of a beast is that? QUEISS. [Whistling between his teeth.] A brute. But I have made her taine. Well, you have learnt to ride now too. One lenrns it at the riding establishment, eh? [HELBIG nods.

·28 LIGHTS OUT ACT I QUEISS. Yes, indeed, dammit. Will be able to manage “Dolores.” [He imitates the action of a rider urging his horse forward.] Sit tight, sit tight! Spine, spine ! HELBIG, [Somewhat swaggeringly.] Don't let any one be alarmed. At the establishment there was a half-bred mare, " Penthesilea” “ Petersilie" or something of the sort, who would let no one up. As soon as any one came near her there were broken bones. or QUEISS. Dammit! I like that. But it only happens with horses. So you rode her? HELBIG. No, but I was to ride her. [QUEISS gives vent to a contemptuous grunt. HELBIG. And I should have ridden her too- ? QUEISS. Only- HELBIG. She broke her neck. The animal and Captain Weinsperg. She belonged to him, you know. QUEISS. Weinsperg? Of the Baden Dragoons, eh & Dammit! A grand fellow. Was riding-instructor in my day. But that was bound to be the end of it.

·ACT 1 LIGHTS OUT 29 HELBIG. Bound? Why so? QUEISS. Used to spend whole nights with women. That makes you weak here and here. [11e flaps in succession •his wrist, his upper thigh and his spine.] Can't happen to me. (Suddenly.) Youngster, there is still time. Let her go. HELBIG. Who do you mean? QUEISS. Dammit! Don't try to blind me. Saw the woman shoot out of the door here, and you were running about here like a nag with the staggers. [Vehemently.] Let her go. HELBIG. Queiss, you know something. QUEISS. What should I know, eh? When I hear a petticoat rustling about the legs I look away, lad. Over it or up to it. HELBIG. Well, but little Klara has run about right under your nose, you must surely know what she has been up to the past two years. QUEISS. I have not run after her. Don't know what she has been up to.

·30 LIGHTS OUT ACT I HELDIG. But, Queiss, here everybody is one on top of the other. If one comes to the barrack-door it means treading on another's corns. And there are women enough about who cannot hold their nasty tongues. QUEISS. I look away up there! HELBIC. And then comrades join in too. You must have heard them speak. You are not deaf. QUEISS. When they begin to talk dirt about their affairs with women, I am. IIELBIG. [Sharply.] Then why do you say, “Let her go"? There must be a reason for your telling me like that to let Klara go. QUEISS. [Laughs harshly.] Klara, Cirete, Liese, let her run! She is no one in particular. It means the nearest. She" is woman, the human being! Let her go. HELBIG. You are crazy, Queiss. You, too, are the son of a woman. QUEISS. God blast me, lad, that must be true. But whether I am my father's son, that's another story. Look you, ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 31 One lad, I was once like you-no, still gayer and inore frisky. I was in the Second Lancers of the Guarıl then. I married. [Laughs scornfully.) Ha, ha, ha! Aud such happiness! And then all at once-hi, presto -[he whistles Gone! Girl gone, everything gone. who could give her more for her toggery and fallals had run away with her. I don't know who. Never asked about it. But here, inside, you know, there began to be a sort of hatreil which would like to smash up and devour everything. Against the women creatures first. And afterwards not only the women. The people that had money as well. For the man who took her away from me, he must have had a bit, for she was greedy for brooches and silk petticoats as a mare for horse. See, lail, at that time I could understand the people that kill folks, the higher up the better. For when one sees every one so base and filthy, then ono nust hack into them until everything is in bits. IL ELBIG. Queiss! QCEISS. [Dravis a deep breath. Then, lad, then! Now I am quite peaceable. Do you know why? [Helbia shakes his head. QUEISS. Come with me into the stable. I will show you "Dolores." Lad, I tell you, such an animal is wiser and -far, far better than a human being. Spit on them, but above all on the women. Take such a nag by the head. Lad, you will see such a horse's muzzle is softer than a woman's arm And low beautiful they ·32 LIGHTS OUT ACT 1 are, and how sensible and how docile ! if, of course, one knows how to go to work with them. And those that don't fall in at once, they are the best of all. They have character. Lad, come into the stable with me. now. IIELBIG. [Ialf convinced.] Ay, ay, I'll come with you. What else is there left for me? It is the best thing [With fresh suspicion.] But first, Queiss, you must tell me one thing more! Honestly ! Have you, ever noticed anything between Klara and- Lauffen ? QUEISS. Lauffen ? Not that I know of. But why not? A Lieutenant is somebody. But perhaps it's a mere Lancer, We have handsome fellows in the squadron. It's where love falls, even if it be on a lump of manure. II ELBIG. So you know of nothing? Simply nothing ? QUEISS. No, lad. Or yes. A while ago I wanted to fetch the Sergeant-Major; they were in the orderly-room. Here. HELBIG. How so? I mean, what were they doing? Danimit, lad! the right place. QUEISS. The orderly-room would not be She stood here and he yonder.

·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 33 True, I have riding-boots and spurs on, and they can be heard. HELBIG. [Brooding.] So then you have found them here? QUEISS. That was by chance. Lad, let her go. Spit on the women, lad. Come, I will show you " Dolores,” Enter VOLKHARDT, in time to hear Queiss' last words. VOLKHARDT. There is time for that yet, Queiss. I will first wish Oito good-day. [1łe goes up to Helbia and shakes his hand hard.] Ñow, one can at least shake hands with you properly. Welcome home, Otto ! HELBIC. Good-day, father. VOLKHARDT. I suppose you have reported yourself everywhere already? HELBIG. Oh, yes, father. VOLKHARDT. Regiment, Captain, the two Lieutenants ? HELBIG. Every one, father. VOLKHARDT. That is right. Duty comes first always. [He sees Queiss.) Oh! that's right, Queiss. You wanted the C ·34 LIGHTS OUT ACT 1 voucher for the Wallach's. [He picks out a paper from a heap on the table. Here it is. QUEISS. Thank you, Sergeant-Major. [Goes towards the door. VOLKIIARDT. [Pointing to HELBIG.] And this man I will send you presently for mid-day stables. Then you can show him 7. Dolores." QUEISS. Very good, Sergeant-Major. [Throws HELBIG an encouraging glance, then exit. VOLKJARDT. So, Otto, now let one have a proper look at you. Lord knows, you have filled out finely. HELBIG, Why, yes, father, it's two years. VOLKITARDT. And glad I am that you are here again. We shall have a pleasant time of it again over at our place, eh? [Clears the papers from the table into a drawer.] Confound it, lad! Do say something. By-the-bye, I suppose you have seen Klara already? HELBIG. Yes. I said good-day to her here. A while ago. VOLKHARDT. To be sure ; Lioutenant von Lauffen told me the Captain wanted me just then. I say, Otto, the ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 35 Lieutenantor he is a man one may be proud of, eh? He will be like his father one day. He has done right well. He will come to something some day. But to be sure, about Klara. How was she? IIELBIG. How should she have been, father? Of course, as she always was. She was naturally very glad that I was back again. VOLKHARDT. Oh! she was very glad ? And she "naturally" fell on yo. 1 neck, eh? IELBIG. Well, not exactly that, but- VOLKIARDT. Just stop playing. I know well enough that you expected something quite different. Poor chap! JIELBIG. Dad, I really do not know what you are after. Klara VOLKIARDT. Silence in the ranks! I know. But this I will say to you, Otto, don't let your head hang down to the ground because of it. HELBIG. [Fith affected merriment.] How should I do that, eh, dad? VOLKHARDT. [Nods incredulously at him.] See now, there is no occasion for it. It's just women's wbims. That will ·ACT 1 36 LIGHTS OUT pass over, I tell you. At bottom Klara has remained just the girl she was. [Half to himself.] I must know my own girl. I would put my band in the fire for her. I should not even think about it. No, indeed, I should not think twice about it. I should not hesitate a moment. [Outside the call “Shake down fodder" is. blown. HELBIG. "Shake down fodder" ? VOLKIIARDT. (After listening.] Aye. HELBIG. (48 VOLKHARDT goes to the door.) You will not say anything to Klara about it? I mean, as if I had told you? VOLKIARDT. No, that would be the stupidest thing that could be. I know her, Otto, I do know her. (Il'ithout, nailed boots are heard clattering down the stairs and hurrying past the door. VOLKIJARDT. Just wait. I only want to put the lazy fellows to a trot. [IIe tears the door open. LANCERS, all in stable order, are seen rushing past with curricombs and brushes in their hands. A couple come from the opposite direction, carrying full porringers of food.] Thunder of heaven! What is all this slackness again? Will you make baste and get to the stables Junghaus, you blasted pig-clog! Right about, quick march! First the horse, then the man! [l'ewer LANCERS pass, he ·ACT I LIGHTS OUT 37 yells after them. Ah, there comes friend Michael, of course. Have you seen to your horses? Yours and the Lieutenant's ? (MICHAEL chews spasmodically and silently shakes his head. VOLKITARDT. Right about, march ! [lle points in the direction from which MICIA EL has come. MICHAEL. [Swallows his mouthful.] Just eating a lovely bit of meat. So full of fat. VOLKIJARDT. Just look at the ylution! So full of fat! Greedy throttle! Well, take it earlier in your hole, and then- MICHAEL, Thanks, Pan* Sergeant-Major! [Exit quickly. [ul couple of strugglers try to rush past. VOLKHARDT. (Rours after them at the top of his voice.] Pigdogs! I shouldn't like to be your horse. [lle bangs the door to, goes back to his tuble, clears the papers into the drawer, and shuts the box.] There's a corps for you. Come along, Otto. llead up! I tell you it will all come right. HELBIG. [Following him out.] Let's hope so. Curtain. "Mister" in Polish. * ·THE SECOND ACT SCENE.—LIEUTENANT Vox Lauffen's sitting room in barracks. Puinted a greenish white. In the centre wall the door into the corridor, in the side-wall, right, that of the bedroom, in that to left two windows with striped blinuls and threaılbare woullen curtains. Between the windows ( dressing-table, with a mirror and all sorts of toilet things, cases, . bottles, alc, lucing the windows ( pluin, fair-sized secretaire of oak, with a comfortable uriting-chair. By the window a roomy basket-chair with low seat and covered with cushions. Against the centre wall, left of the cloor, a bookshelf, to the right of door a urardrobe, in the corner the store. By the nuin door the regulation brown-painted clothes-stand. Further into the room, the heal turned torurils the side wall, right, a settee, and within reach a smoker's table. On the walls, pictures representing military and sporting subjects, photographs, an arrangement of subre, riding-whip, d'c., ornamented with cotillion favour's. On the writing-table burns a lamp with a white shade; the blinds are not clown. Discovered MICHAEL, who is dusting the writing-table carelessly; he is in undress without a cap.

·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 39 SPIESS. [Comes in with the order-book in his hand. There, you old water-rat of a Pole, is the order-book for your Leftenant. MICHAEL • [l'ery conlescendingly.) That's right, Put it down, On the table. [Spiess lays the book on the writing-table, yiriny MICHAEL a crack on the heat in the process, then gors to the smoking-table to help himself to a cigarette. MICHAEL f1fter him like a haul, and guarding the box. Are you mad, Spiess? Drop it, drop it ! Leftenant has counted every one. SPIESS. Silly oaf, give a couple here. IIow the devil does the Loftenant know how many there are? MICHAEL. Ho's counted every one. SPIESS. Stupid pig, will you give them here? [lle tries to get hold of the cigarette-box by force. MICHAEL Mukes believes he hears a noise.] The Leftenant's coming. Quiet, quiet! [Sriess takes alarm and ecit hurriedly.

·40 LIGHTS OUT ACT II IIe lights one, [MICHAEL takes, without any disguise, a good lot of cigarettes out of the boc and puts them with a grin in the inside pocket of his jacket. then goes to the dressing-table, sniffs at one of the bottles, pours something out of it on to his hand ant. rubs it on his hair. Then he settles cosily on to the settee with his back to the door. (LAUFFEN meanwhile opens the door, lettiny HÖWEN pass in. MICHAEL. [Smoking hard, motions behind him.] Quiet, quick. Spiess, the Leftenant's coming. LAUFFEN. (Creeps up to him and lands him a heavy swipe with the whip.] Is there already! [MICHAEL springs up and stands to attention, rigid with terror. LAUFFEN. [Calmly.] Such an impudent swine! The beast lies on my settee and smokes my cigarettes as well! [Takes the cigarette out of MICHAEL's mouth and fings it on the ground. MICHAEL. Cigar had fallen-down--in dirt. I thought to myself Pan Lieutenant won't smoke what's fallen in dirt. Thought to myself, Michael will smoke it. LAUFFEN. Old son of a pig, you stole it. That's the whole story. [He gives him another crack and points to the door.] Down, down! Allez !

·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 41 [MACHAEL steps quickly past him, but picks up the cigarette all the same. HOWEN. Stay, Master Michael ! First, the soldier's commandment. Article of war, Num-mber II.! MICITAEL. [Growls in his throat.] “ The strict observance of the fealty sworn on attestation is the first duty of the soldier. Next to that, the calling of the soldier demands : readiness for war." (All this is gabbled. HOWEX. [Has several times tried to interrupt him.] Shut up, my son! [Threatening a kick.] Will you get out of this? [Exit MICHAEL LAUFFEN. [During this scene at first very restless, but yets less 80.] Well, now, what was it you wanted, Höwen? The two numbers with Maasminüter and Eulyback, scale 1 to 25,000, eh? HOWEN. Yes. I will send them across to you again tomorrow. [Seats himself in the basket-chair luxuriously.] LAUFFEN. [Fishes the two maps out of a drawer in the writingtable and gives them to HOWEN.] Oh, there's no hurry--there! [We walks up and down the room ·42 LIGHTS OUT ACT 11 restlessly.) By-the-bye, the old man goto you by the collar to-day for once. He looked at me so lovingly that I thought, Oh Lord, now he's going to catch hold of you. Well, we know my gentleman : put off- Howen. [Yawns.] Yes, it's a dog's life. LAUFFEN. Lord knows, yes. Twenty hours' duty, four hours' sleep, that will be the programme for the day, next. [lle reads the order-book.] What tie old man has put down for to-morrow, again, to be sure ! Deuce and all ! One does not live in the world merely to fag away at duty. [He throws the book away.] I have it, fat, fatter, fattest ! Quite true! Fact! HOWEN. IIee, hee, ha, ha! Don't make ne laugh! LAUFFEN. Yes, indeed, man. Quite seriously. HOWEN. Get out, sonny ! LAUFFEN. Quite true! II OWEN. Fact, I know. But if to-morrow morning, about three, there is another alarm, then you will be the first on the spot, and woe to that one of your men

·ACT II
LIGHTS OUT
43
who is not as lively as a trout. And by-and-bye, if
yonder a gentleman in red breeches pops up, then
you will settle yourself a bit provokingly in the
saddle, and you will be alive and quivering all over
with lust of battle, and—well, just as if you meant
to hurl yourself straight on the daring enemy. To
the charge! Squadron, quick march!
LAUFFEN.
(Chiming in.] Why, yes, that's the object of the
whole performance.
HOWEN.
And that's why, my son, you please me so much.
That's why I am so fond of you.
LAUFFEN.
Thanks, very flattering.
HOWEN.
Don't mention it. Ah, lad, if I had only a nore
comfortable chair in my den.
LAUFFEN.
[Il’alking up and down again.) Say, Höwen, will
you show me your sketches some time later on?
HOWEN.
Of course, before bedtime.
LAUFFEN.
It's getting damned well time you did.

·44 LIGHTS OUT ACT 11 spent this HÖWEN. Oh, it would not be the first night that I have way. No, no, lad, you won't get rid of me quite so soon. I don't let myself be scared away so easily. LAUFFEN. Why do you suppose I want you to be? HÖWEN. (1 akes a gesture of playful depreciation.] Silence ! But I promise you to get up at once out of this sinfully comfortable chair and vanish, Benjamin my son, if you will confess, first, that you are expecting a visit froin a lady- LAUFFEN. [Hurriedly and in alarm.] Nonsense! Not in the least ! HÖWEN. Oh yes, you do. LAUFFEN. No, really- HOWEN. My lad, you are not one of the people that blush when they are greening. So, secondly, tell me who it is. LAUFFEN. No, really, Höwen. You are quite on the wrong scent, Fact. Sure enough. HOWEN. [Shakes his head incredulously.] Is it Francoise ·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 45 Maillard, the charmer from Burgundy ? Or Ninon Laporte, who says she comes from Paris ? She comes really from Mühlhausen, the child of a respectable weaver-the district policeman showed me her birth certificate. Or is it the fair Bertha of Munich from the Lion tap? In that case I might stay a bit, for they don't shut the show till eleven. LAUFFEN. (Shakes his head, smiling at it all.] Don't trouble yourself, Ilöwen. You are altogether and totally on the wrong track. HÖWEN. No, no. See now, when we are playing billiards over yonder at the casino or the still more intellectual Skat," and " tattoo" beats outside—from that time on, sonny, your opponents have won. When I am in it, I have really simply to give myself the frightful trouble to play as inattentively as you-for I don't like to pocket unfair winnings—but at the tattoowhy, lad, there's something behind it. “ Half drew she him, half sank be down." LAUFFEN. Laughing nervously.] Höwen, you fancy things. HOWEN. Quite so. But I fancy right. See, Lauffen, seriously, I should like to warn you of a danger, a danger which you run. LAUFFEN. Is that meant officially? Did the old man set you on ?

·46 LIGHTS OUT ACT II Look now, HOWEN. No, no, on the contrary quite as a comrade, and honestly in a friendly spirit, Lauffen. Lauffen-p'myli’nu-you live here to some extent wall to wall with one of the charmingest girls that walk the earth in our Army Corps Districtor trip it rather-I mean old Volkhardt's little daughter. LAUFFEN. (Leuns against the window in the dusk, as indifferently as possible.] Well, and- II OWEN. “Well, and" ? That is the danger you run. Lauffen, my boy, I have not heard or seen anything which would give cause for any conjecture. I simply held it my duty as a comrade to warn you-to warn you in time. LAUFFEN, No; and no reason exists. Not in the least. Fact. Quite true. HÖWEN. That really relieves my mind, lad. For, look you, the girl is simply too good for an amour, and besides such a thing must not happen to the old Sergeant-Major. Isn't that so? LAUFFEN, [After a short hesitation.] Yes, of course. Of course. HÖWEN. [After being silent some time.] You see, lad, any one who is sent here to Sennheim for good, either takes to drinking or turns philosopher. I had no money to drink with, so I took to the tub which others had ·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 47 drunk empty. I also studied the psychology of the Lieutenant. Such an officer, I said to myself, is given by the State a claim to the respect--well, at least as much as a high official. Consequently he must have duties to correspond. The chief one --to do his work to the utmost-is, unfortunately, less obvious in peace time-less noticeable, I inean. All the more must be be careful not to bring discredit on the power that has given us such great rights. By bad behaviour or the like. We inust not attract attention. Self-discipline is in all ways incumbent on us. Even as regards sentimental fits. And how much more as regards passion? We must practise it for the sake of our honour as a caste, that the low journalists outside may find no loophole, not even the least, for breaking in with their nasty jokes, so that the fellows may only dirty themselves if they do abuse us all the same. LAUFFEN. [Constrainedly.) Yes; yes. ILOWEN. You understand me, dou't you LAIFFEN. Yes, of course. HOWEX. Well, then. That is what I wanted to say to you. LAUFFEN. [4fter a pause.] Thank you, Höwen. [Hastily.] But really you may set your mind quite at rest. HOWEN. Good, lad, gooil. I am glad of it. (Rises lazily from the chair. In an easier tone.] So then that's an ?

·48 LIGHTS OUT ACT II end of me, I'm afraid. (He sings.] “Then fare thee well, beloved chair." [Yawns.] To think I have still the damned sketch-maps to do! [Pushes the two maps with which he has been playing into his sleeve.] You have a good time of it. [Goes to the cigarette box, takes one and lights it over the lamp.] They are all the same in that way! They all sneak cigarettes. Wladislaw, Vichael and Friedrich von Howen. [Sings from the door. Sleep, sonny, sleep! Thy father peeps." [Spoken.] Which Division is it, by-the-bye ?” LAUFFEN. [Seeing him out.] The Forty-first. HÖWEN. Of course, the Forty-first. Night, Lauffen! LAUFFEN. Night, Höwen! HOWEN. [Outside.] Night! [Exit. (LAUFFEN at first remains by the cloor. During what follows his internal strugyle is to be given eloquent expression. He goes back to the table, slowly takes off his overcoat and hangs it on a hook in the press. Then he puts on his furred lounye coat. He hesitates constantly in doing so. When he has done, takes up a green lamp-shade from the writing-table, and looks long at it. At last he masters himself, and puts the shade resolutely on the lamp. Then he goes hastily to the door and calls in a low tone. Michael !

·ACT II LIGIITS OUT 49 MICHAEL. [From without.] Yes, your honour! (Enters in his indoor-jacket, holding a riding-boot and blacking-brush.] LAUFFEN. You can go to roost now, Michael. But keep your hole shut, lout! The whole passage stinks of blacking. MionAEL. Very good, sir. [Wheels about and exit. (LAUFFEN shuts the door, then goes back to the middle of the room und wuits, then runs uneasily to the door, opens it, and listens. KLARA. [Wrapped in a knitted black shawl, flies to his breast.] Joachim! LAUFFEN. Klara! [They enihnace and kiss each other many times. LAUFFEX leads Klara to the chair by the irriting-table, then goes back to the door and locks it. KLARA. [Sits down breathing fast and puts off her shawl, then looks about her, and picks up the order-book that has been thrown down. 8 LAUFFEX comes back to her,] Why, Joachim, that Michael is a regular sloven! He calls that tidying up, and the order-book is lying about on the floor! LAUFFEN. [Standing besile her. ] Nay, pet, don't trouble. I only flung it there a while back. KLARA. But what for? D ·50 LIGHTS OUT ACT II LAUFFEN. Why, put your little nose into it. [Pulls the book open, and makes KLARA read with him.] It's simply crazy. KLARA. [T'easingly.] What is, lad? LAUFFEN. [Frowning, half in earnest.] Why, the amount of duty that's clapped on one in this place. A man is not a beast of burden. KLARA. [Reads.] Seven o'clock, continuation of target practice. (Shakes her head.] Oh, Lord, oh, Lord. Aye, you have a bad, a very bad time of it! A poor wretched, ill-used beast of burden, that's what you are!. Any stonebreaker is better off than you. That's true enough. He is not lugged out of the feathers at two at night. He can have his sleep out. [She lays the book clown, and prits on her shawl playfully.] Go, boysie, and sleep. Lie right down and be good. I am going directly. LAUFFEN. Holds her fast as she makes for the door.) Oh, if you aren't a regular silly girl! [lle looks in her face, they both laugh merrily and kiss each other.] You silly, you ! KLARA. [In his arms.] Joachim ! LAUFFEN. [Moves once or twice backwarıls and forwards before ·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 51 her, lookiny at her silently.] Do you know, little one, that I did not want to put the shade on there just now! [He plays with it. KLARA looks in silent questioning into his face. LAUFFEN. [-1 wkwarılly.) Why, you see-- just now-you know, just as 1 meant to summon you---I thought-I could not help thinking of it. Lord knows, I am quite monstrously happy as soon as I even see you-but you see it occurred to me that really we are doing your father a tremendous wrong. [Klars looks at him steadily. Yes, quite a tremendous wrong. Fact. No mistake. See, now, it is quite out of the question that he should approve of vur-Our secret meetings—and then to my mind, one must also think a little ahead. Everything has an end some time, and KLARA. (With a calm but lecider wave of the hund, interrupta him, then after a brief panse.] Did you think of that for the first time, just now? LAUFFEN. Well, you know, little one, not exactly. I have often shirked the subject before. But then I always purposely put it ont of my head again, you know. For whimsies are not for me, I have always felt. I don't like thinking of such things. There is no sense in it.

·52 LIGHTS OUT ACT I) But just now-why, I could not help thinking seriously about it. KLARA. [Calmly and firmly.] Well, look here, Joachim. I have thonght about it so often that I have long ceased to. I have long since got used to it. [During LAUFFEN's speeches she has taken the low chair. Now she rests her hands on her knees and goes on speaking, half to herself:] I have had to do so from the first. God knows, there was a time when I wanted no better than to please my father in everything, and be as he wished in every way. That I tried to act up to till well, till I simply could not any more. That was when you came, Joachim. I struggled against being fond of you. I tried to escape from myself, and tried to deceive myself. But afterwards the defiance and the unwillingness slowly vanished out of me, and at last-there was nothing more in me that still argued against you. It was as if my whole being was impregnated with longing and love for you, and I thought, What has such strong hold of you that it quite changes you must also be right for you." Then I began to regard my love for you as my right, as my due, that I should be made happy by you, though it might not seem so to others, And then, Joachim-then I came to you! [She rises and goes to him. LAUFFEN. [Embracing her ] My Klara ! KLARA. Yes, Joachim, I knew what I did quite clearly and plainly—and if I had not been willing myself, my dear boysie would still be begging for the first kiss.

·ACT II LIGIITS OUT 53 Eh? But I felt what is there before you is your happiness, perhaps the only one through a whole long life, and then--"though it bends or breaks" I thought, and grasped at it. LAUFFEN. Why, lassie ! I should not have thought you had let all that pass through your head, ard so-so thoroughly fine -- I almost think. No, I should not have believed it. KLARA, Well, lad, you must live accordingly. One must make some sort of a thing like a plan. LAUFFEN. [Shrugginy his shoulelers.] I don't see that. Everything goes awry of itself. And besides, if the wind carries you one way, it carries you that way whether you will or not. KLARA. Say, Joachim, if I had not been willing-? But that no doubt. So one is driven from one thing into another. LAUFFEN. [On the alert.] How so, lassit? KLARA. Why, you see, Joachim, Otto Helbig--you know- (LAUFFEN shakes his head. KLARA. Otto Helbig, the Corporal, who came home to-day from the Riding School, my foster-brother-See, ·54 LIGHTS OUT ACT JI now, I was really engaged to him-not properly, you know and yetim-yes, it was as good as fully-he thought we should soon marry. LAUFFEN. You and a fellow like that? You are not encouraging, lass! I simply do not understand that. How could you ever think of such a thing. That is quite a mystery to me. No, really! Fact. No nonsense. [Walks up and down exciteilly.] I suppose the lout has actually tried to take liberties with you? KLARA. Lord! How the lad's upon his stilts directly! I should have something to say to that. LAUFFEN. Well, it's lucky for him. Else I would let the beygar have it finely. KLARA. For shame, Joachim! You would not do that. But, you know, we must be on our guard against Helbig. For--well, how he is disposed to speak of me now, you can pretty well imagine. And he seemed to have some suspicion of you too. LAUFFEN. (Contemptuously. Not really? That's right. I am here still. [Pulling up.] To be sure-thunder! How if he peached to your father? KLARA. That he quite certainly will not do. He promised ·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 55 me that. Father is not to be brought into it. And I know him so far, what he promises that he will do. will not pro- LAUFFEN. [Doubtfully.] H'm, h'm ! KLARA. Oh, yes, Joachim, if he is only an under-officer. But you will promise me, won't you, that you voke him? On duty, or anyhow ? LAUFFEN. Double deuce take what I will do. I shall certainly not stop for a fellow like that. I might just as well creep into a mouse-hole at once. KLARA. But, Joachim, do not always misunderstand me. I only mean you should be a little on your guard against him. I don't know, I always felt as if he were after us, as if he were hiding somewhere and spying on us. [She looks about her timidly. LAUFFEN, [little infected.] Lass, you are not very cheerful to-day. You see ghosts, Klara! Fact! Ir- KLARA. [Starts violently.] Hark! was not that some one near the door ? LAUFFEN. [Goes to the door and listens.] Nonsense, it's guard being relieved.

·56 LIGHTS OUT ACT II KLARA. Yes, it was the relief. LAUFFEN. [Places himself on the settee and draws KLARA, who is now standing before him, on to his lap.] There, you see, Come, lassie. Be good, be sensible. KLARA. [Embraces and kisses him.) Joachim ! LACFFEN. Klara, dobe merry. (Softly.] Who knows how often we may be together again? What is wrong with you? Do not be gloomy. KLARA. [Springing up.) I won't be. It is no good. See, Joachim, when I know you are waiting for me I always wish that the time would really fly as fast as I could, and would shove the hand ou of our cuckooclock over there. And later, when at last the trumpeter has blown the "Last Post," then life really begios for me. All that has bothered me during the day, and which was hateful and irksome, is at an end, and I have nothing before me but joy and happiness-only joy and happiness. And all my being urges me towards you. Everything calls me And I-I must obey. And if father put himself in my way and said, “It will be the death of me"-I must, yet I must go to you. [She kreels on her knees before LAUTFEN, who remains sitting on the sofa.] Joachim ! to you.

·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 57 Do you ? LAUFFEN. [Gives her a long-drawn kiss.] Klara ! love me as much as that? Do you KLARA. (Mods, the tears standing in her eyes.] I do. I would do anything, anything for you. I would sacrifice everything that you might come to no harm, only not you. LAUFFEN. [.Shuddering slightly.) What is there in me that -you love me so? KLARA, (Rises and passes her hand over her forehead.] Ah, Jonchim, in you there is so much that I I love, so much. Really, all that ever seemed to me great and fine in my life. See, ever since I can remember we have lived here, three marches on foot from the frontier. The Magdeburg Lancers are the first on the list if it comes to a tussle. Nowthings look quite peaceful. But you, only are here when it's a little shaky about peace! Thenwhy, you would- Then there is something in the air, as if a mine were laid somewhere here and the match was already burning. And the people liere-all of a sudden they are quite different. It's no longer "Ma'amuselle Klärche, plaitil? Like a little cup du café?'' They don't bow any more, and it almost looks as if they pitied one beforehand. And with us there is a fine bustle and stir. I know once the saddles lay almost a whole week ready for the field, yes, really ready in the stables. Overnight the section leaders received ball car- ·58 LIGHTS OUT ACT II tridges for every man, and upstairs in the room the dynamite lay ready to carry away, till just in the same way a wave of the hand ended it all. Ah, Joachim, that was splendid! That was life! LAUFFEN. Yes, then. But you know now it would be qo different. At the last alarm we were ready to march in forty-seven minutes. KLARA. [Softly.] Yes, and, Joachim, you have the troop that would have to blow up the railway viaductat Basla-Chapelle over there. LAUFFEX. How do you come to know that, Klara ? It is the strictest secret. Not a soul knows that, or must know it, that one can get across-that the pass in the Rotenburg is practicable for a raiding party. KLARA. Why, when I saw your name in the Mobilisation Schedule, how should I not know what you were told off' for? And then I drew father out. I won't tell, dear. LAUFFEN. My dearest little girl. Lord, how proud I was when the Colonel gave it to me--me, almost the junior! If I bring that off-well, there will be a pice upside down over there. We reckon thirty-six hours for repairing it, and that's an eternity when minutes matter; and I will bring it off, Klara, or He whistles softly.

·ACT II
LIGHTS OUT
59
KLARA.
That is all the same, lad. When you once ride
away, you won't come again.
[She lies down on the settee.
LAUFEEN.
: [Musiny.) Yes, they would strike me dead in their
fury. (Gaily.] Well, is there a more irreproachable
way of leaving this life than that? At any rate one
has been some use so. (Ile walks up and down a couple
of times thinking.] And, besides, just as now, I should
have enjoyed a happiness, Klara, such as there can be
none greater. [1le kneels dlown before her.] Dear! Yes,
that would be my wish that it should be so! That is
how it would have to be.
KLARA.
[Bends down to him aansl kisses him passionately.]
Joachim !
LAUFFEX.
That woulıl be best!
KLARA.
Yes, that would be splendid ! (Softly.] I should
know the way I should have to go.
[Long and arlent embrace.
LAUFFEN.
Little girl, how beautiful you are !
KLARA.
My boysie!

·60 LIGHTS OUT ACT II LAUFFEN. [Softly.) Love me? Yes ? A low knock. [LAUFFEN springs up. KLARA remains sitting motionless. dlouder knock. LAUFFEN. [Straightens himself up and leads KLARA cautiously to the door of the bedroom, putting his finger on his lips for silence; after KLARA has vanished calls.] Yes, what is it? No answer, only louder knocking. LAUFFEX. (Goes to the door and opens, HELBIG is seen standing outside.] Helbig! What do you want so late ? HELBIG. Excuse me, sir, I beg most respectfully to be allowed to say one word to your honour LAUFFEN. That can wait, can't it? To morrow, Helbig. HELBIC. Your honour, just a short word. I beg most respectfully- LAUFFEN. After a short struggle.] Come inside. (HELBIG enters and stands to attention.

·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 61 LAUFFEN. (Curtly, but not exactly roughly.] Well, what do you want, Helbig? But jog along a bit, eh? HIELBIG. [Looks heated, seems as if he might also have been drinking.) Excuse me, your honour-I-I- LAUFFEN, Lord in Heaven, do let it off! HELBIG. I-I was one time engaged to the daughter of Sergeant-Major Volkhardt over there, to Klara, andand LAUFFEX, [Recovering from his first confusion.] That is very nice and fine, Helbig, but need you have told me that this evening? Man, are you simply forsaken of God and all the heavenly hosts? HELBIG, [Roughly.] No, no, excuse me, sir, it's more than that. I came back this day from the Riding School to the squadron LAUFFEN. (Impatiently.] Well, yes, what then? HELBIG. And then--then I find my betrothed suddenly quite different from before- ·62 LIGHTS OUT ACT II LAUFFEN, Helbig! Man alive! Why, I simply don't understand what I can have to do with that. Man, be sensible and get out of the room! You don't seem to know yourself what you want. HELBIG. Excuse me, sir, I–I beg most respectfully-will your honour now for once only forget the superior officer and the difference of rank and that? One of us is, so to speak, a man toom_and I have come to you, sir, as man to man-and I beg most respectfullydon't make Klara miserable, sir. LAUFFEN, Helbig! Now you have gone quite mad! HELBIG. No, vo, your honour. Just think so that cannot lead to anything but misery. And not only for Klara. Your honour must think of the father, too! The Sergeant Major has thirty-three years of honourable service behind him, and your honour could swear his sacred oath he could not bear it if Klara- LAUFFEN. Now, I order you, Helbig, shut your mouth and get out of this, HELBIG. Excuse me, sir; I am not doing anything wrong. I only ask your honour-I ask him most respectfully

·ACT II
LIGHTS OUT
63
---and I>I really do not want anything for myself.
It is only for Klara's sake, your honour-Klara's and
the Sergeant-Major's !
Lauffen.
[Points to the door.] What I told you. Get out of
this, and at once!
IIELBIG.
[Stubbornly.] No, I am not going. [Changing his
lone.] Yes, yes, I will at
once, sir. But first
I must have the assurance that your honour has
nothing to do with Klara. I beg most respectfully for
that, sir. The assurance that you have nothing to
do with Klara. On your word of honour, sir !
LAUFFEX.
Follow, you are drunk! Off' with you!
HELBIG.
| Fires up angrily, but restrains himself once more.)
Excuse me, your honour, it is so little that I ask of
your honour! So blessed little-a word !
LAUFFEN.
Corporal Helbig, I order you, for the last time,
leave this room at once !
HELBIG.
[Drawing himself up with a jerk, bluntly.] Now I
have got it. Klara is here !
[LAUFFEN looks round involuntarily.

·64 LIGIITS OUT ACT II HELBIG. She is not over there at her home, that I know, That I know, your honour. So she is here. (Pointiny to the bedroom door.] There. [Moves toward the belroom.] LAUFFEN. [Catches at his subre and places himself in his way.) Move another step, lout! [A8 HELRIG moves on defiantly, LAUFFEx draws the sabre and deals him a blow on the head with it. The latter, who has raised his hand to shield himself, totters back a couple of steps. Then with a cry of fury, he flings LAUFFEN (side, anıl teurs the bedroom door open, HIELBIG, [4fter one look into the room, laughs harshly.] Ha, ha! Then he slowly withdraws, walking backwards into the corner of the room, holding his forehead, and half stunned. LAUFFEN, (Walks past him to the door, with excited steps, in a fury.] Michael ! MICHAEL. [From without.] Yes, yer honour. LAUFFEN. Send the under-officer on duty to me. MICHAEL. Very good, sir! (18 he mores away.] Underofficer on duty.

·ACT II
LIGHTS OUT
65
QUEISS.
(Soon appears at the door, has his bandolier on as
on duty, reports.] The under-officer on duty.
LAUFFEN,
.You, Queiss?
QUEISS.
Yes, sir. Took duty for
LAIFFEX.
All Mght. That will «lo. Take Corporal Helbig
to the guard-room.
(Queiss curts an astonished ylunce at HELBIG,
and hesitutes a moment in spite of himself.
LACFFEN.
He has been guilty of personal violence to me.
QUEISS.
Very good, sir. (Ile goes to HELBIG and takes him
by the arm.) Come!
[II ELBIG goes with him quite inlifferently,
eccept that from the door he throus buck
a look at the bedroom door. QUEISS starts
and looks in the same direction. Then
exit, standing to attention. LAUFFEN
remains with subre (lraun, then slowly
drops the weapon.
Curtain.

·THE THIRD ACT SCENE. A barrack-room arranged as a Court of Justice. 1 lurye, grey-painted apartment. In the central wall a door on which hangs an inrentory; in the side wall, right, two misulous with stripeil Winds. Alony the left-side wall, right and left of the cloor, the men's lockers, each with a padlock and a card with the name of the owner. In the left corner an iron store, rrith a spittoon in front of it. Before the window stands an oblong table with a plain green stutt' cloth upon it. At it are seated, on plain wooden chairs, at the short side with his back to the audience, the CLERK. It the lony side towards the windows, in this oriler from the footlights, CAPTAIN COUNT LEIDENBURG, MAJOR PASCUKE, the First COUNCILLOR of the Iſilitary Tribunal, and Senior-LIEUT. HAGERMEISTER, at the other short side the SECOND COUNOILLOR. PROSECUTOR sits to the right and in advance of the JUDGES' table near the central wall at a smaller table. The accused, HELBIG, a little to the left in the foreground on a stool. a little behind him, also at u small table, LIEUT. VON HÖWEN, 18 prisoner's friend. Tuo chairs are placed for the witnesses a little in front of the plaintiff's and prisoner's pluces, but are not itsed.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 67 The military men are all in Orderly uniform, the officers in overcoats without sushes or sandoliers. Their helmets, d'c., are laid asile. The prisoner appears in full uniform, but without his sword. [During the hearing the ORDERLY CORPORAL stands at the door.] Bright noontide. The proceedings are interrupted. The CLERK writes up his statement; besides hin only the SECOND COUNCILLOR still sits at the table rocking his chair. The complainant stands turning orer his papers. PasCrKE, HLAGERMEISTER, and the FIRST COUXTILLOR stanel chatting at the rinilow, watchiny LEUDENBURG. PASCHIKE. (7' the CLERK.) I beg of you, my dear sir, go and sco outside how things stand with the prisoner. We must really bring the proceedings to a close. CLERK. Very good, wir. [Erit. LEIDENBURG, Walks round the room with u spray, sprinkliny lavender water, concludiny a conversation. With all due respect, sir, there's a frantic difference between the smell of a private in the open and in a closed room. My squadron of Cuirassiers on a high road-I ride, of course to leeward-smells. It's the savour of our profession. Holdier in quarters stinks. Always. Frightfully HAGERMEISTER. But still more dreadful is this dreadful, damp smell of scrubbing. The boards are still reeking of moisture.

·68 LIGHTS OUT ACT III PASCHKE. And they are dirty all the same. LEIDENBURG. Quite right. Sudor humanus mixed with soft soap. Weaker nerves than ours would unquestionably have broken down among the surroundings. It is a shame that cries to heaven to keep us so long without a proper place ! [Turns to FIRST COUNCILLOR.) And the Court has been again refused for this year, has it not, Mr. Councillor ? Really, it is quite incomprehensible to me. FIRST COUNCILLOR. It is expected to come next year, Count. For this year the Reichstag has struck it out. LEIDENBURG. Crazy creatures there! They should sit here for once and try cases. To be sure they have given themselves a fine show. Others must stifle. But the dining is not good there. Have you ever dined at the Reichstag, Major? PASCHKE. [C'urtly.] No. LEHDENBURO. Interesting. Really and truly. Table next me sat Bebel. Drank small Pilsner and ate rolls. Qnito decently with knife and fork. Rolls and cooked ham. Really interesting. But dinner not eatable. PASCHKE, [ I'urns and coldly sitys.] Really! (Moves away with FIRST COUNCILLOR Lothe window.

·CT III LIGHTS OUT 69 LEHDENBURO. ( 70 HAGERMEISTER, snubbed.] Not a very conimunicative gentleman, Mister Paschke. Have been trying to lug something out of him, but it's no good. (HAGERMEISTER shrugs his shoulders. LEUDENBURG. Well, of course, they have a hard time of it, those gentry. Fancy, it's not easy to hit with a murderous sort of thing like a cannon; makes the blood sluggish. Well, I have no great liking for sounding notes of woe and putting on the stern face of a judge here. Have as it is missed a perfect bit of hunting. It caine very hard on me. HAGERMEISTER. Can you ride your “Missis Page "again, Count? LEHDENBURG. Now the murder is out. How do you know, my dear sir, that I have a “Missis Page"? To be sure, she is on her legs again. HAGERMEISTER. I saw a picture of you and the nag in the Week, Coint. LEHDENBURG. [With a laugh.] My very dear sir, it is “ Missis Paye" certainly, but do you know who it is on her ? HAGERMEISTER Why you, Count.

·70 LIGHTS OUT ACT III LEIIDENBCRG. Trooper Carl A bromeit, of the Cuirassiers, from Naugeningken, my excellent batman. (He takes HAGERMEISTER's arm confidentially.) You see, my dear sir, the Week is a very decent paper, even H.M. often in it, but just suppose some one-little Mion Meyer, if you like—sees the picture. She says, :I say, Else, that's not my idea of Count Lehdenburg. Wouldn't it be unpleasant for me? But as it is how can it touch me? Euler « VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT SURGEON, followed by the CLERK. SURGEON. [Reports.] Beg respectfully to report, Corporal Helbig is in a state to be further examined. PASCIIKE. Thanks, doctor. What was the matter with him? SURGEOX. Simple fit of weakness, Major, fainting, perbaps due to the excitement of the trial. And, besides, the Inspector of the Lock-up reports that for some days he has obstinately refused to take nourishment. PASCIIKE. Really! And now? SURGEON. He has had a cup of beef tea and a sup of wine. That will, I think, be enough for the present.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 7r PASCHKE. So then we can resume the proceedings. . SURGEON. I think so, sir. PASCIIKE. Looks towards the door. Well, we will give the peor devil a few minutes more. Thanks, doctor. [Exit Surgeon with a bow. PascliKE. A strange fellow, this Helbig! Eaten nothing. And yet the case seeins quite clear. LEIDENBURG. That it is. Don't understand circumstances at all. All these witnesses to character ! One, if you like but that's enough. Only makes too much of the whole business. The Berliner Tageblatt and the other Social Democratist low papers will be haranguing again about the intolerable military burdens. Can't blame 'em for once. Aud who does it come on? Next year the Reichstag will again strike out our Court Buildings. PASCIIKE, (Between anger and aniusement.] Then you will probably be no longer a member, Captain ? LEHDENBURG. IIumbly beg pardon, Major, it's the feeling of comradeship and solidarity in me. [Blows his nose and shudilers. 1 Devil take it, it's no great delight to ·72 LIGHTS OUT ACT III act as representative here of superior divine justice. The last time--you know, Major-affair of the probationer Paymaster and the little crazy barmaid-a love tragedy or the bloody scene in the dark back room--was interesting at any rate. But to-day? SECOND COUNCILLOR. [From the table.] We are not at the end of everything yet, Count. LEIDENBURG. Oh, my own, just look at that! (ur fatty can talk! [Goes to the table and pats the COUNCILLOR on the stomach. PASCHKE. [Interposing pretty brusquely.] Had we not better resume? (Signs to the CLERK, CLERK. [Goes to the door and calls through it.] The proceedings will now continue. PASCHKE. Well, are you half on your legs again, Corporal Helbig? HIELBIG, Yes, sir. PASCHKE. Good. But, Orderly, just put a glass of water for Helbig on the table there, all the same. ORDERLY. I have no glasses for prisoners, sir,

·ACT III
LIGHTS OUT
73
PASCHKE.
Then take one of these here.
[Points to those on the JUDGES' table.
ORDERLY.
Those are for the Judges, sir.
PASCHKE.
Lord ! that makes no difference.
ORDERLY.
Excuse me, sir, it says in my instructions: “On
the Judges' table stands a water-bottle, filled, with
five glasses."
LENDENBURG,
[Flashing out.] Man, you're an [calming down)
exceptionally excellent official!
PASCIIKE.
(Sternly. Orderly, I order you to put a glass of
water for Corporal Helbig.
ORDERLY.
Very good, sir.
(Does so.
PASCEKE.
After they all have taken their places as described in
the directions at the beginning of the act.) We will now
continue the proceedings. [70 FIRST COUNCILLOR.) If
you please, Mr. Councillor.
First CouncilLOR.
[-1fter clearing his throat.) Prisoner, do you abide

·74 LIGHTS OUT ACT III by the account that you gave before the proceedings were interrupted ? HELBIG. [Looks pale and worn.) Yes. First COUNCILLOR. Then ou that evening you were in an excited condition-but not drunk? ITELBTO. No. I had drunk a couple of glasses of beer, but I knew what I was doing. FIRST COUNCILLOR. Well, you made a noise in the passage, Lieutenant von Lauffen reproved you, you answered, and at last you forgot yourself so far as to attack your superior officer? IT ELBIG. Yes. FIRST COUNCILLOR, And you have nothing to add to this? HELBIG. No. PASCHKE. [With a polile gesture requesting silence to the COUNCILLOR.] Helbig, I will once more point out to you that you are doing yourself harm by your stubborn demeanour here. Helbig, keep nothing back from your Judges. Perhaps there is something that might plend in your favour. Helbig! There is yet time! [Helbid is silent.

·ACT II LIGHTS OUT 75 Höwen. [Softly:) Helbig, man, don't be so mulish. Speak ! You are just condemning yourself. PASCIKE. Then you have nothing to add to your statement ? HELBIG. [Juch unitated, but it last replies firmly.) No, sir. [PASCHKE shrugs his shoulders. FIRST COUNCILLOR, Thon we will proceed to hear witnesses. [7'o ORDERLY.] Ask Lieutenant von Lauffen to come into Court. ORDERLY. (Looks carefully down the list throuyh his ylusses, opens the door, and culls through it.] Lieutenant von Lauffen, will you be so good ? Enter LarFFEX. FIRST COUNCILLOR. Witness, you are Lieutenant Joachim von Lauffen, Lieutenant in the King's Magdeburg Regiment of Lancers, the 25th, born January 7, 1881, at Strasburg in Alsace ? LAUFFEN. [Guardedly.) Yes. COUNCILLOR. You are not related by blood or marriage to the prisoner Helbig?

·76 LIGHTS OUT ACT II LAUFFEN. No. COUNCILLOR. Will you please tell us about your encounter with the prisoner on the night of the 12th of August of the current year. LAUFfen. [Hastily.] Very good. Well, I was just going to bed when something tapped or knocked at my door. I went and opened. Corporal Helbig was ontside. I asked him what he wanted so late. He answered in a confused way. At last I brought himn in, because I did not want to have a scene in the corridor at night. There I brought him to book, and he had something to say about it. And then then he becamu~then he forgot himself. And I called tho under-officer on duty and had him taken away. COUNCILLOR. Very well, Lieutenant. Only, it would be very desirable if you would enter somewhat more into details. For instince, what did Helbig answer you when you called him to account for the knocking or banging? LAUFFEN. That-that I don't remember. It was all sorts of silly, confused stuff', if I remember right. At any rate, quite unimportant, quite. Fact. No mistake. Else I should have noticed it. COUNCILLOR But he seemed to you to be excited ?

·АСТ III LIGHTS OUT 77 LAUFFEN. Yes, that he did. COUNCILLOR. Perhaps drunk as well ? LAUFFEN. That may be. At any rate, not stupidly so. Only it's certain that he was exceptionally excited. Very excited, almost feverishly. His behaviour and his attack-gave me rather the idea of a sudden-delusion. That's it--of a sudden delusion. And perhaps -I am-I feel bound to say so perhaps, after all, I am partly to blaine in the matter. I was out of tem per that evening - yes, tremendously out of temper, and treated the Corporal frightfully roughly at once, beastly so. Really quite without reason. That I grant at once. I suppose that must have provoked him, and and altogether I have often reproached myself for using my swoid. But, as I said, I was very out of temper', hideously so, as so often happens. And, in any case, I would l'equestmost respectfully, that the Corporal, if it is possible, may be allowed all extenuating circumstances. (le stops as he sees the Judges looking at each other in costunishment, then presently]— Yes, that I would most earnestly, and, of course, most respectfully beg. FIRST COUNCILLOR. [After a long silence.] Il'm. And you give us no other details ? LAUFFEN. No. [11 puuse.]

·78 LIGHTS OUT ACT III FIRST COUNCILLOR. [7o the Assessors, hesitatingly.] Then I suppose we can proceed to put the witness on his oath? (LAUFFEN shows alarm. HÖWEN. [With a bow to Paschke, asking for a hearing.] I' am forced to declare that in the testimony of the Lieutenant, and in the same place there is a gap just where Corporal Helbig professes to have suddenly lost all recollection. That, to my thinking, isil more than remarkable coincidence, and I com in it my duty, as prisoner's friend, to insist on its being cleared up. I therefore respectfully beg that, the witness may be once more qnestioned in this direction - most searchingly, I beg. PASCHKE. Very well, Lieutenant von llöwen. H'ın, Lieutenant von Lauffen, I too wanted to address a world or two to you before you are sworn. I should like to remind you that according to the form, you swear not to conceal anything that you know. Therefore, Lieutenant, I call on you, in discharge of my duty as a conscientious Judge, and I beg you from my heart, Lieutenant, as your comrade and senior-examine yourself once more to the innermost of your thoughts before you take the oath. LAUFFEN. (Dully.] Very well. PASCUKE. Have you nothing to add to your statement ? LACFFEN is silent. (4 long, anxious pause.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 79 COUNCILLOR. Then we will proceed to swear the witnesses. (He risps and reaches for his helmet, the others do the same. LEIDENBURG. [In a clear, trumpet-like voice.) Eh, hem--with all due respect, Major, would it not be advisable to postpone for the present the swearing of Lieutenant von Lauften until that honourable witness has once more examined himself, and in the meantime have the other witnesses? PASCUKE. [ To First COUNCILLOR.] I do not know whether that is admissible as a matter of procedure. FIRST COUXCILLOR. [4/ter a short consideration.] Yes, it is that. There would be nothing to prevent it. Have the prisoner's friend or the accuser any objection to make? ILÖWEN AND THIRD COUNCILLOR. No. FIRST CounciLLOR. Lieutenant von Lanffon, your being sworn is postponel. We shall ask you liter to repeat your statement- and, in certain respects, to complete it. LAUFFEN. (Hoarsely.) Yours to command. May I go? PASCHKE. As you please, Lieutenant.

·80
LIGHTS OUT
ACT III
FIRST COUNCILLOR
I would ask you to remain. We might have to ask
questions in the course of further taking of evidence.
LAUFFEN,
Very well.
[Retires up to left.
COUNCILLOR.
[ 70 ORDERLY.) Trooper Michael.
ORDERLY.
[As abore calls throuyh (loor.) Trooper Michael.
Enter MICHAEL.
FIRST COUNCILLOR.
Witness, you are batman Wladislaw Michael, at
present trooper in the 3rd squadron of the 25th
Magdeburg Lancer Regiment ?
MICHAEL.
[Is pushed forward reluctantly by the ORDERLY,
always nervously at attention.] If you please, Major.
COUNCILLOR.
Born February 27, 1882, at Lekno.
MICHAEL.
If you please, Major.
PASCHKE.
[Gently admonishing.] Michael, you should say
Mr. Councillor.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 81 MICHAEL. Please, Maju. PASCHIKE. What, again ? Mr. Coun-cil-lor. MICHAEL, If please, Mr. Counc- PASCHKE. [Disheartened.] Well, let be. FIRST COUNCILLOR. Trooper Michael, are you related to the prisoner there, Corporal Helbig, by blood or marriage? MICHAEL. If please, Major. (Astonishment at the JUDGES' table.] Councillor. [1'0 Judges.) That seems scarcely credible. Helbig was born at Halberstadt; his mother's name also sounds thoroughly German. [To MICHAEL.] Are you really related to Corporal Helbig ? MICHAEL, If please, Major. CouncilLOR. In what way (MICHAEL makes no reply. COUNCILLOR Lord, you can surely tell me how you are related to the prisoner ? ?

·82 LIGHTS OUT ACT III MICHAEL. Certainly, Major. COUNCILLOR. Then tell me, please. MICHAEL is silent, and almost dies of alarm. LEHDENBURG. Oh, you heavy-headed lout ! COUNCILLOR,' I almost think we ought to employ an interpreter. [PASCAKE shrugs his shoulders helplessly. LEUDENBURG. Beg pardon, Major, may I have a try? PASCHKE. Why, of course, Captain. LEHDENBURG. Moj maly Wladek, nie boj sie. (Wladek, niy lad, don't be afraid.) Is Corporal Helbig uncle yours? Or cousin ? Siostrzeniec. (Countryman.) MICHAEL. [Briskly.] No, Captain. LEHDENBURG Or, my little Wladislaus, has sister of your's married man that's called Helbig? MICHAEL. Have no sister, only have brothers.

·ACT ITI LIGHTS OUT 83 LEIDENBURG. Well, that's just the whole business. Is Pan Sergeant in any way-wogóle--one of your relations? MICHAEL. Haven't such high relatives, Captain, LEHDENBURG. [Fith a gesture to the Court. ] There now! PASCIIKE. The man seems to me a bit weak in the uut. What is he to give evidence about? COUNCILLOR. Lieutenant von Lauffen sent him to fetch the underollicer ou duty. lIu did not set foot in the room at all. He neither stw nor heard anything, besides. PASCHKE. I thiuk we may do without this witness. COUNCILLOR. I think so too. (The others assent.) You can go, Michael. MICHAEL. If please, Major. [Some by-play between LEHDENBURG and him. He wheels about stifly and goes towards the door. Before yoing off casts a sheepish look at LEHDENBURG, who waves jocosely to him, ·84 LIGHTS OUT ACT III Paschke. You have made a conquest there, Count. LEHDENBURG. Yes, indeed. Count Bülow will thank me for it. Practical policy for Poland without touching the Settlers' Fund. Prize solution of the riddle. COUNCILLOR. [TO ORDERLY.] Sergeant-Major Volkhardt. ORDERLY. [Calls through door. ] Sergent-Major Volkhardt! VOLKHARDT enters and stands to attention. COUNCILLOR. Sergeant-Major Volkhardt! VOLKHARDT. (Comes forward.] Here! COUNCILLOR. Witness, you are Sergeant-Major Friedrich Volkhardt, born April 20, 1850, at Magdeburg ? VOLKHARDT. Yes, Mr. Councillor. COUNCILLOR. You are in no way related to the prisoner Helbig? VOLKHARDT. No, that I am not, sir'. But he was brought up i ·ACT III LIGIITS OUT 85 my house from the age of twelve, when his father, my old comrade, died. PASCHKE. Excuse me, Mr. Councillor. Sergeant-Major, do stir up. Forget for the moment that you are before superiors. We are Judges in the first place, and you å witness. VOLKHARDT. [Bristles up.] Very well, sir. (OUNCILLOR. Bir there has been no formal adoption ? VOLKHARDT. No, sir. COUNCILLOR. Then there is no reason why you should decline to give evidence ? VOLKUARDT. Lam at your orders. COUNCILLOR. At the entertainment on his return given to Helbig, on the evening of the 12th of August, you sat beside the prisoner? VOLKIARDT. I did, sir. COUNCILLOR. Did anything strike you at that time about your neighbour ? VOLKIARDT. Nothing extraordinary. Perhaps he was a little quieter than usual.

·86 LIGHTS OUT ACT III COUNCILLOR. But not excited ? VOLKHARDT. No. COUNCILLOR. Can you say whether the prisoner drank much at that time, or very rapidly? VOLKHARDT. I did not notice anything at all. To be sure, at first one always drinks rather fast. COUNCILLOR. About how many glasses should you say? VOLKUAKD'T. Well, it might have been four or five, or at most six glasses. COUNCILLOR. The prisoner could not have got drunk on that, could ho? VOLKHARDT. Scarcely, I should say, sir. COUNCILLOR Good. [Ile turns over his papers. LEHDENBURG. I beg humbly pardon, sir. Should like respectfully to inquire whether the prisoner had had anything proper to eat beforehand. Am convinced six ·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 87 glasses of beer on an empty stomach would cause total drunkenhess. Have had disastrous experience myself. PASCHKE. [Impatiently.] Oh certainly, Captain. Mr. Councillor, pray- COUNCILLOR. Well, had the prisoner caten beforehand or not? VOLKHARDT. No, I scolded bim about it. LEHDENBURG. l'oili! Consider it establisheil beyond question, Corporal Helbig, when he committed the ict, had got a proper skinful. THRD COUNCILLOR. Perhaps, Count. But, according to our military code, (Irunkenness is no extenuating circumstance, LEIDENBURG. Thanks for very kind instruction. Was of course well aware of the fact. All the same, is interesting to know-for Judges and the like. FIRST COUNCILLOR. Sergeant. Major: Volkhardt, what sort of a man do you consider the prisoner to be? As regards character, I mean. VOLKHARDT. A quiet, stendy, frank and honourable man.

·88
LIGHTS OUT.
ACT III
COUNCILLOR
You have not known him to be given to violence ?
VOLKHARDT.
No, never.
COUNCILLOR.
Can you explain to yourself how he suddenly let
himself be led away into this attack on Lieutenant
von Lauffen?
VOLKHARDT.
No, sir; I cannot at all.
COUNCILLOR.
And you know nothing of a possible hidden reason
for the attack?
VOLKHARDT.
No.
COUNCILLOR,
( inean, whether there were strained relations, or
anything between the Lieutenant and the prisoner ?
VOLKHARDT.
Excuse me, sir, there can be no question of that
between an officer and an under-officer.
COUNCILLOR.
Of course not. I only mean, Corporal Helbig might
have been at some time treated in a way which, say
even wrongly, he felt to be unjust.
VOLKHARDT.
No, certainly not.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 89 COUNCILLOR. Or he might from private and quite natural reasons have taken a hatred to the Lieutenant ? VOLKHARDT. . [Starts.] From private reasons ? COUNCILLOR. Well, Sergeant-Major, you hesitate? Speak right out, sir. VOLKHARDT. Very good, sir. But I really know nothing ! could allege. COUNCILLOR But when I asked you, you started, didn't you? VOLKHARDT. Yes, Mr. Councillor. I-1 myself have been put quite wrong in the head by this affair. First, Flelbig, my boy, as I may call hin, goes and does å thing like this, and I cannot for the life of me understand why or how.--and then, when you, sir, asked me about private reasons which might account for it, I-I could not help- But that is quite out of place here, sir. COUNCILLOR. Only speak out, Sergeant Major. One can never know beforehand whether a thing has not some connection with the case under consideration. VOLKHARDT. You will excuse me, sir-what I mean hardly could.

·90 LIGHTS OUT ACT 111 COUNCILLOR. Sergeant-Major, speak all the same. VOLKHARDT, Well, it merely occurred to me that my daughter at home-takes a very particular interest in the proceedings. She keeps on asking questions about this and that-and at what time the proceedings would begin, whether she might not be there, and whether all the witnesses had to be sworn, and that -such a lot of nonsense, that at last I forbade her to speak. And then she grew quite excited, and declared she must be at the trial, at all costs, and so on. That was what occurred to me just now. COUNCILLOR. Really? And had your daughter any reason for being so excited ? VOLKIIARDT. Why, yos, if you come to that. She was at one time half engaged to Helbig. COUNCILLOR Then there is nothing extraordinary about it if the girl is excited. In any case it is scarcely conceivable, is it, that your daughter could have anything to do with the quarrel between Lieutenant von Lauffen and Helbig? VOLKHARDT. [Emphatically.] Oh, no. How could it? It is quite impossible. COUNCILLOR. What do you say, prisoner ?

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 91 HELBIG. [Gloomily, with a touch of scorn.] Certainly, Mr. Councillor. HÖWEN. I respectfully request that the Lieutenant may also be questioned on the point. COUNCILLOR. If you desire it, cortainly. True, I don't know what purpose it can serve (VOLKHARDT becomes on the alert, and looks inquiringly at HÖWEN. HÖWEN. I respectfully beg you to do so. COUNCILLOR. Very well. Will you be so yood, Lieutenant von Tanften, to speak on the point ? LAUFFEN. [l'ery hastily.] As you please. There-there can naturally be no question of that, no question. COUNCILLOR. Thank you, Lieutenant. It is as I supposed. The girl is simply concerned as to what will happen to her betrothed. VOLKHARDT. Excuse me, sir, but Helbig is no longer her betrothed. COUNCILLOR. [Jocosely.] Well, well. Old love does not die.

·92 LIGHTS OUT ACT III You see now, Sergeant-Major, how the matter stands? VOLKHARDT. To be sure, sir. That must be how it is. COUNCILLOR. Very good. And if any information should be Wanted from your daughter, she can easily be fetched across, can't she? VOLKIARDT. Certainly, sir. My quarters are close at hand. COUNCILLOR. Quite so. We will postpone your beinge sworn, Sergeant-Major, till you are summoned later on as a witness to character. [7o the ORDERLY.] Corporal Queiss ! ORDERLY. [As abore, calls through door.] Corporal Queiss ! (11fter his entrance looks out once more and leaves the room amil siyns of angry ustonishment. Enter Queiss, who stands to attention. COUNCILLOR. Corporal Johannes Queiss ? QUEISS. Here! COUNCILLOR You were born on October 2, 1870, at Brandenburg on the Havel ?

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 93 QUEISS. Yes, sir, COUNCILLOR. Not related to the prisoner either by blood or marriage ? QUELSS. Neither of them. COUNCILLOR. On the evening of the 12th August you were underofficer on duty in the barracks of the Third Squadron ? QUEISS. Yes, sir. COUNCILLOR. Tell us how you were sent for, and so on. QUEISS. I was in my room. Then I heard Lieutenant von Lauffen call for the under-officer on duty. I went at once to his room. On the way I met Trooper Michael. He was sent to fetch me, I shut him into the servant's room COUNCILLOR. Why? QUEISS. There might be something or other wrong, and there was no occasion for him to hear when I was told so. COUNCILLOR. Well. Go on ! QUEISS. The door into the Lieutenant's room stood wide ·94 LIGHTS OUT ACT III open. I reported my presence, and then Lieutenant von Lauffen ordered me to take Hefbig to arrest. He-Helbig, of course—had, he said, made an attack on him. COUNCILLOR. ou heard nothing of the dispute that went before. QUEISS. No. COUNCILLOR. And on the way to the lock-up he said nothing either? QUEISS. No. COUNCILLOR. Good. (To the Court.] So there we are at the same place again. [To VOLKHARDT and Queiss.) Volkhardt and Queiss, I ask you again, can you, apart from what you have already stated, give no information which might serve to account for the conduct of the prisoner on the evening in question ? VOLKHARDT AND QUEISS. [With one voice. No, Mr. Councillor. COUNCILLOR. And you can make no conjecture about it either? No matter what sort? VOLKHARDT, No, sir, [QUEļss makes no reply, ·ACT IIT LIGHTS OUT 95 COUNCILLOR Well, Queisu? QUEISS. (After a sullen pause.) When I got the order from Lieutenant von Lauffen to arrest Helbig, I thought I heard a noise in the Lieutenant's room, and when I took Helbig away he looked up only once--and that was towards the room door. COUNCILLOR. Well? QUEISS. I suppose there nust have been some one in the l'oom. COUNCILLOR. And who should there be there? QUEISS. A lady! [Sensation among the JUDGES. LEHDENBURG. [Out loud.] Aha! COUNCILLOR. [To Queiss.] So it was a lady to your thinking ? VOLKHARDT. [Gives out a low, respectful laugh and shakes his head; in an undertone. Why, really! COUNCILLOR. Volkhardt, you have something to say ?

·96 LIGHTS OUT ACT UIT le VOLKHARDT If you please, Mr. Councillor. Quciss, you must know-he's our best under-officer, I believe, that is in our Army Corps, and perhaps even in the whole Army there is not another such a good horsemar, and as for horse-mastership, that's where he knows all about it COUNCILLOR. [Imputiently.) Yes, yes, Sergeant-Major. T'hat's very possible. VOLKHARDT. Excuse me, sir, but it's so--but as for women, cannot bear them. It's like holding a red rag to a bull, and where there's anything that's not nice, according to him, there is always a womau behind it. LEIDENBURG, The man interests me wonderfully. PascuKE. [Reprovingly.] Really I must beg of you, Captain. Right, Volkhardt! We will not believe your subordinate out of hand. Anyhow, we are bound to follow this hint. [He motions to the COUNCILLOR to continue the hearing. COUNCILLOR. [Smiling with an air of superiority.] Queiss, did you notice anything else which pointed to there being a woman in the bedroom? QUEISS. No, nothing else.

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 97 COUNCILLOR. But the rustle that you say you heard that may have coine froin outside just as well, may it not? From the passage, or the adjoining room? Burackrooms are inostly thin enough. QUEISS. That is certainly possible, but the rustling was not the main thing. When afterwarlo Velbiy lookeil towards the door-it was that that prut me on to it. COUNCILLOR. Corporal Queiss, I must draw your attention to the fact that you stand here as a witness. Therefore you must not put forward statements in the air for which you have not the smallest proofs. You cannot even say why and how you arrived at your conjectures! QUEISS. And I have seen once before a lady coming out of Lieutenant von Lauffen's rooms. COUNCILLOR. Oh! When was that? I can Queiss. Early in June; about two in the inorning. tell you exactly if I look in the stable-book. It was when " Andromeda" broke her right shoulder. COUNCILLOR. Oh! And who was it that time?

·98 LIGHTS OUT ACT II QueiSS. That I don't know. COUNCILLOR. I suppose you saw the lady? QUEISS. Oh, yes. It was a white figure that flitted round the corner at the other end of the passage, and then she was gone. LEHDENBURG. Unquestionably the White Lady of Berlin Castle." She travels sometimes. COUNCILLOR. Well, Queiss, that a grown person cannot suddenly be gone is very clear. And there are no ghosts either, eh? QUEISS. No, I don't believe in them. COUNCILLOR. And a barrack, I suppose, is fastened and locked up everywhere at night-time? QUEISS. Yes, certainly; at least it ought to be. COUNCILLOR. Then it is clearly and plainly impossible that anybody should suddenly be gone. [Sarcastically.) And the white lady came out of the Lieutenant's room?

·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 99 QUEISS. Oh, yes, that I saw distinctly, as I do your honour now. COUNCILLOR And did you not follow her up ? QUEISS. No, I heard just at the time two horses biting each other in the stable, and the stable sentry must have been asleep, so I ran to the stable. COUNCILLOR. That seemed more important to you. QUEISS. Yes, certainly. LEHDENBURG. Wonderfully remarkable man! Queiss. But afterwards I searched everywhere. COUNCILLOR And found nothing? QUEISS. Nothing? COUNCILLOR. Then you must see that you were mistaken. let yourself be deceived by the moonlight. You QUEISS. The moon was not shining that night.

·IOO LIGHTS OUT ACT III COUNCILLOR. [Angrily.] Or you dreamed the deuce knows what. In any case you don't mean seriously to maintain that that can have anything to do with the case in which Corporal Helbig is mixed up? He was at the Riding School then, wasn't he? Queiss. I know that, sır. LEHDENBURG. May I be allowed-one question? Do any women live in the part of the barracks which is in question? [Queiss is startled, makes no reply, but custs a troubled look at VOLKHARDT. VOLKHARDT. If you please, Captain, my quarters are in that part, and my daughter, of course, lives with me. LEHDENBURG. [Thoughtfully.) Oh! That is all I wanted to know. Thank you, Sergeant-Major Volkhardt. COUNCILLOR. Well, Queiss, now you see, don't you, that you must have somehow made a mistake ? QUEISS. [Shrugying his shoulders. But that is always the way, if a decent fellow gets into trouble it is always a woman that's to blame for it.

·ACT III
LIGHTS OUT
TOI
COUNCILLOR.
[Reprovingly.] That's nonsense, Queiss.
LEUDENBERG.
Thorough-paced misogyny.
PASCAKE.
Why, yes, it seems to me to be a sort of mono.
mania. All the same--Helbiy, tell us now, was a
girl in question at the time of the quarrel ?
HELBIC
[Ercitedly.] No, 10!
PASCIKE.
[Iarningly.] llelbig!
HIELDIG.
[Distracteil.] I will say nothing more.
Tie sinks back in exhaustion,
[Pause.]
PASCHKE.
Lieutenant von Lauffen, will you please speak on
the point ?
LAUFFEN.
[Alarmed, struggles with himself; after a painful
pause.] Corporal Queiss is totally mistaken.
PASCHKE.
H’m, h’m. Lieutenant von Lauffen, I will refrain
from again reminding you of the seriousness of the
oath which you will presently have to take. But the

·102 LIGHTS OUT ACT III statement of this witness, Corporal Queiss, has come on us all as a surprise ; and if there should be even a grain of truth in this surmise of his, then much would be accounted for which was obscure before, Lieutenant von Lauffen, further back you asked directly that extenuating circumstances might be considered in favour of the prisoner. Well, a question of passion, a jealous outburst-these would undoubtedly form such an extenuating circumstance, though, of course, it would not wipe away the offence that llelbig has committed. Is the prisoner to be deprived of this advantage? [ 4 heuvy panse. LAUFFEN, [Perturbed.] L-I have nothing to add to my statement. [PASCHXE resumes his seat, shrugging his shoulders. [ut long pousc.) COUNCILLOR. [In quiet urarning.] You will have to swear to your statement directly, Lieutenant von Lauffen. LAUFFEN. [Blankly.] Very well. (4 long, oppressive pause, during which the COUNCILLOR pluys nerrously with his papers. HÖWEN. [Hoarsely, clearing his throat.] Eh-hem! I beg to submit that the state of the case has by no means been cleared up by the evidence so far given, On the other hand, the statements of Corporal Queiss, and ·ACT III LIGHTS OUT 103 Sergeant-Major Volkhardt told us before that, seem very much wofth notice. Therefore I most respectfully propose that we call on Fräulein Volkhardt, the Sergeant-Major's daughter, to attend, and question her. And that-even if it should only lead to a negative result. [Alarm and silence. VOLKIARDT shrinks visibly. LEHDENBURG. [Decidelly.! I am decideilly in favour of the proposal being adopted. HAGERMEISTER. [Warmly.] I beg respectfully to declare myself of the same opinion as the Captain. PASCHKE. I am of the same opinion too. [SECOND and THIRD COUNCILLORS low in token of assent. FIRST COUNCILLOR. Certainly. Is the request to be proffered immediately? PASCIIKE. Of course. The quarters of the Third Squadron are scarcely five hundred paces away. Orderly! Where is the Corporal ? QUEISS. [Goes to the door and calls.] Corporal ! Enter ORDERLY, evidently trying to keep some one out.

·104 LIGHTS OUT ACT ITI PASCHIKE. Where did you get to, Corporal ? ORDERLY, Outside, sir. PASCHKE. So I silid. Send the Uslier at once across to the quarters of the Third Squadron and have this summons hanıled to Fraulein Volkhardt, daughter of Sergeant-Major Volkhardt. [lle takes it from the CLERK.] Fraiilein Volkhardt is to comply with it as soon as possible. (Ile motions impatiently to the ORDERLY to trohr the summous from him. ORDERLY. [Remains standing culmly at the door, peevishly.] Yes, sir. But Frniilein Volkhardt is here already General costowiskunent. (RDERLY. [ondescends to continne.] She has been waiting ever so long. Since I lookiny at the witness-list through his glusses let in Corporal Johannes Ludwig Queiss. She desires to be heard. PASCIIKE. Why did you not report that to us? ORDERLY. Because she is not on the list of witnesses, and because women, according to the Instructions, are not to be admitted.

·CT III LIGHTS OUT 105 PASCHKE. Oh? Well; let her come in now. ORDERLY. Very good, sir. Eicit, ond ushers in KLARA.] ratiilein Volkhardt. LEHDENBURO. [In a loro lone. The Count is becoming a stage. Enter Klara in a plain dark dress with a simple strau-hut on her head. Pasc'lKE. You are Fraiilein Volkharilt? VOLKITAROT. (Hxcitedly.] Excuse me, sir. Yes this is my laughter. L'ASCIKE. Good, Sergeant-Major. [To KLARA.] You desire to be heard in the proceedings against Corporal Helbig, madam? KLARA. [Constrainedly, but friendly.) Yes. PascuKE, You have something to tell us about it? Something important probably. Is that so? K LARA. Yes--only-you will excuse a question first, sir, Are the Have the witnesses been put on oath already?

·106
LIGHTS OUT
ACT IIT
PASCIIKE,
No.
KLARA.
(Urgently.] No one has had to swear yet? None ?
PASCHKE.
No, none.
KLARA.
[Relieved.] Thank you, sir.
PASCHKE.
Just calm yourself a little first, Fraülein. You are
welcome to sit down, too.
KLARA.
Thank you, sir. I can stand very well.
PASCIIKE.
As you please, Mr. Councillor, may I trouble
yout
COUNCILLOR
Very well, sir. [Politely.] M’yes. Well, Fraiilein
Volkhardt, will you, to begin with, let us know what
information you have to give us? We can go into
personal matters afterwards, for you see it is quite
possible that your statement is not to the point, eh?
KLARA.
[Nervously.] That I do not think.
COUNCILLOR.
Well, that we shall learn directly. Now you know,
I suppose, what the question is ?

·ACT III
LIGHTS OUT
107
KLARA.
Yes, perfectly
COUNCILLOR.
[Approvingly. Good; that's right. And what have
you to say to it, Fraülein?
KLARA,
[With a sudden resolve.] I know how Lieutenant
von Lauffen and my foster-brother came to blows.
COUNCILLOR
That is what we most earnestly desire to know.
Well then, please.
KLARA.
Well-my foster brother had been away from home
for two years, at the Riding School at Hanover.
COUNCILLOR.
Very good.
KLARA.
And before he went we were half engaged, so to
speak. Not exactly formally and openly, but yet so
that he inight consider me his promised wife
.
COUNCILLOR.
Quite right.
[PASCHKE puts his hand on the COUNCILLOR'S
arm, as a hint to cease such interruptions.
KLARA.
And so when he came back he-thought he had

·108 LIGHTS OUT ACT III reason for being jealous of Lieutenant von Lauffen. And that evening, a while back, he called the Lieutenant to account over it. The Lieutenant would not have it, and told him to leave the room. Then Helbig became more and more pressing, and at last he believeil the Lieutenant had me hidden in his bedroom. And then he threw himself on the Lieutermart because he would not let him get at the door, and the Lieutenant struck him over the head with his sabre-but Helbig broke through to the door and tore Sensation. COUNCILLOR. [Taken aback.) Yes, that ali sounds very credible, but-Fraiilein Volkhardt-allow me how do you know all this so certainly? Were you? KLARA. [Curtly.] Yes, I was in the room. [VOLKHARDT has watched events since KLARA's entrance blankly; now he steps back stagyering, Queiss attending to him. it open KLARA. In a low tone. I had gone to visit Lieutenant Von Lauffen. We were I love him. [Pause.] COUNCILLOR. [Dumbfounded ] Very good. Only-I don't know how I am to understand that. PASCHKE. I think it is quite clear, Mr. Councillor. At any ·ACT III LIGHTS OUT IOG rate it will be sufficient for us to ask the prisoner and the witness, lieutenant von Lauffen. Corporal Helbig, do you admit the description that Fraulein Wolkhardt has just given ? HELBIG. Bitterly.] It must be all right, if she says so. [He sits down and hides his face in his hands. PASCIIKE. And you, Lieutenant von Lauffen? LAUFFEN. Yes, sir. VOLKITARDT. [Seems not to have beliered it all until LAUFFEN'S answer, for which he has waited in breathless expectation. Now he gives rent to a hoarse cry of fury, and tries to fly at LAUFFEN.) Ha! PASCHKE. [Warningly.] Sergeant-Major! [Cproar. QUEISS. (Holds VOLKHARDT fast with the strength of a giant and forces him down into one of the witnesses' chairs, whispering in sullen anger into his ear.] Keep calm, Sergeant-Major. One is enough ! Quiet now, Sergeant-Major. (VOLKHARDT sits panting on the chair. The JUDGES have for the most part jumped up from their places, and are watching the Sergeant- Major excitedly. Only the SECOND COUNCILLOR remains sitting.

·IIO LIGHTS OUT ACT III PASCHKE. [Sternly.) What was that ? Sergeant-Major Volkhardt, what was that? QUEISS. [Firinly.) You will excuse me, Major, I thought Sergeant-Major Volkhardt would fall, and some supported him. PASCIKE. Was that really so? [The others look at each other in silence, shrug. ging their shoulders. cale- LEHDENBURG. (Comes forward briskly and passes round the JUDGES' table to the two.] Why, it's quite palpable, sir. Watched the occurrence niost fully. No doubt possible. A fainting fit. No wonder, either! [Eyes Queiss through his eye-glass. Lucky you ran to him, Corporal ! Else it might have gone badly. Splendid, such presence of mind. That's the sort, Corporal. That's it, heavy cavalry. Nothing like it! To VOLKOARDT.] Sergeant- Major Yolkhardt (muckes a gesture at once encouraying and enjoining calmness], 'n old veteran like you must not let himself be toppled over so easily! All right again now, isn't it? VOLKHARDT. [Straightens himself up, significantly.] Yes, Captain. It has to be! Curtain

·THE FOURTH ACT
SCENE as in Act II.
The room is at first dark.
LAUFFEN.
[1s lying with his hands crossed behind his head
on the settee. On the trible and chairs, bestrewed
about in confusion, lance-cup, bundolier, sword, and,
yloves. After a while he gets "p slowly, gocs wearily
to the door and calls.] Michael.
[T'hen he shuts the lour aguin aut remains
standing by the writing-luble.
MICHAEL.
[Enters.) Your honour?
LAUFFEN,
You can light up, Michael.
MICHAEL
Very well, sir.
[Lights the lamp
LAUFFEN,
And then tidy up.

·II2 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV MICHAEL. Very well. [lle puts the things that are lyiny whout in their places, while LAUFFEn watches him blankly. Il'ith the lust article in his hand. ] Taka coffee or ten, sir ? (d8 LAUFEN does not reply. Is quito quickly made. Have got spirits of wine. Quite quickly made. LACFFEN. No, let it alone, Michael. I want nothing, MICHAEL. [-Ifter a time, timielly.] Or-would like a tankar of heer from the town of Strasburg ? "T-killing (lay over there to-day ; fine fresh cutlets. LAUFFEN. [Sharply.) Hold tongue, fellow. No, no. (Suullows down his anger. More mildly. No, Michael, I want nothing But--you are a good chap. [Takes a hundful of cigarettes from the boy and gives them to him.] There ! MICHAEL. (Tries to kiss his hanıl, orerjoyed at the praise.] Thanks, your honour. LAUFFEN. Oh bosh! Be off ! MICHAEL. [Going towards door.) Any more orders, sir? LAUFFEN. No, nothing else. Takes watch out of pocket.] Say, ·ACT IV LIGHTS OUT 113 now, Michael, how late is it? Taps the watch, holds it to his ear. In a low tone.] The brute seems on strike. MICHAEL. Quarter to ten has just given wuning at the Main Guard for tattoo. LAUFFEN. Really? All right. When you have done cleaning you can go to your den. M101) AEL. Ve' good, sir. (ulakes to go out. LAUFFEN. [Calls after him.] Hi, Michael! Just first go across to Lieutenant von Hlöwen, I should like to have two words with him. MICHAEL. Ve' well. [Repeats order.] Would Lieutenant Höwen be good enough to come to your honour. For two words? LAUFFEN. Right. Be off! [Exit MICHAEL (LAUFFEN left alone, walks up and down the room restlessly, at last goes to the mirror and puts his dress straight, buttons up his collar, and smoothes his hair with too little pocketbrushes.

·114 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV Enter Höwen, looking somewhat awkward. LAUFFEN. [Adancing to meet him.] Excuse me, Höwen, for sending to ask you to come. [He halts, then breaks out.] [-I had to talk to some one. I could stand it no longer. HÖWEN. Yes, I can understand that. However I should have come to you. LAUFFEN. Really? [11e goes to Höwen and clasps his hand.] I thank you for that. TLÖWEN. [After clasping his hand warmly.] Sure enongh, I should have come of myself. But--you know, Lauflen I wanted a little time to-well, to calm down. Like that-directly after the trial - it would not do, I could not have borne the sight of you! ["I’ith yathering anyer.] Do you know, I should have wanted to thrash you? Oh, yes--thrash you soundly. [LAUFFEN trembles violently and yrits his teeth together. HÖWEN. [-4fter walking up anl clown once or twice.] Man alive, what have you brought on yourself? On yourself? on me? on us all ? Us all who wear the sword-knot? Lord God! [Draws a long breuth, then more calmly.) Lad, I loved you as a brother-just as in old days I did my younger brother, who went wrong at sixteen, just the You need not think, though, that I at all same.

·ACT IV LIGIITS OUT 115 regarded you as the blameless crown of creation ? Oh no, lad, your many faults and naughtinesses I fully l'ecognised, and in spite of that I took a delight in you, because you had the making of a real man in you. And now, now? If you hal brought some Elod, girl or other to grief-well, that might have passed. I should have called it one more of your naughty pranks. [He laughs softly to himself.] Why, yes, so illogical are we men. But, lad, that through your fault the fellows outside should have a right to let fly again about us, about our class--that you have given the dirty dogs a sound reason for their mnd-throwings--that owing to you they can justly say, “ Ilow can an officer demand respect from those under him, when he himself does not respect their simplest and most natural feelings of honour?”- that, lad, that, by (iod, was accursedly ill-done of you! And l-l actually warned you that blasted evening! I saw the disaster coming. But no, no! Into it you fell-like a third-form hoy. And when it all came out, then--then I should have liked to have treated you like a third-form boy, too. [A long silence. ITÖWEN walks up and clown ercitedy. LAUFFEN meanwhile yoes to the window. LAUFFEN. | After a while, with forcell calm.] How a man can change, to be sure. If any one had suggested to ine a month ago that I would allow any one to talk like that to my face, I should have-- [He gives a short laugh.1 Well, I know, Höwen, how you mean it.

·116 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV HÖWEX. [Eurnestly.] That is the only reason why I spoke SO). LAUFEN. Well, no more. The mischief is not to be repaired. No good talking about it. The much nore important question is- What next? (HÖWEN shruys his shoullers riolently, and stands playing at the writing-table with a paper-cutter. LAUFFEN. [Slowly, gloomily.] Do you know, Hlöwen, that I am not so over and above grateful to you for having --at the trial, yonder, to-lay-once or twice in a sort of way kept ine from perjury? IT WEX. Man, you are mad. LAUFFEN. [Calmly.] No-oh, not in the least. Will tell you why, too. If I had-committed perjury, the business was clean-out--decided. Clean--and plump. [IIe jumps up excitedly.) You-you have no idea how I am again-tossed this way and that, what state my mind is in, topsy-turvy and all in confusion! It is enough to make one mad! HÖWEN. You-don't know, I suppose, that perjury-means a convict prison ?

·ACTIV LIGHTS OUT 117 Oh, yes. LIFFEX. I had itscertainer that. But all the same, I should have had to go through with it. Or perhaps not? [11ówEx shrn.js his shoulders. LAUFFIN. There you are. And this I will own to you-it was worse than a convict prison to ine to see that man, Ilelbig, sitting before me. First one looks upon him as one of the common dogs, and then -one has to liide from him. I am forced to lie, and the thing brings me--this and that, take it !--alvantage and he ---- he les quite gratuitously, and knows it will do him harm, it must do him hallm. That wils worse than running the gauntlet.-worse than penal servitude! By (oul, yes. But what wils the use? I had to put up with it, and I had put it through. The affair was :ill smooul. Am now you come IlÖWEN. Lord in heaven, i ! Klara Volklart would have been ther, all the stone. LAUFTEN. Obstinately. Then that would not have made it quite smooth! In that case, deuce knows, my way was marked out for me. Justead of that, here I sit knocking my head against it over again. I am in it worse plight than before. I should like to run at the walls, and see if there is no loophole thero. (le throw's himself on the settee again.] What on earth am I to do now?

·I 20 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV come, HÖWEN. (After a long pause, with palpable iciness.] So then the matter is settled. M'yes-and as that was the only way in which you could decently get over the business--you must just see-wait for what may And-in the meantime there is no good in" talking big about it. Don't you think so? Well, good-night, Lauffen. If you should want me, you know. [Goes louards the door.] Good-night. [Exit. [LAUFFEN looks after him in astonishment, once he takes a step or two as if to go aftex hin, but stops. lle makes a gesture of discouragement and sinks into the arm-orair at full length. [k'nocking. The first time LAUFFEN does not notice it. At the second he starts up. LAUFFEN. Well? All right! MICHAEL. [Enters, fastening the last button of his indoor jacket.] It's the Sergeant-Major LAUFFEN. [Starting up] Who? MICHAEL The Sergeant-Major begs inost respectfully- ·ACT IV LIGHTS OUT I 21 LAUFFEX. [Springing up after a short hesitation.] Let him come in ! MICHAEL. Good, sir. Steps back, and lets VOLKHARDT pass in, then exit. VOLKHARDT comes in and stands to attention, is without his sword and carries in his hand his cap, which he soon lays aside ; hus still the Lancer tilnic with the orders on which he wore in the forenoon at the court-martial. [ 1 long silence. LAUFFEX. [Constrainedly.) You wanted to speak to me, Sergeant-Major? VOLKIIARDT. (Ileavily.) Il you please, Lieutenant, ] waited yonder-and in the darkness too-till a light was lighted here, and then I thought, Now it is time, now you can go across, and -- here I am. LAUFFEN. Yes--and Sergeant Major, we have to talk to each other. VOLKIIARDT. At your order, sir. That we have. LAUFFEN. We--ell— Sergeant-Major [impulsively] I have done you a serious wrong, a wrong that cannot at all be ·I 22 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV made right again. But-do move, Sergeant-Major! You are not on duty now. (VOLKHARDT stands somewhat more easy and lays down his cap. LAUFFEN. Well-and, Sergeant- Major, I sincerely beg your forgiveness for this wrong. Sincerely, Sergeant- Major, and I beg it of you. I earnestly beg it of you. My word for it, Sergeant-Major, I would gladly give anything if I could make this business undone. VOLKHIARDT. [Dully.] That is surely not possible, sir. LAUFFEN. No, of course not—unhappily. And that is just the frightful part--simply maddening. I have done you wrong, Sergeant-Major, and cannot make it right again. (Hesitatingly. Sergeant-Major, shall I, for your and Klara's sake [lle is silenced by VOLK- HARDT's gaze.] My God, I simply do not know what I am to do. You wished to speak to me, Sergeant- Major-perhaps you know of a way out of it? VOLKIJARDT. [IIoursely.] Very well, sir. [Drawos a recoloer from the breast of his Luncer tunic.] There. LAUFFEN. [Piring up.] Sergeant-Major, you are-! What does this mean?

·ACT IV LIGHTS OUT 123 VOLKHARDT. Excuse me, sir, that is surely clear. This is my service revolver, loaded, and you have one too, sir, in the press there, that is the regulation. And I thought-as that is the custom in such cases LAUFFEN. sergeant-Major, that is impossible. VOLKHARDT, (Studiously raising his tone as he goes on.] 1 beg most respectfully to say, sir, that it is certainly much more impossible that things should remain as they are, that I should be left like this with the girl, with everybody pointing their fingers at her, that my naine should be utterly dragged in the mud, and nobody be punished for it! That is certainly-as God is in Heaven-much more out of the question. [Roaring out.] Justice must be done in the worlil. LAUFFEX. Yes, of course it must be, Sergeant-Major, naturally! But you must see yourself, there are cases- in which one cannot, however much one will--however much, Sergeant-Major Enter KLARA. Iſter a rapid, anxious look round, she remains stundling near the door. LAUFFEN und VOLKUARDT gaze ut her in astonishment. VOLKHARDT. [Masters himself. Roughly.) You? What do you come here for?

·124 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV KLARA. [Simply.] I followed you, father. VOLKHARDT. What--what can you want here? Eh ? Go ! KLARA. This is all about me. [Resolutely.) So I wish to be present. VOLKHARDT, Yes, there you are right. There, sir, does she not stand there, as if she was a wonder of honesty, as if she were innocence itself? As if she were still my good child that I have trusted entirely since the lad out there has lain under the earth. And now-how I would rather you lay yonder beside the boy under the turf than that shame should break over my head as it does here! KLARA. [Beseechinyly, but firmly.) Father! VOLKHARDT. [Turns silently from her to LAUFFEN.) And now I am come to the man whose fault it all is, and tell him to give me satisfaction. Ile points to the revolver. [KLARA moves a step forward in alarm. LAUFFEN. (Repelling him, in a tone of command.] Sergeant- Major, you see, I have let you speak, and speak freely, because I see the wrong I have done, and I must also admit that you have good reason to be But this simply will not do! That is out of the question! I cannot exchange shots with a non-commissioned officer. I am not allowed to.

·ACTIV LIGIITS OUT 125 VOLKIIARDT. [Stepping back.] With a non-commissioneel officer? Why, yes, to be sure, I am that (with a bitter langh). Excuse me, Lientenant, I had almost forgotten that! When for years, all through the regiment, one has been lookeil up to as-as a sort of showpiece and model, old Volkhardt, who was in the War, who rode in the great charge, that time at Vionville -then--then one may easily become too proud, Lieutenant, and forget one's rank. But now-how 1 am quite in my place again. Now, there is nothing wrong! A a non-commis-ioned officer like me is not an equal by birth, of course, and [pointing to KLAFA] she there can only look on it as an honour too, an undeserved honour! Aye, aye, such a thingonly ranks with second-class folk! TAUFFEN. [Sharply.] Sergeant- Major, suy no more! Youyou speak like a regular Radical ruffian! I warn you, Sergeant-Major, you will put the yoke round your neck with your talk ! VOLKIARDT. [Wildy.] Quite so, sir. That I do not mind in the least! It no longer matters at all. What am I now but a vagabond, a quite low sort of vagabond ? (He laughs like a malman.] Old fool that I was, I thought I was something, that I stood for something! How I did my duty all these long three and thirty years, as if-Lord knows--something wonderful depended on it! I gave myself to it, body and ·126 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV soul! And--and if at times I got wild, because I must always remain what I now an, because I simply could not get any higher-I said to myself, It doesn't matter. Even your low rank has its honour. It's honour. Oh, yes ? Lies and deceit ! And I deceived myself most of all! (He stops from sheer excitement. LAUFFEN. Has sereral times vainly attempted to reply; sharply.] Sergeant-Major, at least think what you are aboat! KLARA meanwhile has throwon herself on a chair and hidden her face in her hands only looking up from time to time in despair at her pouerlessness. VOUKHARDT. [Not heeding Klara, dully, half asitle.) This here, [grasping at his Iron Cro88] this morning when I fastened it on, I thought to myself, you are the only one in the regiment that has that; no one else has it-not even the Colonel. And now ? (IIe tears the Cross off with quivering fingers.] Down with the glittering fraud! It-it's nought but a couple of ounces of iron, and-and may just as well lie in the dust [is on the point of throwing it on the floor, but refrains), and yet I valued it above everything. I wanted to have it with me when my time came to go underground. What has come to me now. longer care to wear it. I must not? [He shoves the Cross on the table, weeping with fury.] Nay, not such a man as I. Not such a man ! I no ·ACT IV LIGHTS OUT 127 LAUFFEN. [roaringly, laut in a tone of superiority.] Sergeant- Major, 1 carnestly beg of you, do calm yourself now at last! It is all nonsense that you are talking. VOLKHARDT. [ulppears to just realise once more LAUFFEN's presence ; slowly.] Before, when all was dark here and I was over yonder in the dark too, I had made up my mind to do the business all by myself. [ [Wildly.] But no, I thought presently, the other shall be in it too. And if he will not give you your right [nesting out I will take it. [Ile suddenly lifts his rerolver in the direction of LaurFEN. LAUFFEN stands motionless and looks VOLKHARDT steadily in the eyes. KLARA throirs herself with a cry of "Father!" before VOLKTARDT and trips to shield LAUFFEN. VOLKUJARDT. (Seizes her by the arin with his left and forces her on to her knees with a powerful heuve. ile aims at LAUFFEN, then suulilenly his arm begins to tremble, and he lets the roupon sink slowly and reluctantly. Hlad/ aside, ymshing his teeth.] I cannot do it. Lieutenant. | (annot do it; I am afraid to! [S'obbing with fury.] I have been obeying orders for tens of years, till it has sucked the marrow out of my bones! Afraid ! afraid ! [Gradually he masters himself, then with great bitterness. Long ago the father He is niy ·128 LIGHTS OUT ACT IV saved my life, the son takes it from me again. [Drawing himself up more calmly.) We are quits. [KLARA, meanwhile, his hail grip having relared, has hall risen to her, fort again. VOI.KHARIT. Gazes long at her, bends slowly down to her as if meaning to kiss her on the forehead. Tears run down his cheeks.] You! My poor girl. We two— [11 at once draws himself'up again abruptly; harshly and roughly.] Come, get up! We will see that we get out of this. We will go and hide ourselves somewhere in a mousehole, as deep as we can, so that we may no longer see the people, and how they point their fingers at us, how they whisper to each other “ There, look, that's she, the young one, and that's he, the old man. Don't look me in the face like that, you! Not so calmly! I tell you don't stand there like-like this morning, when you showed your disgrace to the world, before everybody, and without shame! [K LARA lovers her hearl a little. VOLKHARI)T. [Points to the door.] There, go! Let there be an end of it ! (18 KLARA hesitates, menacingly.] Go! KLARA. [At first haltingly, then clearly and decidedly.] I wish to stay, father (waving lightly towards LAUFFEN) with him. Now most of all! You wrong him, father. If I had been firm we should all still be holding up our heads, he and you-and I. I am to ·ACT IV LIGHTS OUT 129 blame, and I alone [in a lower tone, and tenderly, as if makiny 1 confession) because I loved him. 1 could not do anything else--I threw myself on his neck! lun. VOLKHARDT. (Staggering and catching at his foreheadl.] Who -are you then-all of a sudden? You threw yourself - ? You are like that? Like that? Run, And when he has had enough of you, there are others besides, and then-like thitt? [ll'ith a gurgling cry, ynashing.1 Lieutenant's drab. Go to the devil! . [lle raises the rerolver like lightning ayainst Klara and fires. LAUFFEN. Yells.] Sergeant-Major! [lle ruhes at VOLKHARDT to hold him back, but is too late. KLARA. [Catches at her breast, totteriny, in a breakiny voice.] Thank yoll, father, [Falls heavily to the ground. [VOLKHARDT watches her fall with eyes fixed with horror. lle lets the rerolver fall from his hand, and seems 201y slouly to realise what he has clone. 18 LAUFFEN makes as if to go to Klara, waves him back with a yesture that signifies "Vow she is mine once more.” lle kneels beside her, and takes her heud carefully on his lap.

·130
LIGHTS OUT
ACTIV
KLARA,
[Opens her eyes, and lettiny her father hold one hand,
gropes faintly for LAUFFEN ; softly.) My lad !
(LAUFFEN kneels noun beside her sobbiny.
KLARA raises her head a little and smiles
faintly. Then she sinks back and erpires.
VOLKHARDT.
[Lets her carefully and slowly ylide to the floor, yires
one more lony look at her, and then rises heavily. When
he is erect, accusingly but quite calmly.] Noy, sir,
you can call the uncler-officer on duty again.
Curtain.
Printed by BALLANTYNE & Co. I.IMITED
Tavistock Street, London

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