(_Fervently_.) You still love your life, Richard? You still want to live?
Richard.
Haven"t I told you so? Ever since----
Beata.
Never fear, dearest. You _shall_ live.
Richard (_with outstretched hands_).
Beata, before we part----
Beata.
Don"t thank me--don"t kiss me. I--good-bye, Richard. (_She goes out_.)
Richard.
Beata!
Curtain.
ACT V
ACT V
_The dining-room at_ Count Kellinghausen"s. _In the middle of the stage a table with six covers. On the right a sofa, table, and chairs.
Sideboard on the left. In the centre at the back a wide door leading into the drawing-room. Door on the right into anteroom, door on the left into inner apartments. A window on the right, in the foreground.
Grey light of a winter"s day_. Ellen _is busy arranging the flowers on the table_. Conrad _in the background. Enter_ Beata _from the left_.
Ellen.
Oh, mother, I"m so glad you"ve come. Will the flowers do?
Beata.
Beautifully, dear. (Conrad _goes out_.)
Ellen.
And the cards? Look--I"ve put you here, of course, with Baron Ludwig on your right, and Prince Usingen on your left.--Mother! You"re not listening.
Beata.
Yes I am. But Brachtmann is older than the Prince. They must change places.
Ellen.
Very well. And this is Uncle Richard"s seat, next to father"s.
_Enter_ Kellinghausen.
Kellinghausen.
What about father?
Ellen.
I was only saying that I had put Uncle Richard next to you.
Kellinghausen.
Next to me?--Yes, yes; of course. Quite right. (_He pets her_.) Now, you monkey, be off!
Beata.
I shall see you before luncheon, dear.
Ellen.
Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.)
Kellinghausen.
I came to speak to you about our arrangements. I have just received a telegram from Rossitsch. Your rooms are ready for you. To prevent any talk, I shall take you there and leave you. I suppose you are ready to start this evening?
Beata.
Whenever you please, dear Michael.
Kellinghausen.
You don"t seem to have made any preparations.
Beata (_smiling_).
I have so few to make!
Kellinghausen.