I have no objection to Ellen"s remaining with you till the spring. Then we can see about sending her to a boarding-school.
Beata.
I consent to that too.
Kellinghausen.
You could hardly expect your refusal to make much difference.
Beata (_still smiling_).
Don"t be afraid. I understand my position.
Kellinghausen.
And who is to blame for it?
Beata.
My dear Michael, we neither of us care for tragedy. Why not let that be?
Kellinghausen.
You"re right.--Where have you put my seat?
Beata.
Here.
Kellinghausen.
Another torture to undergo!
Beata.
Isn"t it more than you can bear?
Kellinghausen.
Perhaps--but it can"t be helped. I had to have these people--I"ve got to go through with it.
Beata.
Yes, you"ve got to go through with it. And so have I. I need them more than you do.
Kellinghausen.
You? Why?
Beata.
You will see later.
Kellinghausen.
You have no right to keep anything from me----
Beata.
Are you keeping nothing from _me_? (_He turns away_.) Michael, here is a letter in which I have written something I can"t well say to you.
Will you promise not to open it till luncheon is over?
Kellinghausen.
Yes.
Beata.
You give me your word?
Kellinghausen.
Yes.
Beata (_giving him the letter_).
Here it is.
Kellinghausen.
Thank you. Then--I suppose--we-- (_Goes to the door_.)
Beata.
Michael!
Kellinghausen.
Eh?
Beata.
You know I"m not very strong--oh, don"t misunderstand me! I"m not trying to work on your feelings--but you know how much is at stake. If Richard Volkerlingk should die suddenly, and I----
Kellinghausen (_tortured_).
I beg of you, Beata! I----
Beata.