those at the table_). He is presumptuous; he has thrust himself in!

PIEPENBRINK (_bringing down his hand on the table and rising_). Oho! I
like that! If I kiss my wife or let her be kissed, that is nobody's
concern whatever! Nobody's! No man and no woman and no fairy has a
right to put a hand before her mouth.

BOLZ. Very true! Splendid! Hear! Hear!

SENDEN. Revered Mr. Piepenbrink, no offense against you! The company
is charmed to see you here. Only to Mr. Bolz we will remark that his
presence is causing scandal. So completely opposed are his political
principles that we must regard his appearing at this fête as an
unwarrantable intrusion!

BOLZ. My political principles opposed? In society I know no other
political principle than this--to drink with nice people and not to
drink with those whom I do not consider nice. With you, Sir, I have
not drunk.

PIEPENBRINK _(striking the table_). That was a good one!

SENDEN _(hotly)_. You thrust yourself in here!

BOLZ _(indignantly)_. Thrust myself in?

PIEPENBRINK. Thrust himself in? Old man, you have an entrance ticket,
I suppose?

BOLZ _(frankly)_. Here is my ticket! It is not you I am showing it to,