Richard (_clasps her hands_).
One thing more. Listen to me. You played too reckless a game. Such things are avenged. No one knows what happened in the past. Twelve years have covered it; but it"s ill disturbing the dead. Such things are avenged. Remember that.
Beata.
Well--and what of it?
Richard.
What of it?
Beata.
I shouldn"t care--except for Norbert and Ellen. For I mean them to have all the happiness we have missed. Nothing must ever come between-- Hush! That is Holtzmann"s voice. (_She presses her left hand to her heart_.) Quite steady. (_She holds out her right hand to_ Richard.) Feel my pulse it"s perfectly steady.
Conrad _enters_.
Conrad.
Herr Holtzmann----
_Enter_ Holtzmann. Conrad _goes out_.
Holtzmann (_bowing quietly_).
We have a majority of twenty votes, Baron. Here are the final returns.
(_Hands telegram to_ Richard.)
Richard.
Official?
Holtzmann.
Virtually. As your co-worker, Baron, allow me to offer my congratulations. (Richard _turns away without speaking_.)
Beata.
You see how overcome he is, dear Herr Holtzmann. Thank you with all my heart. (_Gives him her hand_.)
Holtzmann (_turning to leave the room_).
Good-afternoon, Countess.
Richard.
Holtzmann! (Holtzmann _pauses_.) You"ve fought a good fight.
Holtzmann.
Oh, as to that----
Richard.
Thank you. (_Shakes his hand_.)
Holtzmann.
Don"t mention it. I did my duty, that"s all. (_Bows and goes out_.)
Beata.
Richard! Isn"t the struggle over yet?
Richard.
Beata--you have made me believe--in spite of myself--that--even now--I may be of use to the cause. I shall stick to my work, and try not to think.
Beata.
It may not be as hard as you imagine.
Richard.
Perhaps not. But when the blow falls--if it falls----
Beata.
We"ll laugh----
Richard.
And meanwhile----
Beata.
We"ll live! (_They clasp each other"s hands_.)
Curtain.
ACT II