One question, Councillor-- You and my daughter-- Please sit down.
VON KELLER.
My time is unfortunately--
SCHWARTZE.
[_Almost threatening_.] I beg you to sit down.
VON KELLER.
[_Not daring to resist_.] Thank you. [_They sit_.]
SCHWARTZE.
You met my daughter some years ago in Berlin?
VON KELLER.
Yes.
SCHWARTZE.
Councillor von Keller, I know you to be as discreet as you are sensible; but there are cases in which silence is a crime. I ask you--and your life-long relations with me give me the right to ask, as well as the mystery--which just now-- In short, I ask you, Do you know anything discreditable about my daughter"s life there?
VON KELLER.
Oh, for Heaven"s sake, how can you--
SCHWARTZE.
Do you not know how and where she lived?
VON KELLER.
No. I am absolutely--
SCHWARTZE.
Have you never visited at her house?
VON KELLER.
[_More and more confused_.] No, no, never, never.
SCHWARTZE.
Not once?
VON KELLER.
Well, I called on her once; but--
SCHWARTZE.
Your relations were friendly?
VON KELLER.
Oh, entirely friendly--of course, only friendly. [_A pause_.]
SCHWARTZE.
[_Pa.s.ses his hand over his forehead, looks earnestly at_ Von Keller; _then, speaking absently_.] So? Then, honestly--if it might be--if--if-- [_Gets up, goes to_ Von Keller, _and sits down again, trying to quiet himself_.] Dr. von Keller, we both live in a quiet world, where scandals are unknown. But I have grown old, very old. And therefore I can"t--can"t control my thoughts as I should. And I can"t rid myself of an idea which has--suddenly--taken possession of me. I have just had a great joy which I don"t want to be embittered. But, to quiet an old man, I beg you--give me your word of honor that--
VON KELLER.
[_Rising_.] Pardon me, this seems almost like a cross-examination.
SCHWARTZE.
You must know, then, what I--
VON KELLER.
Pardon me, I wish to know nothing. I came here innocently to make a friendly visit, and you have taken me by surprise. I will not be taken by surprise. [_Takes his hat_.]
SCHWARTZE.
Dr. von Keller, have you thought what this refusal means?
VON KELLER.
Pardon me, if you wish to know anything, I beg you to ask your daughter. She will tell you what--what-- And now you must let me go.
You know where I live. In case-- I am very sorry it has happened so: but-- Good-day, Colonel! [_Exit_.
SCHWARTZE.
[_After brooding for a time_.] Magda!
MARIE.
[_Running in anxiously_.] For Heaven"s sake, what"s the matter?
SCHWARTZE.
[_Chokingly_.] Magda,--I want Magda.
MARIE.