PIEPENBRINK _(rising_). Don't get too excited, Sir. Now, see here! The
wine you are now drinking is also from Piepenbrink's cellar, and I
myself am the Philip Piepenbrink for whose sake you are pitching into
me. Now, do you see why I laugh?

BOLZ. Ah, is that the way things stand? You yourself are Mr.
Piepenbrink? Then I am really glad to make your acquaintance. No
offense, honored Sir!

PIEPENBRINK. No, no offense. Everything is all right.

BOLZ. Since you were so kind as to tell us your name, the next thing
in order is for you to learn ours. I'm Bolz, Doctor of Philosophy, and
my friend here is Mr. Kämpe.

PIEPENBRINK. Pleased to meet you.

BOLZ. We are comparative strangers in this company and had withdrawn
to this side room as one feels slightly embarrassed among so many new
faces. But we should be very sorry if by our presence we in any way
disturbed the enjoyment of the ladies and the conversation of so
estimable a company. Tell us frankly if we are in the way, and we will
find another place.

PIEPENBRINK. You seem to me a jolly fellow and are not in the least in
my way, Doctor Bolz--that was the name, was it not?

MRS. PIEPENBRINK. We, too, are strangers here and had only just sat
down. Piepenbrink!