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+Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Roses: Four One-Act Plays
+       Streaks of Light--The Last Visit--Margot--The Far-away Princess
+
+Author: Hermann Sudermann
+
+Translator: Grace Frank
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2010 [EBook #34360]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROSES: FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+Page scan source:
+http://books.google.com/books?id=sF8qAAAAYAAJ&dq
+
+
+
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                       BOOKS BY HERMANN SUDERMANN
+                  Published By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+
+
+The Joy of Living (_Es Lebe das Leben_). A Play in Five Acts.
+Translated from the German by Edith Wharton. _net_ $1.25
+
+Roses. Four One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Grace Frank.
+_net_ $1.25
+
+Morituri. Three One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Archibald
+Alexander. _net_ $1.25
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 ROSES
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 ROSES
+
+                           FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS
+
+                    STREAKS OF LIGHT--THE LAST VISIT
+                    --MARGOT--THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           HERMANN SUDERMANN
+
+
+
+                       TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN
+                                   BY
+                              GRACE FRANK
+
+
+                        CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+                 NEW YORK:::::::::::::::::::::::: 1909
+
+
+
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1909, by
+                        CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+                       Published September, 1909
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+
+      Streaks Of Light
+
+      Margot
+
+      The Last Visit
+
+      The Far-away Princess
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   I
+
+                            STREAKS OF LIGHT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                        Julia.
+                        Pierre.
+                        Wittich.
+
+
+                            The Present Day
+
+
+_The action takes place at a small pavilion situated in the park
+belonging to an old castle_.
+
+
+
+
+                            STREAKS OF LIGHT
+
+_An octagonal pavilion of the Rococo period, the three front walls of
+which are cut off by the proscenium. Ceiling and walls are cracked and
+spotted by rain, and bear the marks of long disuse. At the back, in the
+centre, a large doorway. The glass door is thrown wide open; the
+shutters behind are closed. On the right and left, in the oblique walls
+of the room, are windows, the shutters of which are also closed.
+Through the blinds at the door and the right window, sunbeams in
+streaks of light penetrate the semi-darkness of the room._
+
+_On the left, in the foreground, a Louis Sixteenth sofa with table and
+gilded chairs to match. On the wall above, an old mirror. Near the
+sofa, a tapestried doorway. A chandelier wrapped in a dusty gauze
+covering is suspended from the ceiling. A four-post bed with hangings
+of light net takes up the right side of the stage. In the foreground,
+in front of the bed, a table with plates, glasses, wine-decanters, and
+provisions on it. A coffee percolator stands under the table. In the
+middle of the stage, a little to the right, a chaise-longue. At the
+head of it, a small table. Between the large door and the windows,
+dusty marble busts on dilapidated pedestals. Above them, on the walls,
+a collection of various sorts of weapons. The Oriental rugs which are
+thrown about the floor and over the chaise-longue contrast strangely
+with the faded splendour of the past._
+
+_The whole room is decorated with roses. On the table at the left is a
+bronze vessel of antique design overflowing with roses. Garlands of
+roses hang from the chandelier and encircle the bedposts. On the small
+table near the chaise-longue, a large, flat dish, also filled with
+roses. In fact wherever there is any place for these flowers, they have
+been used in profusion._
+
+_Part of the table which stands in front of the sofa is covered by a
+napkin, upon which are seen a bottle of wine and the remains of a
+luncheon for one. It is a sultry afternoon in midsummer._
+
+Julia _lies on the chaise-longue, asleep. She is a beautiful woman,
+about twenty-five years of age, intractable and passionate, with traces
+of a bourgeois desire to be "romantic." She is dressed in white,
+flowing draperies, fantastically arranged._
+
+_A tower clock strikes four. Then the bells of the castle are heard
+ringing. Both seem to be at a distance of about two hundred paces._
+
+Pierre _enters cautiously through the tapestried doorway at the left.
+He is a fashionably dressed, aristocratic young fellow who has been
+petted and spoiled. He is effeminate, cowardly, arrogant, and is trying
+to play the passionate man, although inwardly cold and nervous._
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+(_Laughs in her sleep. Her laughter dies out in groans._) Pierre!
+Pierre! Help! Pierre!
+
+                      Pierre (_bending over her_).
+
+Yes, yes. What is it?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Nothing-- (_Laughs and goes on sleeping_).
+
+                      Pierre (_straightening up_).
+
+Whew How hot it is! (_He stares at_ Julia, _his face distorted by fear
+and anger, and beats his forehead. Then indicating the outstretched
+form of the woman._) Beautiful!--You beautiful animal--you! (_Kneels_.
+Julia _holds out her arms to him, but he evades her embrace._) Stop!
+Wake up!
+
+                          Julia (_tearfully_).
+
+Please let me sleep.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+No! Wake up! I've only come for a moment. It's tea-time, and I have to
+go back to the house.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Please stay!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+No, mamma will be asking for me. I have to be there for tea.
+
+                          Julia (_pettishly_).
+
+I have a headache. I want some black coffee!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then make it yourself. The gardener is cleaning the orchid rooms in the
+hot-house, and he has no time for you now.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He never has time for me!--And the meals that his wife cooks are simply
+abominable!--And the wine is always warm!--Do, for mercy's sake, steal
+the key to the icehouse!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you know that I can't!--I always bring you all the ice that I can
+manage to take from the table. If I insist upon having the key, the
+housekeeper will tell mamma.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I won't drink warm wine--so there! That's what gives me these
+headaches.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Your headaches, I want to tell you, come from the roses. Ugh!--this
+nasty smell from the withered ones--sour--like stale tobacco
+smoke--why, it burns the brains out of one's head!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+See here, dearie, you let the roses alone! That was our agreement, you
+know--basketsful, every morning! I wish the gardener would bring even
+more! That's what he's bribed for.--More! More! Always more!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+See here, if you were only reasonable----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I'm not reasonable! O you--you-- (_She holds out her arms to him.
+He comes to her. They kiss._) More!--More!--No end!--Ah, to die!----
+
+                      Pierre (_freeing himself_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+To die!
+
+                     Pierre (_with hidden scorn_).
+
+Yes--to die. (_Yawning nervously._) Pardon me!--It's as hot as an oven
+in here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And the shutters are always closed! For eight long days I've seen
+nothing of the sun except these streaks of light. Do open the
+shutters--just once!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+For Heaven's sake!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Just for a second!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But don't you realize that the pavilion is locked and that not a soul
+ever crosses the threshold?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, yes, I know--because your lovely, reckless great-grandmother lost
+her life here a hundred years ago! That's one of those old-wives' tales
+that everyone knows.--Who can tell? Perhaps my fate will be the same as
+hers.--But do open the shutters!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do be reasonable! You know that in order to come in here by the side
+door without being seen I have to crawl through the woods for a hundred
+yards. The same performance twice a day--for a week! Now, if I should
+open the shutters and one of the gardener's men should see it, why,
+he'd come, and then----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Let him come! I'll smile at him--and he's no man if he doesn't keep
+quiet after that! Why, your old gardener would cut his hand off
+for me any day of his life--just for a bit of wheedling!--It can't be
+helped--they all love me!
+
+                           Pierre (_aside_).
+
+Beast!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+What were you muttering then? (Pierre _throws himself down before her
+and weeps._) Pierre! Crying?--Oh!--Please don't--or I'll cry too. And
+my head aches so!
+
+            Pierre (_softly but nervously and with hatred_).
+
+Do you know what I'd like to do? Strangle you!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ha! Ha! Ha!--(_pityingly_) Dear me! Those soft fingers--so weak!--My
+little boy has read in a naughty book that people strangle their
+loves--and so he wants to do some strangling too!
+
+                           Pierre (_rising_).
+
+Well, what's to become of you? How much longer is the game to last in
+this pavilion?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+As long as the roses bloom--that was agreed, you know.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Bah! Then!--Why think of it? I'm here now, here under the protection of
+your lovely, ghostly great-grandmother. No one suspects--no one dreams!
+My husband is searching for me the whole world over!--That was a clever
+notion of mine--writing him from Brussels--Nora, last act, last
+scene--and then coming straight back again! I'll wager he's in Paris
+now, sitting at the Café des Anglais, and looking up and down the
+street--now toward the Place de l'Opera, now toward the Madeleine. Will
+you wager? I'll go you anything you say. Well, go on, wager!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+On anything else you wish--but not on that!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why not?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Because your husband was at the castle this morning.
+
+                       Julia (_rising hastily_).
+
+My husband--was--at the castle----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What's so surprising about that? He always used to come, you know--our
+nearest neighbour--and all that sort of thing.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Did he have a reason for coming?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+A special reason?--No.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre--you're concealing something from me!
+
+                         Pierre (_hesitating_).
+
+Nothing that I know of. No.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why didn't you come at once? And now--why have you waited to tell me?
+
+                          Pierre (_sullenly_).
+
+You're hearing it soon enough.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, what happened? Tell me, exactly!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, he came in the little runabout--without a groom--and asked for
+mamma. I naturally pretended to be going out. But you know how she
+always insists on my staying with her.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And how was he was he--just the same as ever?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, no, I wouldn't say that.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+How did he look? Tell me, tell me!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In the first place, he wore black gloves--like a gravedigger.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ha! Ha! And what else?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In the second place, he was everlastingly twitching his legs.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what else? What else?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, he explained that you were at a Hungarian watering-place, that you
+were improving, and that you were expected home soon. (Julia _bursts
+out laughing._) Yes, (_gloomily_) it's screamingly funny, isn't it.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+So I'm at a Hungarian watering-place! Ha! Ha! Ha!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But he looked at me so questioningly, so--so mournfully--why, it was
+really most annoying the way he looked at me.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+At a Hungarian watering-place!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And then, later, mamma said to him, "It's a dreadful pity your dear
+wife isn't here just now. She does so love the roses."
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what did he say?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+"Our roses are not thriving very well this year," said he.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But his turnips!--They always thrive!--And then----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then a strange thing occurred that I can't help worrying about.
+Suddenly mamma said to him, "Something very peculiar is happening on
+our estate this year. Now I can see from where I sit that the whole
+place is one mass of roses. And yet, if at any time I ask for a few
+more than usual, there are none to be had!"
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why, you must have been shaking in your boots! Did you do anything to
+betray us?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, I think I know how to take care of myself!--But suddenly he grew
+absolutely rigid--as if--as if he had been reflecting. He acted like a
+man who sleeps with his eyes open. Mamma asked him a question three
+times, and he never answered a word!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I say, did you come here to frighten me?
+
+                        Pierre (_bursting out_).
+
+What is your fear compared to what I had to stand! Compared to my
+biting, nauseous shame as I sat there opposite him?--I scorned the man
+inwardly, and yet I felt as if I ought to lick the dust on his boots.
+When mamma said to him, "You don't look very well, Herr Wittich--are
+you ill?"--her words were like the box on the ear that she gave me
+when, as a lad of fifteen, I got into mischief with the steward's
+daughter.--Why did you drag me into this loathsome business? I don't
+like it!--I won't stand it!--I like to feel straight! I want my hands
+clean!--I want to look down on the people that I meet!--I owe that to
+myself.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Reproaches?--I'd like to know who has the guilty conscience in this
+case, you or I?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+How long have you been concerned about your conscience?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, you know I had never belonged to any other man--except him.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you've showered sweet glances right and left. You've flirted with
+every man who would look at you--even the stable-boy wasn't beneath
+your notice!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And he was better than you!--For he wanted nothing more than to follow
+me with his eyes. But you, Pierre, you were not so easily satisfied.
+No, the young Count was more exacting. Corrupt to the core--in spite of
+his twenty years----
+
+                          Pierre (_proudly_).
+
+I am not a bit corrupt. I am a dreamer. My twenty years excuse that!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But your dreams are poisonous. You want a woman to be your mistress and
+yet be chaste--to keep the blush of maidenhood and yet be as passionate
+as yourself.--And what have you learned from your experience in the
+world? Nothing, except how to scent and track out the sins that lie
+hidden in one's inmost soul, the secret sins that one dares not admit
+to oneself.--And when the prey is in reach, then you fire away with
+your "rights of the modern woman," your "sovereignty of the freed
+individuality"--and whatever the rest of the phrases may be.--Ah! You
+knew better than I that we all have the Scarlet Woman's blood in our
+veins!--Blow away the halo--and the saint is gone!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+It seems to me you found a great deal of pleasure in your sin!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--at least that's what one tells oneself--perhaps one feels it,
+too.--It depends--more in the evening than the morning--more in March
+than October.--But the dread, the horror of it, is always there.--The
+weight of such love is like the weight of one's own coffin-lid.--And
+you soon discovered that, Pierre.--Then you began softly, gently, to
+bind me to you with glances and caresses that were like chains of
+roses!--Yes, and that I become maddened by roses as cats by valerian,
+that, too, you soon found out.--Then--then you began to speak to me of
+the lover's pavilion--all covered with roses--where your ancestors
+spent happy, pastoral hours in wooing their loves--the pavilion that
+had been waiting so long for a new mistress. You spoke of adorning it
+with beautiful hangings--of filling it full of roses. Oh you, you
+Pierre, how well you understood!--Do have some black coffee made for
+me! If the gardener can't do it, make it yourself! Please, please!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But, I tell you, I have to go back to mamma.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Nowadays, you always "have to go back to mamma." Shall I tell you
+something--a big secret? You are tired of me! You want to get rid
+of me--only you don't know how!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Your notions are offensive, my dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, I know my fate. I know I am doomed to the gutter. But not
+yet! Don't leave me yet! Care for me a little while longer--so the
+fall won't be too sudden.--Let me stay here as long as the roses
+bloom--here, where _he_ can't find me! Oh, if I leave this place I
+shall die of fear!--Nowhere else am I safe from those two great fists
+of his!--Pierre, Pierre, you don't know his fists--they're like two
+iron bolts!--You, too--beware of him!
+
+                      Pierre (_half to himself_).
+
+Why do you say that to me?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He was always jealous of you. When you sent the hothouse roses in
+April, he became suspicious. Ever since then, he has continually had
+the notion of an admirer in his head. That was the danger-signal!
+Pierre, if he surmised--then you would be the first--and I would come
+afterward! Pierre, if you drive me to desperation, I'll give you up to
+him!----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Are you mad?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I'll write him a letter something like this: "If you want to find the
+traces of my flight, search the rubbish heap behind the lover's
+pavilion. Search for the faded petals of the roses upon which, night
+after night, Pierre and I celebrated our union. Search the highway for
+the bloody prints of my bare feet after he turned me out. Then search
+the dregs of the brothels where I found a refuge. And then--then avenge
+me!"
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You'll do nothing of the kind, you-- (_Seizes her by the wrists._)
+
+                          Julia (_laughing_).
+
+Nonsense! You have no strength! (_Disengages herself without
+difficulty._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You've taken it out of me, you beast!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Beast?--You've been muttering that word now for a couple of days. This
+is the first time that you have flung it in my face.--What have I done
+that was bestial except to throw my young life at your feet?--And so
+this is the end of our rose-fête?----
+
+         Pierre (_in a low voice, breathing with difficulty_).
+
+No, not yet--the end is still to come!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I dare say.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In fact--you must--leave here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I dare say.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you understand?--You must leave this place--at once!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+H'm--just so.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+For--you must know--you are no longer safe here.
+
+                        Julia (_turning pale_).
+
+Not here either?--Not even here?----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I didn't tell you everything, before.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Are you up to some new trick now?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+After I had accompanied him down the steps, he asked--very suddenly--to
+see the park.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+The park----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes. And he seemed to be searching every rose-bush as if to count
+the number of blossoms that had been cut from it. Then--in the linden
+lane--I kept pushing to the left--he kept pushing to the right,
+straight for the pavilion. And as it stood before us----
+
+                          Julia (_terrified_).
+
+The pavilion?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Certainly.
+
+                         Julia (_shuddering_).
+
+So near!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+He said he'd like to see the old thing once, from the inside.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Good heavens! But he knows that's impossible--he knows your family
+history!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And you may be sure that's how I put it to him.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what did he----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+He was silent--and went back.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Went back! But he'll return!----
+
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You've dumped me into a pretty mess, you have!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Do, for goodness' sake, stop pitying yourself, and tell me what's to be
+done.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Haven't I told you?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I'll not go away! I will not go away! He can't come in here! I will not
+leave this place!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Listen! I'll have a carriage here--at one o'clock in the night--behind
+the park wall. Take it as far as the station.--Listen, I tell you!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+No, no, no! As soon as I step into the street, I'm lost. And you, too!
+You don't know him! Gentle and tractable as he seems, when once he's
+angry, his blood boils over!--If I hadn't taken the cartridges out of
+his revolver in those days, he-- Why, I've seen him pick up two
+unmanageable boys on our place and swing them over his shoulder into
+the mill stream! And they would have been ground to pieces, too, if he
+hadn't braced himself against the shaft. Pierre, Pierre, never get into
+his way again. He's merciless!
+
+                   Pierre (_feigning indifference_).
+
+Oh, nonsense! I can hit the ace of hearts at twenty paces! I'll show
+him!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes, you'll "show him"! Do you suppose that he's going to wait until
+you take a shot at him?--Devilish much he cares about your duels! He'd
+make a clod of earth out of you before you'd have time to take off your
+hat!--I tell you, bolt the gate, lock every room in the house, hide
+behind your mother's chair,--and even there you won't be safe from him!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+(_Struggling against his growing apprehension._) If that's the case,
+then--h'm, then the best thing for me to do is to disappear for a time.
+
+                   Julia (_trying to cling to him_).
+
+Yes, let's go away together!
+
+                        Pierre (_moving aside_).
+
+That might suit you.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But, after all, it would do no good. We could hide among crowds of
+people--in Piccadilly or in Batignolles--we could go to India or to
+Texas--and yet, if he took it into his head, he would find us none the
+less. Even if we should evade him--some day, sooner or later, you would
+have to return--and then--you would have to pay the penalty!
+
+                         Pierre (_stammering_).
+
+I--would--have to----
+
+                           Julia (_wildly_).
+
+So stay--stay here! Go and shoot him down!--at night--from behind!--It
+doesn't matter! Only--let--me--breathe--again.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you want to drive me mad? Don't you see that I'm trembling all over?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Because you're a cad and a coward--because----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes, yes--anything, for all I care! But go! Leave my property! Insult
+me, spit on me,--but go!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what then? What then?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Can't you write to him? Tell him that you have come back from your
+little journey--that you have reconsidered--that you can't live without
+him. Tell him to forget--and all shall be as it was before.--Now,
+wouldn't that be splendid?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Now when he suspects?--When he can follow me, step by step, here to
+this pavilion and back again? (_Contemptuously._) Splendid!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then try something else!--Oh, now I have it! Now I have it!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Speak, Pierre, for God's sake, speak! I'll love you as--! Speak! Speak!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You know him. His heart is soft?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes, except when he's in a rage, then----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And you are sure that he loves you deeply?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+If he didn't love me so much, what need we fear?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Good! Well then, take a carriage at the station and drive home; throw
+yourself at his feet and tell him everything. Tell him, for all I care,
+that you hate me--that you loathe me--I don't mind--grovel before him
+until he raises you. And then all will be well!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ah, if it were possible!--It would be deliverance--it would be heaven!
+I should be safe once more--a human being!--I should see the sun again,
+instead of these streaks of light!--I should breathe the fresh air,
+instead of this musty odour of dead roses!--I shouldn't have to sink
+down, down into the filth!--I shouldn't have to be a bad woman--even if
+I am one!--There would be a respectable divorce--or perhaps merely a
+separation. For, I no longer dare hope to live with him as his wife,
+even if I were satisfied to be no better than his dog for the rest of
+my days!--Ah, but it cannot be! It cannot be! You don't know him. You
+don't know what he's like when the veins stand out on his forehead!--He
+would kill me!--Rather than that--kill me yourself!--Here--now--this
+moment!--Get your duelling pistols. Oh no! There--there--there are
+plenty of weapons! (_She pulls at the weapons on the wall, several of
+which fall clattering upon the floor._) Swords--daggers--here! (_Throws
+an armful on the chaise-longue._) They are rusty--but that doesn't
+matter.--Take one! Stab me first--then--do as you please!--Live if you
+can--do!--live as happily as you can! Your life is in your hands.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--I dare say. Live!--But how? Where? (_Sobs chokingly._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Come, then--we'll die together--together! (_They sink into each other's
+arms and remain motionless in mute despair. After a time_, Julia
+_raises her head cautiously and looks about her._) Pierre!
+
+                          Pierre (_troubled_).
+
+Well?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Has it occurred to you? Perhaps it isn't so, after all!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Perhaps we've just been talking ourselves into this notion, little by
+little--think so?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You mean that he really wanted to do nothing but--look at the pavilion?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Well, it's possible, you know.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--at least nothing very unusual occurred.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But your naughty, naughty conscience came and asserted itself. Ha! Ha!
+What a silly little boy it is! A downright stupid little boy!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+My imagination was always rather easily aroused. I----
+
+                 Julia (_laughing without restraint_).
+
+Such a stupid boy!--Pierre, let's make some coffee--for a change, eh?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you know--I have to----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Dear me, mamma has had her tea long ago. Tell her you sat down in the
+shade--and fell asleep--anything! It's growing a bit shady here now.
+See there! The streaks of light have gone. (_Indicates a corner of the
+room in which the streaks of light have just grown dim._) Ah! but how
+hot it is! (_Tears her dress open at the throat, breathing heavily._)
+Will you bring me the coffee-pot, like a good boy?
+
+                         Pierre (_listlessly_).
+
+Oh, well--all right. (_Carries the coffee-pot to the table._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, you--you couldn't open the small door just a tiny bit? No one
+would look into the shrubbery.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, out there in the shrubbery, it's even hotter than in here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, just try it--won't you?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, you'll see! (_Opens the door at the left._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Whew! It's like a blast from a furnace! And that disgusting odour--a
+mixture of perspiration and bad perfume--ugh!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+That's from the roses of our by-gone days--they lie out there in great
+heaps.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Close the door! Hurry--close it!
+
+                          Pierre (_does so_).
+
+I told you how it would be!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Well, perhaps you could adjust the shutters at the large door so that
+we'd get more fresh air in here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Even that would be dangerous. If some one happened to be looking this
+way and saw the movement----
+
+                      Julia (_going to the door_).
+
+One has to do it slowly, ve-ry slow-ly-- (_She starts, uttering a low
+cry of fear, and retreats to the foreground, her arms outstretched as
+if she were warding off a ghost._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Sh! Sh! (_Approaches him cautiously, then softly._) There's a man--out
+there.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Where?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Hush! Come here you can see it against the light. (_They cautiously
+change places_. Pierre _utters a low shriek, then_ Julia, _softly,
+despairingly_) Pierre!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+It must be the gardener.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+It's not--the--gardener.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Who is it then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Creep around--and lock--the glass door.
+
+                      Pierre (_weak from fright_).
+
+I can't.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Then I will. (_She has taken but a few steps toward the door when the
+streaks of light again become visible._) He's gone now!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+How--gone?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+There--there--nothing----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Seize the opportunity--and go.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Where?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+To the gardener's house--quick--before he comes back.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+In broad daylight--half dressed as I am?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Throw on a wrap--anything--hurry! (_Knocking at the door on the left.
+They both stand rooted to the spot. The knocking is repeated. Then_
+Pierre, _in a choking voice_) Come in.
+
+(Wittich _enters. He is a large, burly man of about forty, whose whole
+appearance betrays neglect; his sandy-coloured hair is pushed back from
+his forehead in damp strands; his beard is straggling and unkempt; his
+face is haggard and perspiring, his eyes lustreless. He staggers
+heavily in walking. He speaks in a stammering, hesitating voice; he
+gives the impression, in sum, of a man who is deathly ill, but is
+making an intense effort to hold himself together._)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I beg your pardon if I am disturbing you. (_Both stare at him without
+venturing to move._)
+
+                        Pierre (_taking heart_).
+
+Oh--p-p-please----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I see you were about to make coffee. Really--I don't want to----
+
+                         Pierre (_stammering_).
+
+P-p-please--th-there's no--hurry----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, then we may as well--settle--our affair--first. (Julia, _who has
+been standing quite still, panting, utters a low groan. At the sound of
+her voice_, Wittich _catches his breath as if suffocating, then sinks
+into one of the chairs at the left and stares vacantly at the floor._)
+
+              Pierre (_edging up to_ Julia _then softly_).
+
+Can you understand this?
+
+               Julia (_glancing back--aside to_ Pierre).
+
+Keep near the weapons!
+
+                     Pierre (_as_ Wittich _moves_).
+
+Hush!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You must forgive me--I only wanted to--look after--my--wife. (_Breaks
+down again._)
+
+                       Pierre (_aside to_ Julia).
+
+Why, he's quite out of his mind!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Keep near the weapons!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I don't care--to settle--this matter--by means of a--so-called--affair
+of honour. I'm a plain man. I only know about such things from hearsay.
+And any way--I don't see that they help--m-matters much. (_Breaks into
+tearless sobs._)
+
+                           Pierre (_aside_).
+
+He won't hurt us.
+
+                         Julia (_stammering_).
+
+I simply--don't--understand it--at all!
+
+                     Pierre (_pointing to_ Wittich).
+
+Try it! Go to him!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He's not a bit like himself.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Go on! Go on!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+(_Who has timidly approached her husband, bid has drawn back at a
+movement of his, suddenly throws herself at his feet with great
+emotion._) George! George!--I am guilty!--I have sinned before
+God and you!--I acknowledge my crime!--My life is in your hands!--Crush
+me--grind me to dust!--But God knows, I only obeyed a wretched impulse.
+My love for you has never left my heart.--My one desire is to die. Kill
+me!--Here!--Now!--But forgive me! Ah, forgive me!
+
+                  Wittich (_staring straight ahead_).
+
+Yes, they always talk like that--in books, at least.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Forgive me!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+There is nothing to forgive. And I am not going to kill any one. What
+good would it do? (Julia _sobs, hiding her face in her hands._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, then--don't kneel there--like that--Julia, dear!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I shall lie here until he raises me. Raise me! Take me in your arms!
+Oh, George----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes, that's what they always say. (_Sinks into reverie again._)
+
+                        Pierre (_aside to her_).
+
+Hush! Stand up! (_She does so._) Well--h'm--I suppose I may assume,
+Herr Wittich, that you had some purpose in seeking this interview?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes--yes. (_Looking about him._) I can well imagine that my
+wife--er--that the lady must find it very pleasant here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, yes--we needn't hesitate to say that, need we, Julia, dear?
+
+                Julia (_uncertainly adopting his tone_).
+
+No, indeed, Pierre, dear.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+At least--she seems to have plenty of roses here.
+
+                      Julia (_laughing nervously_).
+
+Oh, yes--plenty.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the future?
+
+                        Julia (_still timidly_).
+
+I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn't I, Pierre?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes and
+inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life
+consecrated to Beauty and Art.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my
+wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses?
+
+                        Pierre (_embarrassed_).
+
+From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position
+to--h'm--h'm----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I see. But _until_ that moment--?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I--er----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the woman
+whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am
+willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, as for that, of course----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to legitimize
+your relations.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Not because--not that I don't dare insist upon _my_ rights in this
+affair, but because I want to guard _her_ from lifelong misery.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Really, you wouldn't believe how often we have discussed this
+question--would he, Julia, dear?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You shall keep
+your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to
+follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it's
+no one's concern but my own--no one's! (_Tosses her head._)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+May I inquire what those inclinations are?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+It's hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must-- Well, I want
+to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why
+talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like
+mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony
+with me now!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Really! Well--h'm--if I had known that you felt that way about it--I
+should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Tell me! Please!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--tell us--please!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I suppose I may assume that the people at the castle know nothing of
+this little adventure of the young Count's?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You may rest assured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a woman's
+honour.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Ah--really!--Well, I'm sure no one saw me coming here. So then, there
+need be no scandal.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties concerned.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being seen?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+That concern, however, I shall share with you--my dear sir. And it
+seems to me that the best plan would be for the lady to put on a decent
+dress, walk through the grounds with me, and pay a visit to the
+Countess at the castle.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What!--my mother--? What's the use of that?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+It will look as if she'd returned--and we'd--somehow--met here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you think any one is going to believe that?
+
+                          Wittich (_proudly_).
+
+What else should they believe?
+
+                       Julia (_frightened anew_).
+
+Oh, but I don't want to! I don't want to do that! Pierre! I want to
+stay with you! I am under your protection, Pierre!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+See here, my dear sir, let us suppose that your plan is
+successful--what then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--yes--afterward--what then?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Then?--Then-- (_Looks from one to the other, uncertainly, almost
+imploringly, and breaks down again._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well--won't you go on with your proposition?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes, I suppose that when a man has acted as I have acted here, he must
+have lost--his sense of pride--and honour--and all the rest of it--long
+ago.--Then nothing is left him but--his duty.--And the thing that seems
+to me my--duty--I am going to do.--Let the Count sneer at me--I no
+longer----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, please--I say!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, then, let me tell you something, Julia. After I had read the
+letter from Brussels, I had two rooms prepared for you--in the left
+wing--quite apart; so that some day, in case--you ever--came back-- Oh,
+well--it doesn't matter now. But the rooms--are--still there--and if
+you would like to come home with me now--straight off--well, you might
+be spared--some annoyance.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+H'm--so you're willing--? (_Shrugs his shoulders and laughs._) I
+suppose that sort of thing is all a matter of taste--but I can
+understand----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I am speaking to you, Julia.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, I thank you most heartily, George. It's certainly very noble
+of you--and--I deeply appreciate it. But after--this, I should
+always feel ashamed before you--I should feel that I was just being
+tolerated--I-- No. Thank you, George--but I couldn't stand it.
+
+                       Pierre (_correcting her_).
+
+That is--! (_Aside to_ Julia.) Don't be a fool!
+
+                  Wittich (_without noticing_ Pierre).
+
+You shall never hear a word of reproach from my lips, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But--if I should actually accept--we never could go on as we did
+before, you know. I must be free to do exactly as I please--to go
+away--come back--just as I like. There is such a thing as the
+sovereignty of the individuality, my dear George--you can't deny that.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Herr Wittich can't possibly deny that!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You shall have your own way as far as it lies in my power, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And then, you must try to bring a little more--more beauty into our
+life.--I surely have the right to demand that. Just look about you
+here. You know how passionately fond of roses I am. My soul demands
+something besides--potatoes! Well, I insist upon having roses around
+me. That's not unreasonable, is it?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You shall have roses enough to smother you.
+
+                         Pierre (_nervously_).
+
+Well, then, Julia, dear, I see no reason why we should not accept this
+proposition.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+What have you got to say about it?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I beg your pardon, Herr Wittich. I certainly don't want to offend you.
+But--as Julia and I have found so much in each other--haven't we,
+Julia, dear?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--so very, very much, Pierre, dear.--And to know that we were so
+near--and yet could never see each other or talk together, or-- I, for
+my part, couldn't endure it, could you, Pierre?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh--as for that--well, it would be hard, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what would the world say, dear George, if we should suddenly--and
+apparently without any cause--break off all communication with our
+neighbors? How would Pierre explain it to his mother? Why, he simply
+couldn't! No; if we are to carry out your plan, then everything must
+remain outwardly the same as before. Don't you agree with me, Pierre,
+dear?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+(_Hesitating, with an apprehensive glance toward_ Wittich.)
+Outwardly--yes, Julia, dear.
+
+                 Wittich (_losing control of himself_).
+
+So that's your condition, is it?
+
+              Julia (_with a sort of nervous impudence_).
+
+Yes, that's our condition--isn't it, Pierre, dear? (Pierre _does not
+reply, but looks at_ Wittich.)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Really?--Really!--Very well! (_He draws himself to his full height, his
+face flushes, and he looks around the room wildly, as if searching for
+something._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+What are you looking for, George?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+If you-- (_Gasps as if suffocating._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+George! George! What's the matter?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+There--there--there! (_With a loud cry, he falls upon the weapons and
+snatches one of the daggers._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Help! Help! Pierre! Save me!
+
+                      Pierre (_at the same time_).
+
+Help! Help! (_He pushes open the door and escapes, screaming_. Julia
+_rushes out through the door at the left_. Wittich _dashes after her. A
+piercing shriek is heard. After a short pause_, Julia _appears at the
+large door in the centre. She tries to go further, fails, supports
+herself against the door posts for an instant, and then reels into the
+room. She attempts to lean against the small table in the centre, but
+falls to the floor, dying. As she falls the small table is upset,
+burying her beneath a shower of roses._
+
+_Through the doorway at the left_, Wittich _is heard, sobbing and
+groaning. In the distance_ Pierre _is shouting for help. The sound of
+many voices, growing louder as the curtain falls._)
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   II
+
+                                 MARGOT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                  Herr Ebeling, a lawyer.
+                  Frau von Yburg.
+                  Margot, her daughter.
+                  Doctor von Tietz.
+                  Bonath, a secretary.
+                  A Servant.
+
+                            The Present Day
+
+The scene is laid in a large German city.
+
+
+
+
+                                 MARGOT
+
+
+_The richly furnished office of a prosperous lawyer. Pictures, bronzes,
+carved furniture, costly hangings. In the foreground, on the left, a
+window; turned toward it, a writing-table with a writing-chair behind.
+Near the window, a leather arm-chair. At the narrow side of the table,
+in the foreground, a low seat. On the right, a sofa, table, and chairs.
+In the background, a door which, when opened, reveals the clerks
+working at long tables. To the right, back, another door. The backward
+projection of the writing-table forms a revolving-stand for reference
+books. On the writing-table, among documents and writing materials, are
+photographs in standing frames and a slender vase filled with dark red
+roses._
+
+_It is winter, about six o'clock in the evening. The lamps are
+lighted._
+
+Ebeling _is seated in the writing-chair. He is a man of about forty,
+attractive, winning in manner, his clothes betokening wealth and
+refinement; he wears a short, dark beard, and his hair is slightly gray
+at the temples_. Von Tietz, _sitting opposite him in the arm-chair, is
+about thirty, very smartly dressed--in appearance a type of the
+ordinary drawing-room devotee._
+
+                Ebeling (_holding out a box of cigars_).
+
+There! Now let's chat. Will you smoke?
+
+                     v. Tietz (_helping himself_).
+
+Really now--if I'm disturbing you----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+See here, my dear fellow, if you were disturbing me, I'd make short
+work of you. But (_looking toward the clock_) my office hours are over.
+And we'll find out immediately what else there is. (_He rings._)
+
+               Bonath _appears with a bundle of papers_.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Is any one still there?
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (Bonath _lays them before
+him._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_To_ v. Tietz.) You can go on speaking. These are only
+signatures.--Have you a light?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+(_Who has stood up and is looking around the room._) Yes, thank you.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at once.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Yes, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+You've become a collector, I see.
+
+                          Ebeling (_signing_).
+
+One must have some diversion.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+What's that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original?
+
+                          Ebeling (_signing_).
+
+Would you expect it to be a copy?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+H'm, your practice is certainly splendid.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer than
+I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (_To_ Bonath.) Will
+it be necessary to work overtime?
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Not to-day, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (v. Tietz
+_listens attentively._)
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling. (_Goes out._)
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+The lady you are expecting is Frau von Yburg?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Of course you know that I've been the Yburg's legal adviser for years.
+
+                       v. Tietz (_sitting down_).
+
+Well, really, this is quite a marvellous coincidence. It's on account
+of the Yburgs that I've come to see you.
+
+                        Ebeling (_interested_).
+
+Is that so? What's the matter?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+My dear friend, if you hadn't so completely drawn away from all society
+since your wife l---- (_alarmed._) I beg your pardon.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Go on! Say it! Left me! Walked out of the house! You may say it. But
+then--drop it! Even our old fraternity friendship doesn't oblige us to
+be everlastingly putting each other on the grill.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+No, really--it escaped me somehow. I'm awfully sorry.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, well, never mind. You know, I speak of it quite disinterestedly.
+And it's a good many years since then. Only--I'd rather not be attacked
+unawares.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Don't worry. I'll be on my guard. But--as we've mentioned it--there's
+something I wanted to ask you before--only I hadn't the courage. Tell
+me, do you always keep her picture on your table?
+
+                      Ebeling (_in a hard voice_).
+
+Yes.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Then you still love her?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+No. I only keep the picture there to warn me against making a
+fool of myself again. So many charming women sit there where you're
+sitting, women just on the point of divorce--and therefore in
+need of consolation. Every now and then one of them undertakes to
+faint--um--and then I have to-- (_Holds out his arms._)
+
+                  v. Tietz (_bursting out laughing_).
+
+Aha! Very interesting! Very interesting!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+In short, it does no harm to keep the picture there.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Of course, everyone knows how much courted you are. For instance, no
+matter when I come to see you, I always find those beautiful roses on
+your table. They speak for themselves. Heavens! What a luxury! Roses in
+January!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Things like that come anonymously. If I knew who the sender was, I
+wouldn't accept them.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Let me with all due modesty give you a piece of advice: you ought to
+marry.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Ironically, shaking his finger at him across the table._) Thank you.
+But didn't you want to speak to me about the Yburgs?
+
+                               V. Tietz.
+
+Yes. What was I going to say?--Oh, yes. Well, if you hadn't taken it
+into your head to live like a hermit, you'd know that, for some time
+past, I've been a very frequent visitor at the Yburgs's.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, yes, I know. I go there myself sometimes--only not when other
+people are around.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Well, then, to make a long story short--why should I mince matters with
+you?--I am courting Margot.
+
+                         Ebeling (_startled_).
+
+Ah--you, too? You're also one of the crowd?
+
+                    v. Tietz (_conceitedly_).
+
+I trust that I stand up a bit above the crowd.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Indeed? I thought perhaps the social glamour of the Yburgs was
+attracting you. A thing like that can't help dazzling one. But
+that you----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Is it so surprising? That girl is so bewitching--so--so entirely unlike
+these forward, city-bred girls. With her, at least, one knows what one
+can count on. She's so--so the essence of everything innocent and
+chaste and pure.
+
+                          Ebeling (_quoting_).
+
+"Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow,"--thy dowry shall not
+escape me.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+No, no--don't joke. It's out of place. I won't deny that, as an
+official without fortune--that would also be very--h'm--but----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, but what have I got to do with it?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+See here, my dear friend, we scattered remnants of the old college
+fraternity have grown so accustomed to ask your help in times of need,
+to look up to you as a sort of father confessor----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Do you want me to go and propose for you?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+We'll talk of that later. But first I'd like to ask you something. See
+here, what rôle is Baron von Kanoldt playing in this family?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+So that's it!
+
+                               V. Tietz.
+
+You're his counsel in his divorce proceedings, aren't you?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+As the affair has become common talk, I need make no secret of it.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+They say that it is the wife who has been the martyr. And yet, after
+fifteen years, _he_ begins the divorce proceedings. Why should he?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear fellow, you must put that question to some one who's not so
+well informed as I am.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Oh, see here, I don't want to be indiscreet about it, but the further
+the case goes, the more persistent are the rumours that he has designs
+on Margot's hand--and, furthermore, that her mother is encouraging him!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Frau von Yburg will be here in a few minutes.--Ask her!
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+What do you take me for?
+
+                  Ebeling (_shrugging his shoulders_).
+
+Oh, well then----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+But just think! that man--forty, if he's a day, fat, worn out, a roué
+whose amorous adventures are common gossip to every cabby on the
+street!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Pardon me, my clients are all virtuous, young, handsome, desirable--of
+inestimable pulchritude.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+See here--are you chaffing me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I'm only trying to make you understand that you've unwittingly walked
+into the enemy's camp.
+
+                       v. Tietz (_standing up_).
+
+Very well--if you don't want to----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Also stands up, and puts his hand on_ v. Tietz's _shoulder._) My dear
+fellow, you're ten years younger than I. You're one of your country's
+young hopefuls. Go ahead and do what your heart and pocket-book bid
+you.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+I didn't need you to tell me that. (_A knock at the door._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come in.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Frau von Yburg and----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Ask her in.
+
+(Bonath _stands aside, opening the door. Enter_ Frau v. Yburg _and_
+Margot. Frau v. Yburg _is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but
+tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and
+betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention;
+but hidden behind her assurance, and scarcely noticeable, are the
+traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile_. Margot
+_is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy,
+reserved manner._)
+
+                    v. Tietz (_at sight of Margot_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch a
+glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind.
+
+                     Ebeling (_kissing her hand_).
+
+A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (_Shakes hands with_ Margot.)
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (_Gives him
+her hand._)
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+I'm very happy to meet you both--I hadn't hoped to see Fräulein Yburg
+here. But our friend believes in military promptitude. I have just
+received permission to take my leave.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+I hope that you will come to see us soon, Herr von Tietz.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+That's very kind of you. (_Bowing to_ Margot.) Fräulein Yburg!
+
+               Ebeling (_accompanying him to the door_).
+
+Good-bye, my dear fellow. No bad feelings now----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Oh, I say! Of course not! (_Goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Won't you sit down?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, no. Margot is only going to glance around a bit. Yes, my little
+girl, you may well look about. Between these four walls many a fate has
+been shaped.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Let us rather say, has been mended.
+
+                Margot (_softly, suddenly looking up_).
+
+Mine, too?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+(_Looking at her with evident disapproval._) Perhaps Margot may call
+for me again in half an hour. You won't mind?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It will give me great pleasure.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Then run away, dear, pay your visit, and let the carriage bring you
+back again. (_Sits down, right._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Giving him her hand with social assurance, but a little timidly, none
+the less._) Au revoir, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Au revoir, Fräulein Margot. (_Accompanies her to the door, and calls._)
+Bonath, see to it that Fräulein Yburg finds her way out. She is coming
+back later.
+
+                           _Voice of_ Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling.
+
+(Ebeling _bows to_ Margot, _who is already out of sight, and closes the
+door._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, Frau von Yburg, we've brought matters to this point.
+
+                       Frau v. Yburg (_sighing_).
+
+Yes.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+The divorce was granted yesterday morning.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, I know.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, aren't you pleased?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+My dear Herr Ebeling, my heart is so full of gratitude--really, I don't
+know how to thank you--for myself and also for my poor, dear child. But
+I'm so helpless--so perplexed--I really don't know--I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why, what can be wrong?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes--just fancy--well, then--_she won't do it!_
+
+                        Ebeling (_astonished_).
+
+What's that?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Think of the monstrosity of it! She won't do it.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Has she been notified that the divorce has been granted?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yesterday--just after the proceedings--Baron von Kanoldt--came--with
+his proposal.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+H'm!--quicker than I had expected.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+My husband, of course, was simply thunderstruck. One can surely
+sympathise with him--von Kanoldt--a man in the forties--divorced--with
+grown children--and _such_ a reputation! But when he saw that I took
+the man's part--I had to do that, didn't I?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+That was our only course.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Then his position, his wealth, his connections at court--oh, yes, and
+naturally our long friendship-- Of course, my husband doesn't surmise
+what this man did to her! In the end, he agreed that Margot herself
+should decide.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, and--? What----?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+She came, looked him quietly in the face, and asked for time to think
+it over.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It seems to me your husband was very clever. Otherwise, he might
+perhaps have----
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, but when we were alone, just fancy! she declared quite simply:
+"No, I won't do it." I exclaimed, "Why, my dear child, you're out of
+your mind! You know that we've done everything for the sake of this
+day!" "Yes, I know all about it--but I won't." "You've been wishing it
+for three years," I said to her. And what do you suppose she answered!
+"I never wished it. You talked it into me--and he."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+"He?" Pardon me, who?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+You, Herr Ebeling.
+
+               Ebeling (_standing up in his excitement_).
+
+My dear lady, it was my duty to carry out what you and Fräulein Margot
+desired--and what, in short, the circumstances demanded.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, I know! My God, how well I realise it! And what a task you've
+accomplished! No--when I remember how much persuasion, how much subtle
+reasoning, how much-- Ah, and how I've suffered these three years! See,
+my hair is quite gray!--And I still can't understand it! I still look
+upon the girl as if she were a stranger, a mysterious being who has
+lost her way and accidentally come to me. I--I who was brought up so
+strictly, watched, and carefully tended all my life, kept worlds away
+from any taint of the unconventional-- And she, too-- No, on that
+point, I can't reproach myself. And yet--this horror! No, I shall
+never, never understand it! Ah, and to have to bear it all alone! Oh,
+yes, I had to do that. My husband, with his long army training, would
+have forced him to fight--and then we should all have been dragged in
+the dust. Margot's life--our position in society--everything! Ah, if
+you hadn't been here, Herr Ebeling! Do you remember how I came to you?
+I think I was half dead from wretchedness! With the letter to him in my
+hand, the letter that I had taken from her as she lay distracted in my
+arms! Do you remember?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, don't speak of it! As I read that handwriting--still so
+childish--and that helpless, stammering question: "What has happened to
+me?"--God knows, everything turned black before my eyes! Oh! it's too
+horrible!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And then you yourself said to me, "You're right--the blackguard _must_.
+I'll make him."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I said it in the heat of the first great indignation. Please take that
+into consideration. After I went to work, I religiously kept to my
+programme to leave all threats and violence out of the question. Not
+only because-- Ah, as I've come to feel now, such a calm method of
+procedure would be impossible. But then I had to keep in mind that a
+new life--I don't venture to say a happy one--was to be gained through
+me. To-day, some one is grateful to me--the very one who at first
+opposed me most violently--that poor, wretched wife.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And now everything would have been forgiven. I can't understand it. I
+don't know--I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+So she won't do it?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And that's why I've fled to you in my need! Later, when she returns, I
+want to have gone. You understand? I've arranged it this way so that
+you could bring her to her senses. A little heart to heart talk, you
+know. But if your influence doesn't help, then I don't know--then----
+
+                    Ebeling (_walking up and down_).
+
+And so she won't do it.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, just explain it to me! The only possible way in which to
+rehabilitate herself in her own eyes! And she throws it to the winds!
+What can she be thinking of? What----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And so she won't do it!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+What's come over you, Herr Ebeling? You're not listening!
+
+                      Ebeling (_firmly, quietly_).
+
+Very well, then she _shall_ not.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+For God's sake! You, too! You, too, want----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear friend, I have done all that lay in my power, often against my
+own convictions, I can assure you. She knows what she is doing. She
+will not. Very well. I'm not here to bait her to her ruin. I am very
+sorry, but this time I must refuse my assistance.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But what will happen? Must all our work count for nothing--your work,
+my work? For I have worked over her with all my powers, I need not
+hesitate to say it, worked to place her again on those spiritual
+heights where a young girl of family by right belongs. I have led her
+back to Religion, for whoever has anything to expiate must possess
+Religion. I have read with her only the most carefully selected books,
+books that could never, never endanger a young girl's imagination. And
+I have taken special care to see to it that when she was in the company
+of young people, she should, if possible, be stricter and even more
+reserved than the most timid of her friends. For her need of such
+behaviour was double theirs, wasn't it? And you yourself will admit
+that my efforts have been successful. No one could deny it and look
+into those clear, steadfast eyes of hers. (Ebeling _nods assent._) She
+has become all soul--all----
+
+                     Ebeling (_doubtingly, sadly_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, indeed, Herr Ebeling. No clandestine, no unseemly wish finds its
+way into her heart. I'll vouch for that. She glides through life like a
+silent spirit, cleansed and purified.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And therefore we are to throw her into the jaws of that beast.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Is there any other way? Do you know of any?
+
+                         Ebeling (_tormented_).
+
+H'm! She certainly has suitors enough!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+She'll reject them all--as she has heretofore. She simply says, "I
+shall not begin my new life with a lie. I think too much of myself for
+that. And to confess, to tell the man, and have him turn his back on
+me, or out of pure pity raise me to his own level--I think _entirely_
+too much of myself for that."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I believe one can readily appreciate her feelings.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But what will become of her? Is she to wither and wear away--this
+heavenly young creature? (Ebeling _walks about, growing more and more
+excited. A pause._) Herr Ebeling, speak! Advise me!
+
+                          Ebeling (_firmly_).
+
+I know of only one solution: she must choose some one who knows it.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Who could that be--except----?
+
+                     Ebeling (_breathing heavily_).
+
+Except that man, there is only one other.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+(_Stares at him uncomprehendingly with her hands clasped, then
+stammering._) Oh! oh, God! What a joy that would be!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+What more can I say? Such things come and grow great in a man, one
+knows not how. She bore _her_ sorrow, _her_ shame, I mine. At first,
+perhaps, it was no more than a casual fancy--no, an interest, for my
+inclinations were always involved--but to-day it has become a passion,
+a passion that, lonely man as I am, gnaws me to the very core of my
+being.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But how have you managed through it all to keep so quiet, so
+deliberate, so----?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+One learns, little by little, to be master of oneself. And five minutes
+ago there was absolutely no hope, (_bursting out_) but if she no longer
+wants him--why shouldn't I--oh! (_Hides his face in his hand, trembling
+with emotion._)
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Wait! I don't see, after you've led him on to this point, how you'll
+ever justify all this to Baron von Kanoldt.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I don't know! Until now, I've led a tolerably respectable life. For, in
+the disgrace that _she_ (_pointing to the picture of his wife_) brought
+upon me, I played no part.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, yes, everyone in society knows that.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But I haven't once asked myself whether what I am now going to do--or
+should like to do--conforms to the prevailing standards of propriety.
+One ought to think it over, to let some time elapse--in short, I don't
+know! All I can say is that if she doesn't want him, if she won't take
+that--(_checking himself_)--him, well, then, the path is open to
+any one--to me as well as to another.
+
+                     Frau v. Yburg (_hesitating_).
+
+I feel that I ought to warn you of just one thing more. She has never
+seemed to consider you as anything more than a fatherly sort of friend.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+H'm! (_Laughs bitterly._) Even though I'm a couple of years younger
+than----, I've certainly acted more like a father to her. But you're
+probably right. (_Knocking._) Come in. (Bonath _enters._)
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+I've let the clerks go home. Have you any further orders, Herr Ebeling?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+You can go, too, Bonath. But tell my man to answer the door.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling. Good evening. (Bonath _goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Frau von Yburg, your daughter will return in a few minutes. Meanwhile,
+the scene has changed not altogether insignificantly. Do you still
+approve of that little private heart to heart talk--or not?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Ah, my dear friend, I have such boundless confidence in you. You've
+been her good angel for so long. I don't hesitate for a moment to leave
+her in your hands. And you'll carefully observe all the conventions? Of
+course you will.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But what can I say to her?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+You're so skilled in reading the heart. You'll have found a way to
+make her confess something before she's aware of it. Only let me beg of
+you--if you find nothing in what she says that gives you reason to
+hope, then please don't worry her. She has already suffered so much.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Very well, then, I'll proceed upon the assumption that I have only to
+comply with the request that brought you to me to-day.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+If you would----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Hush! (_Listens at the door, then pointing to the right._) May I ask
+you to go out this door? You know your way.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And please, please, spare her delicacy. You've no idea how pure she
+is--in spite of----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+If I didn't know _that_-- (_Knocking. He opens the door, right._)
+Good-bye.
+
+                      (Frau v. Yburg _goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come in.
+
+                              The Servant.
+
+A young lady is outside. She wants to know whether her mother is still
+here.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Hurrying to the centre door--vivaciously._) Just fancy Fräulein
+Margot, your mother thought you'd no longer be coming, and has only
+just left. (Margot _appears at the centre door, and stands there,
+hesitating._) But won't you come in for a few moments?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Gladly, if I may. (_Looking about irresolutely._) Only I don't know
+whether I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+What, my dear child?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+It isn't usually mamma's way to go off without me.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Then I'll take you home myself. You need have no fears.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, I'm not afraid.
+
+                 Ebeling (_inviting her to sit down_).
+
+Won't you----?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I'd like to look around a bit first; may I? I couldn't a while ago.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I'm only too happy to think that you take some interest in my home.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Dear me, mamma has so often told me about it. Of late years her visits
+to you were our principal topic of conversation. I think I've known
+every tiny nook here for a long, long time.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Really?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, there's the stand with the horrible law books! (_Sighing._) Ah,
+Herr Ebeling, everything in life is Law--and everything is in books.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear young girl, the hardest laws are never to be found in books.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Yes, you are right. The laws that drag us down to destruction are the
+laws that we make for ourselves. And all those beautiful women! I
+suppose one must be very beautiful to join them?
+
+                     Ebeling (_parrying lightly_).
+
+Most of them are clients who have presented me with their pictures as a
+token of gratitude.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, but I'm your client, too--and yet I should never dare to offer
+you my picture in that way.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+If you only----
+
+                          Margot (_startled_).
+
+Oh, and there's your-- (_Looks at him questioningly, confused._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, that's my former wife.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I saw her only once in my life. I was a mere child then. She was very
+lovely.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, she was lovely.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, and the wonder--wonderful roses! Mamma has told me that you always
+have such lovely roses.
+
+                          Ebeling (_lightly_).
+
+Yes, I have an agreement with a gardener. He keeps me supplied.
+
+                    Margot (_seemingly convinced_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+May I present them to you, Fräulein Margot?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, dear me, no. The gardener who keeps you supplied might be offended.
+
+                         Ebeling (_laughing_).
+
+As you wish.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+And this is the inquisitional chair--where the poor secrets are dragged
+out?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Quite the contrary! The secrets come forth of their own accord. I
+always have to say "stop."
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, then, I needn't hesitate to sit down. (_Does so._) _My_ secret
+you know--(_sighing_)--only too well!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear Fräulein Margot; the real secret of your life, the law that
+governs your thoughts and feelings, I believe no one knows--not even
+your mother.
+
+            Margot (_smiling and shrugging her shoulders_).
+
+My good mamma! And I'm here to give you proofs of that fact, am I?
+
+                         Ebeling (_evasively_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+The reason for my being here isn't the one you've given me.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Indeed! What is it?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I wasn't left here alone for nothing! Please go ahead, Herr Ebeling, do
+your duty and talk me nicely into marrying Baron von--(_shudders_).
+See?--I've never once been able to bring his name to my lips. And yet
+I'm to pass my whole life with that man! Can one picture anything more
+horrible? (_Shudders again._) Do you know of any occupation for me,
+Herr Ebeling?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Occupation? Why?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I want to leave home.
+
+                                Ebeling
+
+Is that your earnest intention?
+
+                            Margot (_nods_).
+
+But, unfortunately, I've learned nothing. And then--it has to be an
+occupation that wouldn't humiliate me--and that wouldn't spoil my hands
+(_takes off her gloves_), for I love my hands. I don't care a bit about
+my face, but my hands--they're like two friends. I can keep up long
+conversations with them--especially with the left. That one's so weak.
+So, something that wouldn't spoil the hands--and would leave me time
+for reading--and--well, I want to be alone.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I might have suggested nursing, even though it requires the constant
+use of the hands. But, of course, you'd never be alone.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+No. I have no love for my fellow-creatures. I don't want to do anything
+for them.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Those are hard words, Fräulein Margot.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I am hard. What have my fellow-creatures ever done for me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And--your parents?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+You refer to mamma? Mamma certainly means well. But mamma has torn my
+soul from my body. She has made use of the old principle of family
+rule--which may have had some sense in the Stone Age--and has turned me
+into a doll, a doll-creature that moves its eyes and says _ba_ when you
+press its head.--Just watch, Herr Ebeling!--Now haven't I a touching
+fashion of casting up my eyes when I look at you in this simple,
+thoughtful, innocent way?--And when I let the lids fall again in all
+the bashful piety that I still can muster--isn't it simply sweet?
+
+                         Ebeling (_earnestly_).
+
+My dear young girl, I really believe I must begin to say "stop" now!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Dear me! You're already disgusted with me! But if you had any idea--do
+you know what you'd think? "Pity that I wasted such pains on a creature
+like her!"
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I should never think that, my dear child. I should only pity you and
+love you the more.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I don't want to be pitied! And loved? (_Shakes her head._) At least not
+that way--and not the other, either. That's still stupider. When I
+listen to my friends--this one loves me, and that one loves me, and
+this one kept my glove, and that one kissed my handkerchief--ugh! It
+reminds me of the cackling of a lot of hens. Herr Ebeling, do you
+believe criminals are scornful?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why do you ask?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Please answer.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It's very often true of born criminals.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, then, I've the criminal nature.
+
+                 Ebeling (_laughing against his will_).
+
+Tut, tut, my dear child, why so--all of a sudden?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Because I inwardly shrug my shoulders at everything that goes by the
+name of Innocence. I keep thinking to myself, "You silly sheep, what do
+you know about it?"--Ah, and yet, I envy them! At the balls, I see
+everything as through a veil. The things that the men chatter about
+sound far, far away--oceans off. I always feel like saying, "Don't
+trouble about me. Go to that girl over there. She's stupid enough." And
+then--after I've come home--I weep, weep from sheer envy and utter
+boredom, weep until I have to turn my pillow.--And mamma? Mamma drags
+me from ball to ball: I mustn't be unlike the others, you know!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear child, if this goes against your nature, why don't you make
+some resistance? Why don't you show your mother that you have thoughts
+and feelings of your own which must be respected?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Ah, my dear Herr Ebeling, just be a whipped dog yourself, year in year
+out! The dog doesn't resist either--but suddenly, some day--when he's
+at the very end of his endurance--he bites his master's hand. I shall
+bite soon!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, I'll grant you that your mother has probably made some mistakes.
+But only out of love, or because she knew no better. Just ask yourself
+what would have become of you if you'd been left to yourself all this
+time?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I should have been embittered just the same--you're right--but I should
+not have let myself fall.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Who knows?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Never! And I'll tell you something to prove it. Severely as I have been
+watched--and--surely there's nothing coquettish about me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Certainly not.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+You can believe me when I say that, in the general moral tone
+prevailing over our society just now--and of which our mothers
+naturally know nothing--there lurks a temptation which has over and
+over again enticed even me. Such things are so personal, so secret--one
+cannot describe them. Oh, I could have done whatever I wished! But
+I said to myself: the first time, you were ignorant, you were
+sacrificed--or, at least, you can talk it into yourself that you were
+sacrificed--but if ever again--no, I can't say it after all!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I understand, my child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+If ever again--then you'll be lost--forever! Then there can be no more
+ideals, no more poetry--nothing lofty--nothing for which to work--and,
+worst of all, nothing of which to dream. For to dream--ah, one must
+dream, mustn't one? When one no longer has _that_!----
+
+                           Ebeling (_moved_).
+
+Yes, dear child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+But you mustn't think that I'm trying to make myself interesting, or
+that I stand here before you beautifully whitened and purified! Oh, no!
+What I'm going to say to you now has never been said to any one, to any
+man before. And you are going to despise me utterly. But I must say
+it--once, once in my life--and then the old hypocrisy can go on again.
+Well, I don't know what it is, but it's like a fire in me. No, worse,
+much worse! When I think of that frightful man, my heart fairly
+shrivels up. And yet--I can never get away from it. There's always a
+terror, a horror in me; and yet there is always an eternal--an eternal
+hunger. Yes--a restlessness--a search--the whole day long. It's
+strongest toward twilight. Then I want to go out--out into the wide
+world--to fly to unknown lands. Then I think to myself--out there, no
+one knows you; out there, there is no sin. Ah, it's as if I were
+lashed! And I heap such reproaches upon myself because of it! Even now
+you have not heard the worst. I must tell you the worst, too. Well, you
+know how I hate that man--yet, sometimes it seems to me that I must go
+to him and say to him--Behold, here I am again!
+
+                 Ebeling (_jumps up, muttering to himself_).
+
+What has he done? The scoundrel! The blackguard!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+There! Now you know on whom you've wasted your sympathy! Now I can go.
+(_Stands up, snatches her muff, and prepares to leave._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Who has been silently walking up and down more hotly._) It appears
+then that you still love that man.
+
+                Margot (_with a short, cutting laugh_).
+
+Oh, Herr Ebeling, if you've gathered _that_ from all I've said, then I
+might just as well have addressed myself to the four walls. I've been
+hoping for three long years that you would secretly manage the thing in
+such a way that I'd never have to see him again in all my life--never,
+never--not even from a distance.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why did you never confide in me before? Why to-day for the first time?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+_Can_ one do such a thing? Is one ever allowed to? I'm a well-bred
+young girl, you know. I must observe the conventions. How I came to do
+it to-day, I don't know myself. But formerly when you were alone with
+me, did you ever, at any time, give me to understand, even by a glance,
+that you--you knew anything--about me? Do you think such an attitude
+gives one courage? Ah, and in my need I've prayed so often, "Dear God,
+let him see into my soul! If _he_ doesn't free me, no one will."
+Instead, you've only plunged me the deeper--pushed me before
+you--always deeper into misery--into the arms of that beast--into the
+filth. (_Sinks into a chair, sobbing._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Regards her confusedly, then approaches her._) Dear child! That
+wasn't my intention! (_Laying his hand on her shoulder caressingly._)
+My dear, dear child!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Grasps his hand, and presses her cheek to it. As he tries to free it,
+she holds it the more closely._) Oh, don't leave me. I'm so lonely!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear, dear child. (_He bends down to her and kisses her on the brow.
+She throws her arms about his neck and draws herself close to him. He
+kisses her lips. She lets her head fall heavily upon his shoulder and
+remains motionless while he caresses her gently. With a sudden impulse
+she flings him from her, and sinks back in the chair._) Margot, my
+darling. Have I hurt you? Are you offended at what I did? If I've
+misunderstood, if I have abused your confidence, I earnestly beg you to
+forgive me.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, I've so hungered--so hungered--for this--kiss!
+
+                Ebeling (_turning eagerly toward her_).
+
+Margot!
+
+                      Margot (_warding him off_).
+
+No! Go away! Go away!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But you don't refuse me? And I'm not too old?
+
+            Margot (_passionately bursting into laughter_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I was never free from the fear that you might not see anything in me
+except an image of that wasted, old creature. (_Instead of answering_,
+Margot _stretches out her arms to him with a soft cry of longing_.
+Ebeling _draws the low stool to the writing-chair on which she is
+sitting, sits down upon it, and embraces her._) Margot, my youth, my
+whole youth that I've squandered and frittered away comes back to me
+once more through you. And now all will be well with you, too. It was
+only a nightmare. Your true self had nothing to do with it. Only--you
+must take heart again--you must think of yourself now.
+
+                        Margot (_ecstatically_).
+
+Yes, I am equal to anything now. I am not afraid to face the worst.
+I can even marry that man. I shall send him my acceptance quite
+calmly.--Of course. Why not?
+
+                          Ebeling (_shocked_).
+
+What!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Why should you be astonished at that? Now that I know you love me? Only
+for a year! Perhaps for two! Yes, two! Oh, please, two! Then, later,
+when you've left me, let others come! It's all the same, who! For
+marriage, of course, I'm entirely spoiled! But I'll be revenged on him!
+On him and on Virtue and on Loyalty and on all that stuff with which
+they've so long tormented me. And the evening before my wedding--then
+may I--come to you again? Toward twilight! It must be on a Sunday. I'll
+arrange for that, so we can be alone. Ah, I shall count the days till
+then! Why do you look at me like that? (Ebeling _stands up and throws
+himself on the sofa, burying his face in his hands. A long pause._)
+What can I have done? (_She stands up. Another pause._) Surely I
+haven't done you any wrong by loving you?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Go home now, my child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I wanted to leave some time ago, but you made me stay. (_She buttons
+her coat, throws on her boa, and is about to go out. Then she turns
+around resolutely, and places herself before him._) Oh, I know--I'm
+disgraced--I'm not worthy of anything better--; but I needn't have had
+to endure _such_ scorn and contempt! (Ebeling _rises, looks at her,
+groans, buries his face in his hands, and falls back into the chair_.
+Margot _kneels beside him, weeping._) Dear--dearest--what is it? What's
+wrong, my darling?
+
+             Ebeling (_compelling himself to be composed_).
+
+Stand up! (_She does so._) I am going to tell you. (_Stands up
+himself._) I asked your mother's consent to my marrying you to-day.
+There, now you know it. Good-bye. (_Sits down in the writing-chair. A
+pause._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Does not move. Her face becomes hard and bitter._) And now that you
+see what sort I am----H'm, yes. Ah, well, you'll soon console yourself.
+There are so many others. Why should it be just I? Let me suggest one
+of my friends--a dear--a pretty girl--with white teeth. Why take it to
+heart? It hurts for the moment--but one easily forgets. Such girls as I
+deserve nothing better. To them--one does this! (_Plucks the petals
+from the roses which are standing before her in the vase._) And then
+one throws them away--like this! (_Throws the petals in his face._)
+
+                 Ebeling (_brushing away the petals_).
+
+What have the roses done to you, my child?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I sent them to you. I, too, may destroy them.
+
+                       Ebeling (_springing up_).
+
+It was you, you who all these years----?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Good evening, Herr Ebeling. (_She goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Pauses for a moment irresolutely, struggling with himself, then
+hurries after her. His voice is heard._) Stay here! Stay here! Come in
+here! (_He reappears at the centre door, pulling her by the arm._) Come
+in here! Come back!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+What do you want of me? I'll cry for help----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come here! (_Drags her to the writing-table._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Leave me alone!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Be quiet! Be quiet! (_Picks up one of the pictures standing on the
+table._) There! That woman dragged my name in the gutter. Will you do
+the same? Answer me! (Margot _stands motionless, the tears running down
+her cheeks._) Answer, I say.
+
+                     Margot (_slowly and heavily_).
+
+Ah, one thinks and says so much when there's no longer a particle of
+hope in one's life.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I understand. (_He throws the picture on the ground; frame and glass
+are dashed to pieces._) Let us go to your parents. We'll arrange with
+them what's best to be done. (_As she doesn't move._) Well? (Margot
+_shakes her head._) You don't want to?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Not that way! As I am now, humiliated--mortified--disgraced--no, not
+that way! I am so tired of playing Magdalen! No! When I come, I'll come
+with a free step. I'll be able to look every man in the face! But I
+must find out first what I am still worth, and (_looking him full in
+the face_) it must be a great, great deal--to be worthy of you.
+
+                           Ebeling (_moved_).
+
+Give me your hands, dear.
+
+                          Margot (_doing so_).
+
+When we see each other again, they'll be red and ugly. (Ebeling _kisses
+her hands and presses them to his face._) Good-bye. (_She turns to
+go._)
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                  III
+
+                             THE LAST VISIT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                  The Unknown Lady.
+                  Lieutenant Von Wolters.
+                  Mulbridge, a horse-trainer.
+                  His Wife.
+                  Daisy, their daughter.
+                  Kellermann.
+                  Tempski, an orderly.
+                  A Groom.
+
+
+                            The Present Day.
+
+
+            _The scene is laid in a large German garrison_.
+
+
+
+
+                             THE LAST VISIT
+
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Well, now we have seen our poor, dear captain for the last time.
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+Yes. He was a good fellow, our captain and--awfully fond of horses.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Daisy, what's the matter, dear? You've been standing here all
+alone, and yet, until now, you wouldn't stir from the coffin.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I saw him quite well from here, mother, dear.
+
+                      Mulbridge (_caressing her_).
+
+My girlie--my little girl. Yes--we all loved him.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+(_To_ Tempski, _who is sobbing._) There, there, Tempski, hush now. (_A
+bell rings, right._) There's the bell; go and open the door. (Tempski
+_goes out at the right._)
+
+                      Mulbridge (_to the_ Groom).
+
+And we'll be off to the stables!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Sh! The Lieutenant!
+
+                      Mulbridge (_to the Groom_).
+
+Go on! (_Pushes the_ Groom _out, left._)
+
+(Lieutenant von Wolters _enters. He is an attractive young officer,
+very smart in appearance, wearing the uniform of an Uhlan_. Kellermann,
+_a self-possessed, sharp-eyed man, follows him. While they are
+entering_, Tempski _comes in at the right, quietly places a wreath on
+one of the piles near the columns, and goes out again._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, Herr-- (_He puts his hand to his eyes, overcome for the moment,
+then stiffly, trying to conceal his emotion._) Herr--Kellermann was the
+name, wasn't it?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+At your service, Lieutenant.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+You have done everything very satisfactorily. I am much obliged to you.
+You understand that the removal of the coffin to the church is to be
+accomplished as secretly as possible.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I'm silent as the grave, Lieutenant. My business sort of carries that
+with it, don't you know.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It will be dark about half past five. I have ordered the troops that
+are to accompany the casket to be here at half past six. At the
+church--the catafalque and the rest--I can confidently leave all that
+to you?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Most assuredly, Lieutenant. I shall see that everything is of the
+finest.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+But remember your instructions: all superfluous ostentation is to be
+rigorously avoided--to-morrow at the funeral procession, also.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I understand, Lieutenant--because of the way he met his death.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The reason does not concern you. (_Turns to go._)
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+Beg pardon, Lieutenant, but may I speak to you? I've been in the
+captain's service seven years. I've been in Germany nearly eighteen
+years--have a German wife and daughter. I'm not as young as I used to
+be. What's going to become of the horses and the racing-stable, and--
+the rest?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, it's really too bad about him, Lieutenant. He's so fond of his
+horses. Why, if ever you want to speak to him, you have to go and stay
+at the stable. That's the only way I can manage to see him.
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+And she's a great help to me, too, Lieutenant.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I can understand your anxiety, Mulbridge. The captain spoke about you
+on our last journey together. He especially commended you and your
+family to my care. But, of course, everything will depend upon the
+heir.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And who is the heir, Lieutenant?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one knows. He had no relatives. But be assured that whoever it is, I
+will do my best to----
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+Thank you, Lieutenant! Thank you! (_He says a few words aside to his
+wife and goes out, left._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Have you anything else to do here, Herr Kellermann?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Yes, indeed, a great many things, Lieutenant. (_Goes out at the centre,
+carrying several wreaths, and then returns for more_. Frau Mulbridge
+_helps him._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Oh, by the way, may I have a word with you, Daisy? (Daisy _comes
+forward_, v. Wolters _continues aside to her._) My dear child, I know
+that the captain had a great deal of confidence in you.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, he had.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well then, listen. Some one wishes to come here before the casket is
+removed some one who must not be seen.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Very well. She may.
+
+                         v. Wolters (_amazed_).
+
+What----? She----?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Why, it must be the lady.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What lady?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+The lady for whom he let himself be shot.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What! You know----?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+She had to come, of course. Who else should it be?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+H'm! Well then, listen carefully. If the undertaker--or any other
+stranger--should still be here when it begins to grow dark, throw on a
+wrap and wait at the door downstairs until a carriage stops. Will you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Certainly I will. And Tempski?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, Tempski, faithful as he is----
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Tempski was never around in those days.
+
+             v. Wolters (_looking at her in astonishment_).
+
+Oh--so Tempski--was never--around--in those days! H'm! Well then, I'll
+undertake to get rid of Tempski myself. Thank you, my child. (_Gives
+her his hand, then aloud._) I have another errand, but I'll be back
+soon. (_Goes out at the right._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What did the lieutenant want of you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Nothing in particular--something about the wreaths.
+
+                Kellermann (_coming in from the back_).
+
+Yes, with all those wreaths, we'll have to have an extra carriage for
+the flowers. He was a fine man, he was--a highly respected man! And on
+horseback! Why, I've won every time I bet on him! Ah, yes, but sooner
+or later they all have to come to me!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And he was such a kind master! He was just like a child sometimes--so
+light-hearted and happy--like a little boy! Lately, to be sure,
+he-- (_The bell rings._) Well, Daisy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+(_Who has stood without moving, lost in thought._) I guess Tempski will
+go.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, yes, you're right. Tempski is outside.
+
+                Tempski (_brings in a wreath, sobbing_).
+
+F-from--our--major.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Tempski, it's perfectly natural that the major----
+
+                                Tempski.
+
+From--our--major.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Take the wreath from him, Daisy.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_She does so_. Tempski _goes out, crying._)
+
+                Kellermann (_reaching for the wreath_).
+
+From his major that must go on the coffin!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I'll do it.
+
+                        Kellermann (_in doubt_).
+
+Don't you think----?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, let her; she looks after everything.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+But nail it tightly, little lady--else it'll fall off when they're
+carrying him to the church.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, yes. (_Goes out back with the wreath. During the following
+conversation, the strokes of a hammer are heard._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Everything is so well arranged here. I don't see why they've got to
+take him to the church.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+The official statement is that it will prevent any demonstration in the
+street. You know, the town folks haven't taken very kindly to this
+murdering business of late. But, of course, that's not the real reason.
+The truth of the matter is that several very influential ladies would
+like to attend the funeral without being seen. H'm!--love never dies,
+they say. Ah, the captain was no saint, I can tell you!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What do you know about it?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Oh, well, there's a lot of talk about the veiled figures that used to
+go in and out of here at twilight. And if these mirrors could speak--!
+That reminds me--I'd almost forgotten--we must cover the mirrors.
+(Daisy _appears in front of the curtain. She is staring into space._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+But since the casket is to be taken away in less than an hour--what's
+the use?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+That doesn't make any difference. The mirrors have got to be draped. It
+would be a blemish on my art--and I wouldn't answer for it.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Go get a pair of lace curtains to hang over the mirrors.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_She does not stir._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy! You're not listening.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes I am, mother, dear. You asked me to-- (_Falters._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I asked you to fetch a pair of lace curtains.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_Goes out, left._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Now that the child isn't here--tell me, Herr Kellermann, do you know
+anything about the cause of the duel? We're all groping in the dark
+here at the house.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Well, they're saying all sorts of things. But the dead are my friends.
+I never say anything against them. It's a business principle with me.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes--but the man who shot him, is he still walking around free as air?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Yes, that's the way with these fine folks. They fall upon one another
+like highwaymen. Your honour or your life! The man who survives can
+laugh. The man who falls--well, he falls into my arms. But, see here,
+getting into a duel with that fellow, that Baron Renoir--why it was
+nothing short of suicide! I tell you, where that man goes, no grass
+grows! On the turf, at the card-table, with the women--always the same
+story. That man shot him down like a rabbit. Oh, of course, it's
+always a fine thing to lay down your life for a woman. That's a phrase
+that----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Do you really think that a woman----?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Sh! Here comes your little girl. (Daisy _enters with two vases, which
+she is carrying very carefully._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What's that you're bringing?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I stopped and filled them first.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+But you were to get a pair of lace curtains!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, forgive me, mother, dear. I thought you said vases. I'll go (_Exit
+with the vases._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I don't know what's come over the child! Why, she's been such a help
+these days--thought of everything, wanted to do everything herself.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+A nice little girl--how old is she?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Seventeen, her last birthday.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Is she at school?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+She's been going to the Art Institute. She wants to teach drawing.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I suppose the captain thought a lot of her?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Oh, dear me, yes. She was always around him from the time that she was
+a mere child. They used to play together out in the yard like two
+little kittens! Of course, when she grew older, that sort of thing
+stopped. But lately, when he seemed so worried, I----
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+So he seemed worried, did he?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, indeed. I've had my suspicions for the last two months. Well, when
+he seemed so worried, I used to manage to send her in to him pretty
+often. She read aloud to him--and so on. (Daisy _enters with a couple
+of curtains, and a dark coat on her arm._)
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Thanks, thanks, little lady. (_Takes the curtains from her and stands
+on a chair under one of the mirrors._) What lovely Venetian lace! Ah,
+yes, every mirror comes to this sooner or later!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I'd like to get a breath of fresh air, would you mind, mother, dear? I
+feel so----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, yes, dear. Go out for a little while. (Daisy _puts on her coat._)
+
+              Kellermann (_in front of the other mirror_).
+
+Why, here's a little bunch of flowers!
+
+                           Daisy (_eagerly_).
+
+Oh, please, please, let me have it.
+
+                  Kellermann (_blowing off the dust_).
+
+If it doesn't fall to pieces. (_Hands it to her._) Ah, yes, many, many
+loved him! He had a beautiful life, he had a beautiful death, and, as
+for a beautiful funeral--just leave that to Kellermann! (_Takes his
+hat._) I'll be back again for the procession. Good evening, ladies.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Good evening. (_To_ Daisy, _seeing her take off her coat._) I thought
+you said you were going out?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, well, I've changed my mind now.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I'm glad, because one feels so--so alone in here.
+
+                   Daisy (_with a glance backward_).
+
+But we are not alone yet.
+
+                Frau Mulbridge (_shuddering slightly_).
+
+That's just it.
+
+                 Daisy (_staring straight before her_).
+
+I'm not afraid.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Tell me something, Daisy, dear. Weren't you in there last night?
+
+                           Daisy (_alarmed_).
+
+Last night? I?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, at the coffin.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+What should I be doing at the coffin?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Well, I thought I heard some one go past the door.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+You must have been dreaming, mother, dear.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Very likely. I haven't been sleeping well these nights. See here,
+Daisy, perhaps he's left us something--you, at least--tell me, haven't
+you been thinking about that sometimes?
+
+              Daisy (_apart, with a glance at the clock_).
+
+If she doesn't come soon----!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What's that you were saying? (_The bell rings_. Daisy _starts._) Why,
+what's the matter with you? (v. Wolters _enters._)
+
+                        v. Wolters (_calling_).
+
+Tempski!
+
+          Tempski (_at the threshold, in military attitude_).
+
+Here, Lieutenant!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Hurry over to the garrison church and see if everything is ready.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Kellermann will see----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+And then go--or no--stay there until the casket arrives. Do you
+understand?
+
+                                Tempski.
+
+At your command, Lieutenant. (_He goes out._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That's attended to. And now, my dear Frau Mulbridge, there's something
+that I want to confide to you. A visitor is coming here presently--a
+lady. (Frau Mulbridge _glances anxiously at_ Daisy, _who nods._) She is
+not to be seen by any one--except Daisy. Daisy, it appears, used to
+open the door for her sometimes in former days.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy--? What does this mean?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, Tempski might have gossiped, you know.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And so he let _you_ open the door?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I never gossip, mother.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I'm finding things out now! Why did I never hear of this before?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, you were always in the stables with father in the evening.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And there I was trying to keep this child from any knowledge of the
+things that went on in here--and he----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+We've no time for that now, Frau Mulbridge. Daisy, you will watch
+outside, won't you?
+
+                     Frau Mulbridge (_protesting_).
+
+Oh, that's too----
+
+                           Daisy (_firmly_).
+
+Yes, I'll watch. (_The bell rings softly._) Should I----? (v. Wolters
+_nods._)
+
+                  Frau Mulbridge (_calling her back_).
+
+Daisy! (Daisy _goes out without noticing her mother._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+May I ask, Frau Mulbridge, that you----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Very well. We have served him faithfully, and I'll not start making any
+trouble now at the end. (_Exit, left_. v. Wolters _goes to the door at
+the right, listens, and then opens it cautiously_. The Unknown Lady
+_enters. She is heavily veiled, dressed entirely in black, and carries
+a spray of white roses. As she enters, she staggers slightly and leans
+against the writing-table for support._)
+
+             v. Wolters (_who has softly locked the door_).
+
+May I show you the way, Countess? (The Lady _shakes her head and
+motions questioningly toward the back_. v. Wolters _nods, and she goes
+out through the curtained doorway. After a short pause_, v. Wolters
+_opens the door at the right._)
+
+                        v. Wolters (_calling_).
+
+Daisy! (Daisy _appears at the threshold._) Kindly see that no one
+enters the house while this lady is here--no one, do you understand?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, yes, I understand very well.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It may be that she has something else to say to me. If the men should
+come for the casket before she has left, take them around the other
+way. Keep the main entrance clear.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No, that wouldn't be safe.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, what shall we do?
+
+                      Daisy (_breathing heavily_).
+
+I'll--think of something.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+His death grieves you, too, dear child?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Me? Oh, yes--me too. (_She goes out_. v. Wolters _walks to and fro,
+pauses to listen in front of the curtain, turns on the electric lamp,
+again walks to and fro, etc. At a slight movement of the curtain, he
+stops, expectant_. The Lady, _still veiled, comes forward slowly until
+she has reached one of the chairs on the left. A pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Ah, Herr von Wolters--to let them close the coffin before I--I had seen
+him--I must confess, I had not expected that of you, Herr von Wolters.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I didn't dare prevent it, Countess--just because of your coming. It was
+the only way to have the house to ourselves.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't call me countess, Herr von Wolters. I am not a countess here.
+(_Glancing toward the door._) I am only an unhappy woman whom no one in
+this house knows, whom no one is to know.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Wouldn't you care to rest for a moment?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Are we quite safe here?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Quite. The little girl who, you say, is not unknown to you, is outside
+at the entrance. I have told her mother of your visit and she will not
+enter the house. If you wish, however, we can lock the door.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Yes, do. Or, no, perhaps it would be better not to--in case any one----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Very well.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Throws back her veil, revealing a very beautiful face, which is
+deathly pale and wears an expression of the deepest affliction. She
+sinks into the chair. A pause._) I wanted to lay my roses on his
+breast. Ah, Herr von Wolters, I loved that man with an infinite love.
+Perhaps grief will give my life a new and holier meaning--who knows? We
+seek beauty--and find grief. Tell me, Herr von Wolters, you were his
+best friend, did you never suspect----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Never, never.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And when you received my letter early this morning asking you to come
+at once--not even then?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I could draw--various conclusions--from that.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+For instance----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Oh, please--really, you must excuse me----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, Herr von Wolters. We are here--but why don't you sit down? (_He
+does so._) We are here together, you and I, to hold the last rites over
+our sainted dead. His friend and his beloved who else has any right to
+be here? Herr von Wolters, I have given you my full confidence--I have
+made a strange confession to you. You will not betray me?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And so, in this sacred hour, there must be no concealment between us.
+Answer me now. What does the world say?
+
+                      v. Wolters (_embarrassed_).
+
+The world says so many things, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Tell me, to what extent has my name been associated with this affair?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I can't conceal the fact from you, Countess. Your name is mentioned.
+
+                       The Lady (_thoughtfully_).
+
+Yes, that's what my husband says.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+But please let me add that not a shadow, not the slightest suspicion,
+has ever----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But what else can they think?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, when a woman is as beauti-- I mean, that when a woman
+is the centre of so much interest, it's not surprising that some notice
+was taken of the attentions which he--
+
+                   The Lady (_somewhat impatiently_).
+
+Yes--but----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It naturally was observed that my friend----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Our friend had a--what shall I say--a susceptible heart. We knew that,
+who knew him so well. This was not the first time he had--been
+interested in a woman. And that was why I arranged to have him seen in
+our house as little as possible--lately, not at all.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That fact did not escape notice, Countess. And as Baron Renoir was
+frequently seen with you--instead of----
+
+                     The Lady (_somewhat excited_).
+
+Don't mention that name, Herr von Wolters! I can't stand it! What could
+have possessed that man Renoir--? But do tell me the rest. I've heard
+only the merest details. They've only told me what they thought
+necessary.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one knows what actually occurred between the two men. He begged me
+to ask no questions. You know, he was so reserved of late. It may
+be that certain expressions which passed between them a few days
+ago--after they had been drinking--had something to do with it--no one
+knows. Perhaps there was some insult which was given in private--and
+which neither of them would make public. The assurance that the injury,
+whatever it may have been, was irreparable, must satisfy us.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh, how I hate that man Renoir!--quite apart from the trouble which he
+has gotten me into! My husband warned me against him long ago. "That
+scoundrel will compromise you some day," he said, "and then I'll have
+to fight a duel with him." Instead--this! Oh, you poor, poor darling!
+And now, when all was so quiet and peaceful between us!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, if you think that the change which came over him in
+the last few months betokened peace and quiet----
+
+                        The Lady (_nervously_).
+
+I don't know anything about that! It wasn't my fault! Was I to blame if
+he insisted on having notions? Tell me one thing, Herr von Wolters, did
+he die easily?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one dies easily, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Was he still living when they reached the house?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No, he died on the field.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Do you know my first name, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Certainly.
+
+                        The Lady (_hesitating_).
+
+Did he--by any chance--speak--that name?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That would have betrayed his secret, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I only meant--at the very last--when he was no longer--conscious.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No, Countess. But--pardon me, I don't want to be indelicate--but did he
+ever call you by some little--little term of endearment--some--
+(_Stops, embarrassed._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why do you ask?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+At the very end, he kept murmuring something that sounded like
+"Girlie"--or----
+
+                       The Lady (_indignantly_).
+
+My dear Herr von Wolters, our intimacy was of a different sort.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pardon me, Countess, but you yourself asked. (_She nods. A short
+pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Good heavens--these curtains over the mirrors! They make me feel as if
+I were looking a blind man in the eyes!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Would you like to have me remove them?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, no. Never mind. I want to ask you something, Herr von Wolters. Tell
+me, what do you think of me?
+
+                        v. Wolters (_confused_).
+
+What do you mean, Countess?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I want to know what I have done that I should be doomed to bring so
+much sorrow into the lives of others. I had only just left school when
+a strange young man shot himself under my window. It was on my account
+that my husband was transferred here from his former garrison. Tell me,
+what mark of Cain do I bear that all men follow me? I dress as simply
+as I can. I never go out without a double veil. Sometimes I have
+actually been tempted to throw vitriol in my face!
+
+                        v. Wolters (_candidly_).
+
+Oh, that would have been a shame, Countess!
+
+                         The Lady (_severely_).
+
+Herr von Wolters!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, Countess, to mar that image of divinity would be a sin--and I do
+not hesitate to repeat it beside the coffin of my friend.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't! (_Reaches him her hand, which he kisses respectfully._) Dear me,
+how strange it seems! Yesterday we scarcely knew one another--those few
+visits at my house don't count. To-day--this short conversation--and
+here we are, sitting side by side, the guardians of a secret which will
+be buried forever with him. It will, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah, my dear Countess, please do not offend me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Very well, I shall not worry. Did you love him very dearly?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I thought a great deal of him, Countess. He took care of me when I was
+a young fellow quite alone in the world. He was so-- Really, I don't
+know how I shall-- (_breaking down._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Courage, dear friend! We must both try to be brave.
+
+                         v. Wolters (_firmly_).
+
+Thank you, Countess. You will not have to reprove me again.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You evaded my question before. Do you consider me very guilty, Herr von
+Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+He loved you, Countess. That makes you holy in my eyes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I thank you for that word--little as I deserve it. It has never been my
+way to undervalue myself. But your opinion meant so much to me----
+
+                        v. Wolters (_puzzled_).
+
+What difference could my humble opinion----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't say that, my dear friend. There are few people--perhaps not even
+my own husband--who have ever seen me as you see me at this moment--so
+weak, so helpless, so--I had almost said--unguarded. Remember that--and
+spare me.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I hope that I have not been inconsiderate, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Putting her hand to her brow, stammering._) No, no, no; it's--it's
+grieving for him that makes me lose my wits. The world had so long set
+me on a pedestal that I thought I belonged there. Now I feel as if I
+were torn down. Now I lie there-- Herr von Wolters, pay no attention to
+me!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If I could only help you, Countess!
+
+                   The Lady (_smiling sorrowfully_).
+
+Help me--you? And yet, why not? His friend and his beloved! It is we,
+you and I, who are paying the last honours to the dead. Who could know
+his worth better than we? Whose grief could be more eloquent than ours?
+No, no, no--I must not talk. Ah, I see him before me now with his
+bright, careless smile--his conqueror's smile! I suppose you never were
+courted by women as he was?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, I lead a fairly quiet, uneventful life.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you're not--you're not a Puritan, are you?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I must let others judge of that, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh! I should like to cry out my sorrow to the whole world--say to them
+all, "You sordid souls, you couldn't know how much I loved him! What do
+I care if you damn me, if you----" (_The bell rings. She starts._)
+There's the bell!
+
+                      v. Wolters (_reassuringly_).
+
+Probably just a wreath.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And if it's not--a----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Why, Daisy is outside. But to make sure-- (_Listens at the door, then
+opens it cautiously._) Daisy! (The Lady _drops her veil_. Daisy
+_appears at the threshold._)
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+What is it, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Who rang?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+It was a wreath.
+
+                      v. Wolters (_to_ The Lady).
+
+Just as I supposed.
+
+                               The Lady (_to_ Daisy).
+
+Come here, dear. (Daisy _comes forward._) You used to open the door for
+me, didn't you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you don't know who I am?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You'll not try to find out?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, no.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Was he fond of you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, yes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And have you been crying since he died?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You're a pretty little girl.
+
+                            Daisy (_going_).
+
+Has my lady any more questions?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Taking out a gold purse, to_ v. Wolters.) Do you think one might give
+her anything? (v. Wolters _shakes his head._) Thank you, dear. We shall
+see each other again. (_As_ Daisy _lingers._) What is it?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Very well--since I shall see my lady again. (_Goes out._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+It did seem though, as if she were waiting for something.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If you will pardon me for the suggestion, it was surely not--not for
+money.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+By the way, this incident reminds me of something I was just about
+to-- Herr von Wolters, are you my friend?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If you consider me worthy of that distinction, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Most assuredly. Well, Herr von Wolters, there is something that
+troubles me--something that desecrates my grief, if I may use the
+word. There's the anxiety--the fear that-- Yes, yes--I must tell you
+all. Herr von Wolters, he has my letters. Do you understand? (_He
+nods._) Didn't he give you something for me--a small, sealed package,
+perhaps--nothing?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+You are forgetting, Countess, that I was ignorant of all this until a
+short time ago.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Yes, that's true. H'm--it's really too bad. Who has the keys?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Why, he gave them to me just before the duel. I have them with me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You've looked through the writing-table?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, I had to hand over his papers to the legal authorities. I didn't
+consider myself entitled to touch his private correspondence at
+present.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why not?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+He made a will the day before the duel.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Really? In whose favor?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I don't know.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What! Didn't he make any allusion--nothing----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The only thing he said was that he had named me as executor.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But he had no relatives. Who is to inherit his large fortune?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+As I've said, I don't know. However, he made a remark that I didn't
+quite understand, and that I--pardon me--would rather not repeat, if
+you don't mind.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh, please!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It might give you pain, Countess.
+
+                          The Lady (_sadly_).
+
+Nothing can give me pain after _this_.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, he said with a decided emphasis--though perhaps he did not intend
+that I should notice it--he said, "The one who loved me best shall be
+my heir."
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What! He said that? Who could have loved him best if not I?
+(_Terrified._) For God's sake, Herr von Wolters!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Don't be alarmed, Countess. That would be too grotesque.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Perhaps this is his revenge.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Revenge? On you? What for?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, no--I'm quite out of my senses, I-- But, as you have the keys, you
+won't mind doing me this slight favour.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What favour, Countess?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Search for the letters with me--now. It seems to me your duty, not only
+as a friend but as a gentleman.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pardon me, my dear Countess, you were certainly his last--perhaps his
+only great love. But his life was varied--and if we were to open his
+desk now--I really don't know what we might find there.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You mean there would be letters from other----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I must say no more.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Well, I'll shut my eyes. I'll only look for my own handwriting.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The will is to be opened in a few days, Countess. He has doubtless
+inserted a clause authorising me as executor to return certain papers
+to their owners--or destroy them.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Ah, I see you're a Puritan, after all.--No, no, I'll not trouble your
+conscience. This loyalty which you bear him to the very grave is
+so beautiful, so poetical, and I feel so near to you because of
+it--(_Putting her hand over her eyes._) Oh, those curtains in front of
+the mirrors! They make me feel as if I were dead myself, (v. Wolters
+_is about to tear them down._) No, no--don't. Thanks. Tell me, how long
+will it be before the will is opened?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Unfortunately, the day is not yet appointed.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I shall not sleep a moment until then. Not even my love, my grief, can
+outweigh this terrible fear. My honour, my future, my life--everything
+is at stake!
+
+                         v. Wolters (_amazed_).
+
+Countess!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Please stop calling me Countess.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Forgive me. What should I----?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Call me your friend. I want to be that. From this day you become closer
+to me than any other being in all the world. Are you not the legacy, as
+it were, that our dear dead has left me?--Ah, you and I must become
+like brother and sister, two beings who have--nothing--to conceal from
+one another. Herr von Wolters, will you be my guide, my confidant--my
+friend?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Countess! My dear, dear Countess!
+
+                          The Lady (_softly_).
+
+But you're not to----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Forgive me. Your kindness to me makes me feel so--confused--I----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why should it? I feel certain that if he could see us at this moment,
+he himself would join our hands together.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Countess, if you ever need a man who would let himself be torn to
+pieces for you----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, not that. I only want you to take this great weight from my soul.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah, Countess, I am a man of my word.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And that's what you call being torn to pieces for me?
+
+                       v. Wolters (_trembling_).
+
+Whether I can answer for this to him and to my own conscience--whether
+I can ever again think of him--without shame--will depend upon what we
+shall find in there.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you will open it? (_A pause._) Herr von Wolters, you'll not let me
+die of fear and distraction?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I'll open it.
+
+                The Lady (_laying her hand on his arm_).
+
+Thanks, thanks! Ah, you are good----
+
+                   v. Wolters (_taking out the key_).
+
+Don't thank me. I feel as if he could hear it in there.
+
+                 The Lady (_shuddering involuntarily_).
+
+No--no! (v. Wolters _turns the key in the keyhole unavailingly._) Won't
+it work?--Heavens, why your hand is trembling. Let me have it.
+
+           v. Wolters (_with a last attempt at resistance_).
+
+The keys were entrusted to _me_, Countess.
+
+                        The Lady (_coaxingly_).
+
+Oh, do let me have it. (_Sits at the writing-table and opens the
+drawer. With a low cry of surprise._) Empty!
+
+                    v. Wolters (_bending over her_).
+
+Empty?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Are you sure that this was----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, that was the drawer in which he kept his private papers. I'm sure
+of it.
+
+                  The Lady (_staring straight ahead_).
+
+Well, how can you explain----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Perhaps he burned everything.
+
+                  The Lady (_springing to her feet_).
+
+And perhaps not!--Who knows?--This is the way he played with the honour
+of the woman who gave him all! This is my thanks! This is the action of
+a gentleman!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No gentleman, Countess, can do more than let himself be shot for a
+woman.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Who asked him to do it? Was it my fault if jealousy of Renoir drove him
+mad? And perhaps this is really his revenge! Perhaps we'll live to see
+even more interesting disclosures!--This is my reward! This-- (Daisy
+_appears at the door in the centre._) What do you want?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I beg your pardon. My lady is looking for--letters?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+So you've been in there eavesdropping, have you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I brought in a wreath.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Well, what do you know about my letters?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Here they are. (_Takes a small package of letters from her dress and
+hands it to_ The Lady.) I intended to give them to you _secretly_ when
+you left.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Snatches the letters from her hand and looks at them._) How do you
+happen to have these letters?
+
+                         Daisy (_wonderingly_).
+
+Why, how should I happen to have them? He gave them to me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+To you? Who are you? Why to you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Because he knew that I would do exactly what he told me to do.
+
+                      The Lady (_to_ v. Wolters).
+
+Can you understand this?
+
+                         v. Wolters (_gently_).
+
+What did he tell you to do, Daisy?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+He said to me, "These letters belong to the lady who used to come to
+see me sometimes. No one is to know about her--not even Herr von
+Wolters.--When I am dead, the lady will----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Did he say that?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes. "When I am dead, the lady will probably come here again. If she
+does, give her these letters. If she doesn't, then burn them with the
+others."
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What others?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Those over there in the stove.
+
+                  The Lady (_examining the letters_).
+
+Look at this! Unsealed! Unwrapped!
+
+                           Daisy (_smiling_).
+
+He knew that I wouldn't read them.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I suppose from now on I shall be at _your_ mercy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I don't know you, my lady. And even if I did, you need have no fear.
+
+                      The Lady (_to_ v. Wolters).
+
+Isn't she kind!
+
+                     Daisy (_always respectfully_).
+
+But I should like to ask you a favour, my lady.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+By all means. What could I deny you, my dear?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+(_Goes into the room behind and returns with the flowers that_ The Lady
+_had brought._) Oh please, please take these roses--away--with you.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What does this mean?
+
+                         Daisy (_imploringly_).
+
+Oh, please take them!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What right have you to make such a shameless request of me?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I heard--forgive me, I didn't want to--I heard the way you spoke about
+him before. And it seems to me that your flowers no longer belong upon
+his coffin.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What do you say to that, Herr von Wolters? This person acts as if she
+were the mistress of the house!
+
+                           Daisy (_proudly_).
+
+I am.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Stares at her through her lorgnette and smiles._) Oh, really!
+
+                 Daisy (_her bearing pure and proud_).
+
+The night before he died I became--his wife. (_A long pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I hope you'll come and take tea with me in the near future, Herr von
+Wolters.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pray, excuse me, but official duties will make it impossible for me
+to----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Taken aback, but quickly recovering herself._) Thank you just the
+same. (_A loud ring._)
+
+                Daisy (_starts and looks at the clock_).
+
+There are the troops already.--Would you be so kind, Herr von
+Wolters--? Please let no one come in here. (v. Wolters _bows and
+hurries out at the right._) May I take you out the back way, my lady?
+No one will see you--or at least, only my mother. (_As the heavy steps
+of the soldiers are heard, to herself, in suppressed agony._) And
+meanwhile--they will--take the coffin--away! (_Regaining possession of
+herself._) But wouldn't it be better to drop your veil? (The Lady _does
+so._) And your roses--do take them! (The Lady _snatches the roses from
+her hand._) This way, please. (_She opens the door at the left and goes
+out slowly behind_ The Lady, _her eyes turned longingly toward the room
+behind._)
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   IV
+
+                         THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+                          A COMEDY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+
+      The Princess von Geldern.
+      Baroness von Brook, her maid of honour.
+      Frau von Halldorf.
+      Liddy      \
+                  > her daughters
+      Milly      /
+      Fritz Strübel, a student.
+      Frau Lindemann.
+      Rosa, a waitress.
+      A Lackey.
+
+
+                            The Present Day.
+
+
+_The scene is laid at an inn situated above a watering-place in central
+Germany._
+
+
+
+
+
+                         THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+
+_The veranda of an inn. The right side of the stage and half of the
+background represent a framework of glass enclosing the veranda. The
+left side and the other half of the background represent the stone
+walls of the house. To the left, in the foreground, a door; another
+door in the background, at the left. On the left, back, a buffet and
+serving-table. Neat little tables and small iron chairs for visitors
+are placed about the veranda. On the right, in the centre, a large
+telescope, standing on a tripod, is directed through an open window_.
+Rosa, _dressed in the costume of the country, is arranging flowers on
+the small tables_. Frau Lindemann, _a handsome, stoutish woman in the
+thirties, hurries in excitedly from the left_.
+
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+There! Now she can come--curtains, bedding--everything fresh and clean
+as new! No, this honour, this unexpected honour--! Barons and counts
+have been here often enough. Even the Russian princes sometimes come
+up from the Springs. I don't bother my head about them--they're just
+like--that!--But a princess--a real princess!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Perhaps it isn't a real princess after all.
+
+                    Frau Lindemann (_indignantly_).
+
+What? What do you mean by that!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+I was only thinking that a real princess wouldn't be coming to an inn
+like this. Real princesses won't lie on anything but silks and velvets.
+You just wait and see; it's a trick!
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Are you going to pretend that the letter isn't genuine;--that the
+letter is a forgery?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Maybe one of the regular customers is playing a joke. That student,
+Herr Strübel, he's always joking. (_Giggles._)
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+When Herr Strübel makes a joke, he makes a decent joke, a real, genuine
+joke. Oh, of course one has to pretend to be angry sometimes--but as
+for writing a forged letter--My land!--a letter with a gold crown on
+it--there! (_She takes a letter from her waist, and reads._) "This
+afternoon, Her Highness, the Princess von Geldern, will stop at the
+Fairview Inn, to rest an hour or so before making the descent to the
+Springs. You are requested to have ready a quiet and comfortable room,
+to guard Her Highness from any annoying advances, and, above all, to
+maintain the strictest secrecy regarding this event, as otherwise the
+royal visit will not be repeated. Baroness von Brook, maid of honour to
+Her Highness." Now, what have you got to say?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Herr Strübel lent me a book once. A maid of honour came into that, too.
+I'm sure it's a trick!
+
+            Frau Lindemann (_looking out toward the back_).
+
+Dear, dear, isn't that Herr Strübel now, coming up the hill? To-day of
+all days! What on earth does he always want up here?
+
+                          Rosa (_pointedly_).
+
+He's in such favour at the Inn.--He won't be leaving here all day.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+That won't do at all. He's got to be sent off. If I only knew how I
+could--Oh, ho! I'll be disagreeable to him--that's the only way to
+manage it!
+
+(Strübel _enters. He is a handsome young fellow without much polish,
+but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably
+good-natured._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Good day, everybody.
+
+                   Frau Lindemann (_sarcastically_).
+
+Charming day.
+
+                 Strübel (_surprised at her coolness_).
+
+I say! What's up? Who's been rubbing you the wrong way? May I have a
+glass of beer any way? Glass of beer, if you please!--Several glasses
+of beer, if you please.--(_Sits down._) Pestiferously hot this
+afternoon.
+
+                   Frau Lindemann (_after a pause_).
+
+H'm, H'm!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+In the first place, Herr Strübel, I would have you know that my name is
+Frau Lindemann.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Just so.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+And secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+(_Singing, as_ Rosa _brings him a glass of beer._)
+"Beer--beer!"--Heavens and earth, how hot it is! (_Drinks._)
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there at the
+Springs?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights--my soul thirsts for the heights
+every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown
+himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow,
+"I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."
+
+                     Frau Lindemann (_scornfully_).
+
+Bah!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Oh, you're thinking that _you_ are my beloved? No, dearest: my beloved
+stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here--up
+to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into
+her window--see?
+
+                           Rosa (_laughing_).
+
+Oh, so that's why----
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that?--Besides, I've no more
+time for you.--Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right
+away. Good-bye, Herr Strübel. (_Goes out._)
+
+                         Strübel (_laughing_).
+
+I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her
+head?
+
+                         Rosa (_mysteriously_).
+
+Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads--and--ahem--there are
+letters _with_ crowns and letters _without_ crowns.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Letters--? Are you----?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+There are maids of honour--and other maids! (_Giggles._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Permit me. (_Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger._) Ow! Ow!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, your head's on fire! Blow! Blow! And while you are getting some
+salve for my burns, I'll just-- (_Goes to the telescope._)
+
+(_Enter_ Frau Von Halldorf, Liddy, _and_ Milly. Frau Von Halldorf _is
+an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+What a pity that it's in use just now.
+
+                       Strübel (_stepping back_).
+
+Oh, I beg of you, ladies--I have plenty of time. I can wait.
+
+                 Frau v. Halldorf (_condescendingly_).
+
+Ah, thanks so much. (_She goes up to the telescope, while Strübel
+returns to his former place._) Waitress! Bring us three glasses of
+milk.
+
+           Liddy (_as_ Milly _languidly drops into a chair_).
+
+Beyond to the right is the road, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage--neither a royal
+carriage nor any other sort.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Let me look.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Please do.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It has disappeared now.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Are you quite sure that it was a royal carriage?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Oh, one has an instinct for that sort of thing, mother. It comes to one
+in the cradle.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_As_ Milly _yawns and sighs aloud._) Are you sleepy, dear?
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+No, only tired. I'm always tired.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Well, that's just why we are at the Springs. Do as the princess does:
+take the waters religiously.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill either on a
+hot day like this.
+
+                   Frau v. Halldorf (_more softly_).
+
+Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good luck, we
+should happen to meet the princess----
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+(_Who has been looking through the telescope._) Oh, there it is again!
+
+                     Frau v. Halldorf (_eagerly_).
+
+Where? Where? (_Takes_ Liddy's _place._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It's just coming around the turn at the top.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Well, then she's coming up on foot.
+
+                     Frau v. Halldorf (_to_ Milly).
+
+See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just as anæmic
+as you are.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my own
+carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk
+either.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+I can't see a thing now.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+You have to turn the screw, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't move.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Let me try.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+(_Who has been throwing little wads of paper at_ Rosa _during the
+preceding conversation._) What are they up to?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Well, what shall we do about it?
+
+                          Strübel (_rising_).
+
+Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some experience with
+these old screws.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Very kind indeed. (Strübel _busies himself with the instrument._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the princess
+can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the
+road?
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted old screw!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Ah, really?--(_Aside to her daughters._) And if she should actually
+speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present
+ourselves as the subjects of her noble fiancé, and tell her that we
+live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give
+us over the other women of the court!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to which the
+far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.
+
+                           Frau V. Halldorf.
+
+Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything about the
+report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the lonely
+villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning,
+but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously
+interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!
+
+                  Liddy (_who has looked out, back_).
+
+There--there--there--it is!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+The carriage?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the edge of
+the woods.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+She will surely enter it there, then. Come quickly, my dear children,
+so that it will look quite accidental.--Here is your money. (_She
+throws a coin to_ Rosa _and unwraps a small package done up in tissue
+paper which she has brought with her._) Here is a bouquet for you and
+here's one for you. You are to present these to the princess.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+So that it will look quite accidental--oh, yes! (_All three go out._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Good heavens! Could I--? I don't believe it! Surely she sits--Well,
+I'll make sure right away-- (_Goes up to the telescope and stops._) Oh,
+I'll go along with them, anyhow. (_Exit after them._)
+
+                      Frau Lindemann (_entering_).
+
+Have they all gone--all of them?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+All of them.
+
+              Frau Lindemann (_looking toward the right_).
+
+There--there--two ladies and a lackey are coming up the footpath. Mercy
+me! How my heart is beating!--If I had only had the sofa re-covered
+last spring!--What am I going to say to them?--Rosa, don't you know a
+poem by heart which you could speak to the princess? (Rosa _shrugs her
+shoulders._) They're coming through the court now!--Stop putting your
+arms under your apron that way, you stupid thing!--oh dear, oh dear----
+
+(_The door opens_. A Lackey _in plain black livery enters, and remains
+standing at the door. He precedes_ The Princess _and_ Frau Von Brook.
+The Princess _is a pale, sickly, unassuming young girl, wearing a very
+simple walking costume and a medium-sized leghorn hat trimmed with
+roses_. Frau Von Brook _is a handsome, stately, stern-looking woman, in
+the thirties. She is well dressed, but in accordance with the simple
+tastes of the North German nobility._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Who is the proprietor of this place?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+At your command, your Highness.
+
+                     Frau v. Brook (_reprovingly_).
+
+I am the maid of honour.--Where is the room that has been ordered?
+
+                Frau Lindemann (_opens the door, left_).
+
+Here--at the head of the stairs--my lady.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Would your Highness care to remain here for a few moments?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Very much, dear Frau von Brook.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Edward, order what is needed for Her Highness and see that a room next
+to Her Highness is prepared for me. I may assume that these are your
+Highness's wishes?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why certainly, dear Frau von Brook. (The Lackey, _who is carrying
+shawls and pillows, goes out with_ Rosa, _left._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Mais puisque je te dis, Eugenie, que je n'ai pas sommeil. M'envoyer
+coucher comme une enfant, c'est abominable.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Mais je t'implore, chérie, sois sage! Tu sais, que c'est le médecin,
+qui----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, ton médecin! Toujours cette corvée. Et si je te dis----
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Chut! My dear woman, wouldn't it be best for you to superintend the
+preparations?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+I am entirely at your service. (_About to go out, left._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+One thing more. This veranda, leading from the house to the
+grounds--would it be possible to close it to the public?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Oh, certainly. The guests as often as not sit out under the trees.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Very well, then do so, please. (Frau Lindemann _locks the door._) We
+may be assured that no one will enter this place?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+If it is desired, none of us belonging to the house will come in here
+either.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+We should like that.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Very well. (_Exit._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Really, you must be more careful, darling. If that woman had understood
+French-- You must be careful!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+What would have been so dreadful about it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing but
+your illness--that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonised milk
+yet--this is a secret which we must keep from everyone, above all from
+your fiancé. If the Grand-Duke should discover----
+
+               The Princess (_shrugging her shoulders_).
+
+Well, what of it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Otherwise?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.
+
+          The Princess (_with a little smile of resignation_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What is it, dear? (The Princess _shakes her head._) And then think of
+the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn!
+You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most
+exacting demands of life.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Of life? Whose life?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and unholy
+thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know
+that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And to go to sleep.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Ah, it isn't only that.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Look out there! See the woods!--Ah, to lie down on the moss, to cover
+oneself with leaves, to watch the clouds pass by high above----
+
+                      Frau v. Brook (_softening_).
+
+We can do that, too, sometime.
+
+                    The Princess (_laughing aloud_).
+
+Sometime!
+
+                  (The Lackey _appears at the door_).
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Is everything ready? (The Lackey _bows._)
+
+                   The Princess (_aside to_ Frau v. Brook).
+
+But I simply cannot sleep.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Try to, for my sake. (_Aloud._) Does your Highness command----
+
+                 The Princess (_smiling and sighing_).
+
+Yes, I command. (_They go out, left._)
+
+(_The stage remains empty for several moments. Then_ Strübel _is heard
+trying the latch of the back door._)
+
+                            Strübel's Voice.
+
+Hullo! What's up! Why is this locked all of a sudden? Rosa!--Open up!
+I've got to look through the telescope! Rosa! Won't you?--Oh, well,
+I know how to help myself. (_He is seen walking outside of the
+glass-covered veranda. Then he puts his head through the open window at
+the right._) Not a soul inside?-- (_Climbs over._) Well, here we are.
+What on earth has happened to these people? (_Unlocks the back door and
+looks out._) Everything deserted. Well, it's all the same to me.
+(_Locks the door again._) But let's find out right away what the
+carriage has to do with the case. (_Prepares to look through the
+telescope_. The Princess _enters cautiously through the door at the
+left, her hat in her hand. Without noticing_ Strübel, _who is standing
+motionless before the telescope, she goes hurriedly to the door at the
+back and unlocks it._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+(_Startled at the sound of the key, turns around._) Why, how do you do?
+(The Princess, _not venturing to move, glances back at the door through
+which she has entered._) Wouldn't you like to look through the
+telescope a while? Please do. (The Princess, _undecided as to whether
+or not she should answer him, takes a few steps back toward the door at
+the left._) Why are you going away? I won't do anything to you.
+
+                      The Princess (_reassured_).
+
+Oh, I'm not going away.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+That's right. But--where have you come from? The door was locked.
+Surely you didn't climb through the window as I did?
+
+                      The Princess (_frightened_).
+
+What?--You came--through the window?----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Of course I did.
+
+                   The Princess (_frightened anew_).
+
+Then I had rather (_About to go back._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Oh, my dear young lady, you just stay right here. Why, before I'd drive
+you away I'd pitch myself headlong over a precipice!
+
+                  The Princess (_smiling, reassured_).
+
+I only wanted to go out into the woods for half an hour.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Oh, then you're a regular guest here at the Inn?
+
+                       The Princess (_quickly_).
+
+Yes--yes, of course.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+And of course you drink the waters down below?
+
+                  The Princess (_in a friendly way_).
+
+Oh, yes, I drink the waters. And I'm taking the baths, too.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+
+Two hundred metres up and down every time! Isn't that very hard on you?
+Heavens! And you look so pale! See here, my dear young lady, don't you
+do it. It would be better for you to go down there--that is-- Oh,
+forgive me! I've been talking without thinking. Of course, you have
+your own reasons-- It's decidedly cheaper up here. _I_ know how to
+value a thing of that sort. I've never had any money in all my life!
+
+               The Princess (_trying to seem practical_).
+
+But when one comes to a watering-place, one must have money.
+
+               Strübel (_slapping himself on the chest_).
+
+Do I look to you as if I drank iron? Thank Heaven, I can't afford such
+luxuries! No; I'm only a poor fellow who earns his miserable pittance
+during vacation by acting as a private tutor--that's to say,
+"miserable" is only a figure of speech, for in the morning I lie abed
+until nine, at noon I eat five, and at night seven, courses; and as for
+work, I really haven't a thing to do! My pupil is so anæmic--why,
+compared to him, _you're_ fit for a circus rider!
+
+               The Princess (_laughing unrestrainedly_).
+
+Oh, well, I'm rather glad I'm not one.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Dear me, it's a business like any other.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Like any other? Really, I didn't think that.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+And pray, what did you think then?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, I thought that they were--an entirely different sort of people.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+My dear young lady, all people are "an entirely different sort." Of
+course _we_ two aren't. We get along real well together, don't we? As
+poor as church mice, both of us!
+
+                 The Princess (_smiling reflectively_).
+
+Who knows? Perhaps that's true.
+
+                          Strübel (_kindly_).
+
+Do you know what? If you want to stay down there--I'll tell you how one
+can live cheaply. I have a friend, a student like myself. He's here to
+mend up as you are. I feed him up at the house where I'm staying.
+(_Frightened at a peculiar look of_ The Princess's.) Oh, but you
+mustn't be-- No, I shouldn't have said it. It wasn't decent of me.
+Only, let me tell you, I'm so glad to be able to help the poor fellow
+out of my unexpected earnings, that I'd like to be shouting it from the
+housetops all the time! Of course, you understand that, don't you?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You like to help people, then?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Surely--don't you?
+
+                      The Princess (_reflecting_).
+
+No. There's always so much talk about it, and the whole thing
+immediately appears in the newspapers.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+What? If you help some one, that appears----?
+
+              The Princess (_quickly correcting herself_).
+
+I only mean if one takes part in entertainments for charity----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Oh, yes, naturally. In those things they always get some woman of rank
+to act as patroness, if they can, and she sees to it, you may be sure,
+that the newspapers make a fuss over it.
+
+                       The Princess (_demurely_).
+
+Oh, not every----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Just try to teach me something I don't know about these titled women!
+Besides, my dear young lady, where is your home--in one of the large
+cities, or----?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, no. In quite a small town--really more like the country.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Then, I'm going to show you something that you probably never saw
+before in all your life.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh do! What is it?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+A princess! H'm--not a make-believe, but a real, true-blue princess!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, really?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Yes. Our Princess of the Springs.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And who may that be?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, Princess Marie Louise.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Of Geldern?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Of course.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Do you know her?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, certainly.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Really? I thought that she lived in great retirement.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Well, that doesn't do her any good. Not a bit of it. And because you
+are such a jolly, good fellow, I'm going to tell you my secret. I'm in
+love with this princess!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+You can't imagine what a comfort it is. The fact is, every young poet
+has got to have a princess to love.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Are _you_ a poet?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Can't you tell that by looking at me?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+I never saw a poet before.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Never saw a poet--never saw a princess! Why, you're learning a heap of
+things to-day!
+
+                      The Princess (_assenting_).
+
+H'm--And have you written poems to her?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, that goes without saying! Quantities of 'em!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, please recite some little thing--won't you?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+No, not yet. Everything at the proper time.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, yes, first I should like to see the princess.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+No, first I am going to tell you the whole story.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, yes, yes. Please do. (_Sits down._)
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Well, then--I had hardly heard that she was here before I was dead in
+love with her. It was just as quick as a shot, I tell you. Just as if I
+had waited all my life long to fall in love with her. Besides, I also
+heard about her beauty--and her sorrow. You see, she had an early love
+affair.
+
+                     The Princess (_disconcerted_).
+
+What? Are they saying that?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Yes. It was a young officer who went to Africa because of her--and died
+there.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And they know that, too?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+What don't they know?--But that's a mere detail--it doesn't concern
+me. Even the fact that in six months she will become the bride of a
+grand-duke--even that can make no difference to me. For the present she
+is _my_ princess.--But you're not listening to me!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, yes I am!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Do you know what that means--_my_ princess? I'll not give up _my_
+princess--not for anything in all the world!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But--if you don't even know her----?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I don't know her? Why, I know her as well as I know myself!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Have you ever met her, then?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I don't know of any one who has ever met her. And there's not a soul
+that can tell what she looks like. It is said that there were pictures
+of her in the shop-windows when she first came, but they were removed
+immediately. In the morning a great many people are always lurking
+around the Springs trying to catch a glimpse of her. I myself have
+gotten up at six o'clock a couple of times--on the same errand--and if
+you knew me better, you'd realise what that meant. But not a sign of
+her! Either she has the stuff brought to her house, or she has the
+power of making herself invisible. (The Princess _turns aside to
+conceal a smile._) After that, I used to hang around her garden--every
+day, for hours at a time. Until one day the policeman, whom the
+managers of the Springs have stationed at the gates, came up to me and
+asked me what on earth I was doing there. Well, that was the end of
+those methods of approach! Suddenly, however, a happy thought struck
+me. Now I can see her, and have her near to me as often as I wish.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why, that's very interesting. How?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Yes, that's just the point. H'm, should I risk it? Should I take you
+into my confidence?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You promised me some time ago that you would show her to me.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Wait a second. (_Looks through the telescope._) There she is. Please
+look for yourself.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But I am-- (_She, too, looks through the telescope._) Actually, there
+is the garden as plain as if one were in it.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+And at the corner window on the left--with the embroidery-frame--that's
+she.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Are you absolutely certain that that is the princess?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, who else could it be?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, 'round about a princess like that--there are such a lot of people.
+For instance, there is her waiting-woman, there's the seamstress and
+her assistants, there's----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+But my dear young lady, if you only understood anything about these
+matters, you would have been certain at the very first glance that it
+was she--and no one else. Observe the nobility in every motion--the
+queenly grace with which she bends over the embroidery-frame----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+How do you know that it's an embroidery-frame?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Why, what should a princess be bending over if not an embroidery-frame?
+Do you expect her to be darning stockings?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+It wouldn't hurt her at all!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Now, that's just one of those petty, bourgeois notions which we ought
+to suppress. It's not enough that we have to stick in this misery, but
+we'd like to drag her down, too--that being far above all earthly
+care----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, dear me!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+What are you sighing about so terribly?
+
+                             The Princess
+
+Tell me, wouldn't you like to have a closer acquaintance with your
+princess, sometime?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Closer? Why should I?--Isn't she close enough to me, my far-away
+princess?--for that's what I call her when I talk to myself about her.
+And to have her _still_ closer?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why, so that you could talk to her and know what she really was like.
+
+                         Strübel (_terrified_).
+
+Talk to her! Heaven forbid! Goodness gracious, no! Just see here--how
+am I to face a princess? I'm an ordinary fellow, the son of poor folks.
+I haven't polished manners--I haven't even a decent tailor. A lady like
+that--why, she'd measure me from top to toe in one glance.--I've had my
+lessons in the fine houses where I've applied as tutor. A glance from
+boots to cravat--and you're dismissed!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And you think that I--(_correcting herself_)--that this girl is as
+superficial as that?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+"This girl"! Dear me, how that sounds! But, how should I ever succeed
+in showing her my real self? And even if I should, what would she
+care?--Oh, yes, if she were like you--so nice and simple--and with such
+a kindhearted, roguish little twinkle in her eye----!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Roguish--I? Why so?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Because you are laughing at me in your sleeve. And really I deserve
+nothing better.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But your princess deserves something better than your opinion of her.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+How do you know that?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You really ought to try to become acquainted with her sometime.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+No, no, no--and again no! As long as she remains my far-away princess,
+she is everything that I want her to be--modest, gracious, loving. She
+smiles upon me dreamily. Yes, she even listens when I recite my poems
+to her--and that can't be said of many people! And as soon as I have
+finished, she sighs, takes a rose from her breast, and casts it down to
+the poet.--I wrote a few verses yesterday about that rose, that flower
+which represents the pinnacle of my desires, as it were.
+
+                       The Princess (_eagerly_).
+
+Oh, yes. Oh, please, please!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Well, then, here goes. H'm--"Twenty roses nestling close----"
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+What? Are there twenty now?
+
+                         Strübel (_severely_).
+
+My princess would not have interrupted me.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh please--forgive me.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I shall begin again.
+
+            Twenty roses nestling close
+              Gleam upon thy breast,
+            Twenty years of rose-red love
+              Upon thy fair cheeks rest.
+
+            Twenty years would I gladly give
+              Out of life's brief reign,
+            Could I but ask a rose of thee
+              And ask it not in vain.
+
+            Twenty roses thou dost not need
+              --Why, pearls and rubies are thine!--
+            With nineteen thou'dst be just as fair,
+              And _one_ would then be _mine_!
+
+            And twenty years of rose-wreathed joy
+              Would spring to life for me--
+            Yet twenty years could ne'er suffice
+              To worship it--and thee!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+How nice that is! I've never had any verses written to me b----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Ah, my dear young lady, ordinary folks like us have to do their own
+verse-making!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And all for one rose!--Dear me, how soon it fades! And then what is
+left you?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+No, my dear friend, a rose like that never fades--even as my love for
+the gracious giver can never die.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But you haven't even got it yet!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+That makes no difference in the end. I'm entirely independent of such
+externals. When some day I shall be explaining Ovid to the beginners,
+or perhaps even reading Horace with the more advanced classes--no, it's
+better for the present not to think of reaching any such dizzy heights
+of greatness--well, then I shall always be saying to myself with a
+smile of satisfaction, "You, too, were one of those confounded artist
+fellows--why, you once went so far as to love a princess!"
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And that will make you happy?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Enormously!--For what makes us happy after all? A bit of happiness?
+Great heavens, no! Happiness wears out like an old glove.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well, then, what does?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Ah, how should I know! Any kind of a dream--a fancy--a wish
+unfulfilled--a sorrow that we coddle--some nothing which suddenly
+becomes everything to us. I shall always say to my pupils--"Young men,
+if you want to be happy as long as you live, create gods for yourselves
+in your own image; these gods will take care of your happiness."
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And what would the god be like that you would create?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+_Would be? Is, my dear young lady, is!_--A man of the world, a
+gentleman, well bred, smiling, enjoying life--who looks out upon
+mankind from under bushy eyebrows, who knows Nietzsche and Stendhal by
+heart, and--(_pointing to his shoes_) who isn't down at the heels--a
+god, in short, worthy of my princess. I know perfectly well that all my
+life long I shall never do anything but crawl around on the ground like
+an industrious ant, but I know, too, that the god of my fancy will
+always take me by the collar when the proper moment comes and pull me
+up again into the clouds. Yes, up there I'm safe.--And your god, or
+rather your goddess--what would she look like?
+
+                     The Princess (_thoughtfully_).
+
+That's not easy to say. My goddess would be--a quiet, peaceful woman
+who would treasure a secret, little joy like the apple of her eye, who
+would know nothing of the world except what she wanted to know, and who
+would have the strength to make her own choice when it pleased her.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+But that doesn't seem to me a particularly lofty aspiration, my dear
+young lady.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Lofty as the heavens, my friend.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+My princess would be of a different opinion.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Do you think so?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+For that's merely the ideal of every little country girl.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Not her ideal--her daily life which she counts as naught. It is my
+ideal because I can never attain it.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Oh. I say, my dear young girl! It can't be as bad as that! A young girl
+like you--so charming and--I don't want to be forward, but if I could
+only help you a bit!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Have you got to be helping all the time? Before, it was only a cheap
+lunch, now it's actually----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Yes, yes, I'm an awful donkey, I know, but----
+
+                       The Princess (_smiling_).
+
+Don't say any more about it, dear friend! I like you that way.
+
+           Strübel (_feeling oppressed by her superiority_).
+
+Really you are an awfully strange person! There's something about you
+that--that--
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I can't exactly define it.--Tell me, weren't you wanting to go into the
+woods before? It's so--so oppressive in here.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oppressive? I don't find it so at all--quite the contrary.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+No, no--I'm restless. I don't know what--at all events, may I not
+escort you--? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more
+openly--if one-- (_Takes a deep breath._)
+
+                       The Princess (_smiling_).
+
+And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light heart?
+
+                        Strübel (_carelessly_).
+
+Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there tomorrow
+again--and the day after, too!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And so that is your great, undying love?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path----
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment._) Oh!
+
+                     Liddy and Milly (_similarly_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her? Princesses
+don't grow along the roadside like weeds!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_Disregarding him ceremoniously._) The infinite happiness with which
+this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the
+extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring
+to address your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of your
+Highness's most noble fiancé, we could not refrain from----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Well, well! What's all this?
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+--from offering to our eagerly awaited sovereign a slight token of our
+future loyalty. Liddy! Milly! (Liddy _and_ Milly _come forward, and,
+with low court bows, offer their bouquets._) My daughters respectfully
+present these few flowers to the illustrious princess----
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I beg your pardon, but who is doing the joking here, you or----?
+
+(Frau v. Brook _enters_. The Princess, _taken unawares, has retreated
+more and more helplessly toward the door at the left, undecided whether
+to take flight or remain. She greets the arrival of_ Frau v. Brook
+_with a happy sigh of relief._)
+
+                       Frau v. Brook (_severely_).
+
+Pardon me, ladies. Apparently you have not taken the proper steps
+toward being presented to Her Highness. In matters of this sort one
+must first apply to me. I may be addressed every morning from eleven to
+twelve, and I shall be happy to consider your desires.
+
+                   Frau v. Halldorf (_with dignity_).
+
+I and my children, madame, were aware of the fact that we were acting
+contrary to the usual procedure; but the impulse of loyal hearts is
+guided by no rule. I shall be glad to avail myself of your very kind
+invitation.
+
+        (_All three go out with low curtsies to_ The Princess.)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What forwardness!--But how could you come down without me?--And what is
+that young man over there doing? Does he belong to those people?
+
+(The Princess _shakes her head_. Strübel, _without a word, goes to get
+his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to
+leave._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way----
+
+                       Frau v. Brook (_amazed_).
+
+What?--What!--Why, your Highness----!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Let me be, Eugenie. This young man and I have become far too good
+friends to part in such an unfriendly, yes, almost hostile, fashion.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much----
+
+                      The Princess (_to_ Strübel).
+
+You and I will certainly remember this hour with great pleasure, and I
+thank you for it with all my heart. If I only had a rose with me so as
+to give you your dear wish!--Eugenie, haven't we any roses with us?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+(_Examining herself and searching among the vases._) Well, how are we
+going to manage it?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+No, no--wait! (_Her glance falls upon the hat which she is holding in
+her hand with a sudden thought._) I have it!--But don't think that I'm
+joking.--And we'll have to do without scissors! (_She tears one of the
+roses from the hat._) I don't know whether there are just twenty
+(_Holding out one of the roses to him._) Well?--This rose has the
+merit of being just as real as the sentiment of which we were speaking
+before--and just as unfading.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+Is this--to be--my punishment? (The Princess _smilingly shakes her
+head._) Or does your Highness mean by it that only the Unreal never
+fades?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+That's exactly what I mean--because the Unreal must always dwell in the
+imagination.
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+So that's it! Just as it is only the _far-away_ princesses who are
+always near to us.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Permit me to remark, your Highness that it is _high_ time----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+As you see, those who are near must hurry away. (_Offering him the rose
+again._) Well?
+
+                                Strübel.
+
+(_Is about to take it, but lets his hand fall._) With the far-away
+princess there--(_pointing down_) it would have been in harmony, but
+with the-- (_Shakes his head, then softly and with emotion._) No,
+thanks--I'd rather not. (_He bows and goes out._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+(_Smiling pensively, throws away the artificial flower._) I'm going to
+ask my fiancé to let me send him a rose.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much--surprised!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well, I told you that I wasn't sleepy.
+
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Roses: Four One-Act Plays. Streaks of Light--The Last Visit--Margot-- The
+Far-Away Princess</title>
+<meta name="Author" content="Hermann Sudermann">
+<meta name="Publisher" content="Charles Scribner's Sons">
+<meta name="Date" content="1910">
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Roses: Four One-Act Plays
+       Streaks of Light--The Last Visit--Margot--The Far-away Princess
+
+Author: Hermann Sudermann
+
+Translator: Grace Frank
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2010 [EBook #34360]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROSES: FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Note:<br>
+Page scan source:
+http://books.google.com/books?id=sF8qAAAAYAAJ&amp;dq</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<table style="width:60%; margin-left:20%; border-top:solid black 2px;
+border-bottom:solid black 2px; border-right:solid black 2px; border-left:solid black 2px">
+<tr><td>
+<h3>BOOKS BY HERMANN SUDERMANN</h3>
+<h4><span class="sc">Published By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</span></h4>
+
+<hr class="W90">
+<p class="hang1">The Joy of Living (<i>Es Lebe das Leben</i>). A Play in Five
+Acts. Translated from the German by Edith Wharton. <i>net</i> $1.25</p>
+
+<p class="hang1">Roses. Four One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Grace
+Frank.
+<i>net</i> $1.25</p></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>ROSES</h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>ROSES</h1>
+
+<h2>FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS</h2>
+
+<h3>STREAKS OF LIGHT--THE LAST VISIT<br>
+--MARGOT--THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>HERMANN SUDERMANN</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN</h3>
+<h3>BY</h3>
+<h2>GRACE FRANK</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS</h2>
+<h2>NEW YORK:::::::::::::::::::::::: 1909</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3><span class="sc2">Copyright, 1909, by</span><br>
+CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS<br>
+Published September, 1909</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+<br>
+<div style="margin-left:20%">
+<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_light" href="#div1_light"><span class="sc2">Streaks Of Light</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_margot" href="#div1_margot"><span class="sc2">Margot</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_visit" href="#div1_visit"><span class="sc2">The Last Visit</span></a></p>
+
+<p class="continue"><a name="div1Ref_princess" href="#div1_princess"><span class="sc2">The
+Far-away Princess</span></a></p>
+</div>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>I</h2>
+
+<h1><a name="div1_light" href="#div1Ref_light">STREAKS OF LIGHT</a></h1>
+
+<h2>A PLAY IN ONE ACT</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHARACTERS</h2>
+<br>
+<div style="margin-left:20%">
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Julia</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Pierre</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Wittich</span>.</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">The Present Day</span></p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>The action takes place at a small pavilion situated in the
+park
+belonging to an old castle</i>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>STREAKS OF LIGHT</h2>
+<br>
+<p class="normal"><i>An octagonal pavilion of the Rococo period, the three front
+walls of
+which are cut off by the proscenium. Ceiling and walls are cracked and
+spotted by rain, and bear the marks of long disuse. At the back, in the
+centre, a large doorway. The glass door is thrown wide open; the
+shutters behind are closed. On the right and left, in the oblique walls
+of the room, are windows, the shutters of which are also closed.
+Through the blinds at the door and the right window, sunbeams in
+streaks of light penetrate the semi-darkness of the room.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>On the left, in the foreground, a Louis Sixteenth sofa with
+table and
+gilded chairs to match. On the wall above, an old mirror. Near the
+sofa, a tapestried doorway. A chandelier wrapped in a dusty gauze
+covering is suspended from the ceiling. A four-post bed with hangings
+of light net takes up the right side of the stage. In the foreground,
+in front of the bed, a table with plates, glasses, wine-decanters, and
+provisions on it. A coffee percolator stands under the table. In the
+middle of the stage, a little to the right, a chaise-longue. At the
+head of it, a small table. Between the large door and the windows,
+dusty marble busts on dilapidated pedestals. Above them, on the walls,
+a collection of various sorts of weapons. The Oriental rugs which are
+thrown about the floor and over the chaise-longue contrast strangely
+with the faded splendour of the past.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>The whole room is decorated with roses. On the table at the
+left is a
+bronze vessel of antique design overflowing with roses. Garlands of
+roses hang from the chandelier and encircle the bedposts. On the small
+table near the chaise-longue, a large, flat dish, also filled with
+roses. In fact wherever there is any place for these flowers, they have
+been used in profusion.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Part of the table which stands in front of the sofa is
+covered by a
+napkin, upon which are seen a bottle of wine and the remains of a
+luncheon for one. It is a sultry afternoon in midsummer.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Julia</span> <i>lies on the chaise-longue,
+asleep. She is a beautiful woman,
+about twenty-five years of age, intractable and passionate, with traces
+of a bourgeois desire to be &quot;romantic.&quot; She is dressed in white,
+flowing draperies, fantastically arranged.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>A tower clock strikes four. Then the bells of the castle
+are heard
+ringing. Both seem to be at a distance of about two hundred paces.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> <i>enters cautiously through
+the tapestried doorway at the left.
+He is a fashionably dressed, aristocratic young fellow who has been
+petted and spoiled. He is effeminate, cowardly, arrogant, and is trying
+to play the passionate man, although inwardly cold and nervous.</i></p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Laughs in her sleep. Her laughter dies out in groans.</i>)
+Pierre!
+Pierre! Help! Pierre!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>bending over her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes. What is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nothing-- (<i>Laughs and goes on sleeping</i>).</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>straightening up</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whew How hot it is! (<i>He stares at </i><span class="sc2"> Julia</span>, <i>his face
+distorted by fear
+and anger, and beats his forehead. Then indicating the outstretched
+form of the woman.</i>) Beautiful!--You beautiful animal--you! (<i>Kneels</i>.
+<span class="sc2">Julia </span><i>holds out her arms to him, but he evades her embrace.</i>) Stop!
+Wake up!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>tearfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Please let me sleep.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No! Wake up! I've only come for a moment. It's tea-time, and I
+have to
+go back to the house.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Please stay!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, mamma will be asking for me. I have to be there for tea.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>pettishly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have a headache. I want some black coffee!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then make it yourself. The gardener is cleaning the orchid
+rooms in the
+hot-house, and he has no time for you now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He never has time for me!--And the meals that his wife cooks
+are simply
+abominable!--And the wine is always warm!--Do, for mercy's sake, steal
+the key to the icehouse!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you know that I can't!--I always bring you all the ice
+that I can
+manage to take from the table. If I insist upon having the key, the
+housekeeper will tell mamma.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I won't drink warm wine--so there! That's what gives me
+these
+headaches.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Your headaches, I want to tell you, come from the roses.
+Ugh!--this
+nasty smell from the withered ones--sour--like stale tobacco
+smoke--why, it burns the brains out of one's head!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here, dearie, you let the roses alone! That was our
+agreement, you
+know--basketsful, every morning! I wish the gardener would bring even
+more! That's what he's bribed for.--More! More! Always more!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here, if you were only reasonable----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I'm not reasonable! O you--you-- (<i>She holds out her
+arms to him.
+He comes to her. They kiss.</i>) More!--More!--No end!--Ah, to die!----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>freeing himself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To die!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>with hidden scorn</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--to die. (<i>Yawning nervously.</i>) Pardon me!--It's as
+hot as an oven
+in here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And the shutters are always closed! For eight long days I've
+seen
+nothing of the sun except these streaks of light. Do open the
+shutters--just once!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For Heaven's sake!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just for a second!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But don't you realize that the pavilion is locked and that not
+a soul
+ever crosses the threshold?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, I know--because your lovely, reckless
+great-grandmother lost
+her life here a hundred years ago! That's one of those old-wives' tales
+that everyone knows.--Who can tell? Perhaps my fate will be the same as
+hers.--But do open the shutters!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do be reasonable! You know that in order to come in here by
+the side
+door without being seen I have to crawl through the woods for a hundred
+yards. The same performance twice a day--for a week! Now, if I should
+open the shutters and one of the gardener's men should see it, why,
+he'd come, and then----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let him come! I'll smile at him--and he's no man if he doesn't
+keep
+quiet after that! Why, your old gardener would cut his hand off
+for me any day of his life--just for a bit of wheedling!--It can't be
+helped--they all love me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>aside</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beast!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What were you muttering then? (<span class="sc2">Pierre </span><i>throws himself down
+before her
+and weeps.</i>) Pierre! Crying?--Oh!--Please don't--or I'll cry too. And
+my head aches so!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>softly but nervously and
+with hatred</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you know what I'd like to do? Strangle you!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ha! Ha! Ha!--(<i>pityingly</i>) Dear me! Those soft
+fingers--so weak!--My
+little boy has read in a naughty book that people strangle their
+loves--and so he wants to do some strangling too!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>rising</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, what's to become of you? How much longer is the game to
+last in
+this pavilion?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As long as the roses bloom--that was agreed, you know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bah! Then!--Why think of it? I'm here now, here under the
+protection of
+your lovely, ghostly great-grandmother. No one suspects--no one dreams!
+My husband is searching for me the whole world over!--That was a clever
+notion of mine--writing him from Brussels--Nora, last act, last
+scene--and then coming straight back again! I'll wager he's in Paris
+now, sitting at the Café des Anglais, and looking up and down the
+street--now toward the Place de l'Opera, now toward the Madeleine. Will
+you wager? I'll go you anything you say. Well, go on, wager!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On anything else you wish--but not on that!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why not?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Because your husband was at the castle this morning.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>rising hastily</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My husband--was--at the castle----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's so surprising about that? He always used to come, you
+know--our
+nearest neighbour--and all that sort of thing.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did he have a reason for coming?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A special reason?--No.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pierre--you're concealing something from me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>hesitating</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nothing that I know of. No.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why didn't you come at once? And now--why have you waited to
+tell me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>sullenly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You're hearing it soon enough.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pierre, what happened? Tell me, exactly!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, he came in the little runabout--without a groom--and
+asked for
+mamma. I naturally pretended to be going out. But you know how she
+always insists on my staying with her.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And how was he was he--just the same as ever?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, no, I wouldn't say that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How did he look? Tell me, tell me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the first place, he wore black gloves--like a gravedigger.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ha! Ha! And what else?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the second place, he was everlastingly twitching his legs.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what else? What else?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, he explained that you were at a Hungarian watering-place,
+that you
+were improving, and that you were expected home soon. (<span class="sc2">Julia </span><i>bursts
+out laughing.</i>) Yes, (<i>gloomily</i>) it's screamingly funny, isn't it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So I'm at a Hungarian watering-place! Ha! Ha! Ha!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he looked at me so questioningly, so--so mournfully--why,
+it was
+really most annoying the way he looked at me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At a Hungarian watering-place!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then, later, mamma said to him, &quot;It's a dreadful pity your
+dear
+wife isn't here just now. She does so love the roses.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what did he say?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our roses are not thriving very well this year,&quot; said he.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But his turnips!--They always thrive!--And then----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then a strange thing occurred that I can't help worrying
+about.
+Suddenly mamma said to him, &quot;Something very peculiar is happening on
+our estate this year. Now I can see from where I sit that the whole
+place is one mass of roses. And yet, if at any time I ask for a few
+more than usual, there are none to be had!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, you must have been shaking in your boots! Did you do
+anything to
+betray us?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I think I know how to take care of myself!--But suddenly
+he grew
+absolutely rigid--as if--as if he had been reflecting. He acted like a
+man who sleeps with his eyes open. Mamma asked him a question three
+times, and he never answered a word!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I say, did you come here to frighten me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>bursting out</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What is your fear compared to what I had to stand! Compared to
+my
+biting, nauseous shame as I sat there opposite him?--I scorned the man
+inwardly, and yet I felt as if I ought to lick the dust on his boots.
+When mamma said to him, &quot;You don't look very well, Herr Wittich--are
+you ill?&quot;--her words were like the box on the ear that she gave me
+when, as a lad of fifteen, I got into mischief with the steward's
+daughter.--Why did you drag me into this loathsome business? I don't
+like it!--I won't stand it!--I like to feel straight! I want my hands
+clean!--I want to look down on the people that I meet!--I owe that to
+myself.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reproaches?--I'd like to know who has the guilty conscience in
+this
+case, you or I?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How long have you been concerned about your conscience?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pierre, you know I had never belonged to any other man--except
+him.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you've showered sweet glances right and left. You've
+flirted with
+every man who would look at you--even the stable-boy wasn't beneath
+your notice!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And he was better than you!--For he wanted nothing more than
+to follow
+me with his eyes. But you, Pierre, you were not so easily satisfied.
+No, the young Count was more exacting. Corrupt to the core--in spite of
+his twenty years----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>proudly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am not a bit corrupt. I am a dreamer. My twenty years excuse
+that!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But your dreams are poisonous. You want a woman to be your
+mistress and
+yet be chaste--to keep the blush of maidenhood and yet be as passionate
+as yourself.--And what have you learned from your experience in the
+world? Nothing, except how to scent and track out the sins that lie
+hidden in one's inmost soul, the secret sins that one dares not admit
+to oneself.--And when the prey is in reach, then you fire away with
+your &quot;rights of the modern woman,&quot; your &quot;sovereignty of the freed
+individuality&quot;--and whatever the rest of the phrases may be.--Ah! You
+knew better than I that we all have the Scarlet Woman's blood in our
+veins!--Blow away the halo--and the saint is gone!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seems to me you found a great deal of pleasure in your sin!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--at least that's what one tells oneself--perhaps one feels
+it,
+too.--It depends--more in the evening than the morning--more in March
+than October.--But the dread, the horror of it, is always there.--The
+weight of such love is like the weight of one's own coffin-lid.--And
+you soon discovered that, Pierre.--Then you began softly, gently, to
+bind me to you with glances and caresses that were like chains of
+roses!--Yes, and that I become maddened by roses as cats by valerian,
+that, too, you soon found out.--Then--then you began to speak to me of
+the lover's pavilion--all covered with roses--where your ancestors
+spent happy, pastoral hours in wooing their loves--the pavilion that
+had been waiting so long for a new mistress. You spoke of adorning it
+with beautiful hangings--of filling it full of roses. Oh you, you
+Pierre, how well you understood!--Do have some black coffee made for
+me! If the gardener can't do it, make it yourself! Please, please!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, I tell you, I have to go back to mamma.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nowadays, you always &quot;have to go back to mamma.&quot; Shall I tell
+you
+something--a big secret? You are tired of me! You want to get rid
+of me--only you don't know how!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Your notions are offensive, my dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pierre, I know my fate. I know I am doomed to the gutter. But
+not
+yet! Don't leave me yet! Care for me a little while longer--so the
+fall won't be too sudden.--Let me stay here as long as the roses
+bloom--here, where <i>he</i> can't find me! Oh, if I leave this place I
+shall die of fear!--Nowhere else am I safe from those two great fists
+of his!--Pierre, Pierre, you don't know his fists--they're like two
+iron bolts!--You, too--beware of him!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>half to himself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why do you say that to me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was always jealous of you. When you sent the hothouse roses
+in
+April, he became suspicious. Ever since then, he has continually had
+the notion of an admirer in his head. That was the danger-signal!
+Pierre, if he surmised--then you would be the first--and I would come
+afterward! Pierre, if you drive me to desperation, I'll give you up to
+him!----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you mad?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'll write him a letter something like this: &quot;If you want to
+find the
+traces of my flight, search the rubbish heap behind the lover's
+pavilion. Search for the faded petals of the roses upon which, night
+after night, Pierre and I celebrated our union. Search the highway for
+the bloody prints of my bare feet after he turned me out. Then search
+the dregs of the brothels where I found a refuge. And then--then avenge
+me!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You'll do nothing of the kind, you-- (<i>Seizes her by the
+wrists.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nonsense! You have no strength! (<i>Disengages herself without
+difficulty.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You've taken it out of me, you beast!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beast?--You've been muttering that word now for a couple of
+days. This
+is the first time that you have flung it in my face.--What have I done
+that was bestial except to throw my young life at your feet?--And so
+this is the end of our rose-fête?----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>in a low voice, breathing
+with difficulty</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, not yet--the end is still to come!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I dare say.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In fact--you must--leave here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I dare say.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you understand?--You must leave this place--at once!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm--just so.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For--you must know--you are no longer safe here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>turning pale</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not here either?--Not even here?----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I didn't tell you everything, before.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you up to some new trick now?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After I had accompanied him down the steps, he asked--very
+suddenly--to
+see the park.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The park----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. And he seemed to be searching every rose-bush as if to
+count
+the number of blossoms that had been cut from it. Then--in the linden
+lane--I kept pushing to the left--he kept pushing to the right,
+straight for the pavilion. And as it stood before us----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>terrified</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The pavilion?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>shuddering</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So near!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He said he'd like to see the old thing once, from the inside.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good heavens! But he knows that's impossible--he knows your
+family
+history!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And you may be sure that's how I put it to him.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what did he----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was silent--and went back.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Went back! But he'll return!----
+</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You've dumped me into a pretty mess, you have!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do, for goodness' sake, stop pitying yourself, and tell me
+what's to be
+done.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Haven't I told you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'll not go away! I will not go away! He can't come in here! I
+will not
+leave this place!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Listen! I'll have a carriage here--at one o'clock in the
+night--behind
+the park wall. Take it as far as the station.--Listen, I tell you!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no, no! As soon as I step into the street, I'm lost. And
+you, too!
+You don't know him! Gentle and tractable as he seems, when once he's
+angry, his blood boils over!--If I hadn't taken the cartridges out of
+his revolver in those days, he-- Why, I've seen him pick up two
+unmanageable boys on our place and swing them over his shoulder into
+the mill stream! And they would have been ground to pieces, too, if he
+hadn't braced himself against the shaft. Pierre, Pierre, never get into
+his way again. He's merciless!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>feigning indifference</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, nonsense! I can hit the ace of hearts at twenty paces!
+I'll show
+him!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, you'll &quot;show him&quot;! Do you suppose that he's going to wait
+until
+you take a shot at him?--Devilish much he cares about your duels! He'd
+make a clod of earth out of you before you'd have time to take off your
+hat!--I tell you, bolt the gate, lock every room in the house, hide
+behind your mother's chair,--and even there you won't be safe from him!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Struggling against his growing apprehension.</i>) If
+that's the case,
+then--h'm, then the best thing for me to do is to disappear for a time.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>trying to cling to him</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, let's go away together!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>moving aside</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That might suit you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, after all, it would do no good. We could hide among
+crowds of
+people--in Piccadilly or in Batignolles--we could go to India or to
+Texas--and yet, if he took it into his head, he would find us none the
+less. Even if we should evade him--some day, sooner or later, you would
+have to return--and then--you would have to pay the penalty!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>stammering</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I--would--have to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>wildly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So stay--stay here! Go and shoot him down!--at night--from
+behind!--It
+doesn't matter! Only--let--me--breathe--again.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you want to drive me mad? Don't you see that I'm trembling
+all over?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Because you're a cad and a coward--because----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes--anything, for all I care! But go! Leave my property!
+Insult
+me, spit on me,--but go!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what then? What then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Can't you write to him? Tell him that you have come back from
+your
+little journey--that you have reconsidered--that you can't live without
+him. Tell him to forget--and all shall be as it was before.--Now,
+wouldn't that be splendid?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now when he suspects?--When he can follow me, step by step,
+here to
+this pavilion and back again? (<i>Contemptuously.</i>) Splendid!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then try something else!--Oh, now I have it! Now I have it!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Speak, Pierre, for God's sake, speak! I'll love you as--!
+Speak! Speak!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You know him. His heart is soft?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, except when he's in a rage, then----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And you are sure that he loves you deeply?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If he didn't love me so much, what need we fear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good! Well then, take a carriage at the station and drive
+home; throw
+yourself at his feet and tell him everything. Tell him, for all I care,
+that you hate me--that you loathe me--I don't mind--grovel before him
+until he raises you. And then all will be well!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, if it were possible!--It would be deliverance--it would be
+heaven!
+I should be safe once more--a human being!--I should see the sun again,
+instead of these streaks of light!--I should breathe the fresh air,
+instead of this musty odour of dead roses!--I shouldn't have to sink
+down, down into the filth!--I shouldn't have to be a bad woman--even if
+I am one!--There would be a respectable divorce--or perhaps merely a
+separation. For, I no longer dare hope to live with him as his wife,
+even if I were satisfied to be no better than his dog for the rest of
+my days!--Ah, but it cannot be! It cannot be! You don't know him. You
+don't know what he's like when the veins stand out on his forehead!--He
+would kill me!--Rather than that--kill me yourself!--Here--now--this
+moment!--Get your duelling pistols. Oh no! There--there--there are
+plenty of weapons! (<i>She pulls at the weapons on the wall, several of
+which fall clattering upon the floor.</i>) Swords--daggers--here! (<i>Throws
+an armful on the chaise-longue.</i>) They are rusty--but that doesn't
+matter.--Take one! Stab me first--then--do as you please!--Live if you
+can--do!--live as happily as you can! Your life is in your hands.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--I dare say. Live!--But how? Where? (<i>Sobs chokingly.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Come, then--we'll die together--together! (<i>They sink into
+each other's
+arms and remain motionless in mute despair. After a time</i>, Julia
+<i>raises her head cautiously and looks about her.</i>) Pierre!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>troubled</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Has it occurred to you? Perhaps it isn't so, after all!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you mean?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps we've just been talking ourselves into this notion,
+little by
+little--think so?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You mean that he really wanted to do nothing but--look at the
+pavilion?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, it's possible, you know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--at least nothing very unusual occurred.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But your naughty, naughty conscience came and asserted itself.
+Ha! Ha!
+What a silly little boy it is! A downright stupid little boy!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My imagination was always rather easily aroused. I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>laughing without restraint</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Such a stupid boy!--Pierre, let's make some coffee--for a
+change, eh?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you know--I have to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dear me, mamma has had her tea long ago. Tell her you sat down
+in the
+shade--and fell asleep--anything! It's growing a bit shady here now.
+See there! The streaks of light have gone. (<i>Indicates a corner of the
+room in which the streaks of light have just grown dim.</i>) Ah! but how
+hot it is! (<i>Tears her dress open at the throat, breathing heavily.</i>)
+Will you bring me the coffee-pot, like a good boy?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>listlessly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well--all right. (<i>Carries the coffee-pot to the table.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pierre, you--you couldn't open the small door just a tiny bit?
+No one
+would look into the shrubbery.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, out there in the shrubbery, it's even hotter than in
+here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, just try it--won't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, you'll see! (<i>Opens the door at the left.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whew! It's like a blast from a furnace! And that disgusting
+odour--a
+mixture of perspiration and bad perfume--ugh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's from the roses of our by-gone days--they lie out there
+in great
+heaps.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Close the door! Hurry--close it!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>does so</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told you how it would be!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, perhaps you could adjust the shutters at the large door
+so that
+we'd get more fresh air in here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Even that would be dangerous. If some one happened to be
+looking this
+way and saw the movement----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>going to the door</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One has to do it slowly, ve-ry slow-ly-- (<i>She starts,
+uttering a low
+cry of fear, and retreats to the foreground, her arms outstretched as
+if she were warding off a ghost.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's the matter?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sh! Sh! (<i>Approaches him cautiously, then softly.</i>)
+There's a man--out
+there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Where?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hush! Come here you can see it against the light. (<i>They
+cautiously
+change places</i>. <span class="sc2">Pierre </span><i>utters a low shriek, then </i><span class="sc2">Julia</span>, <i>softly,
+despairingly</i>) Pierre!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It must be the gardener.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It's not--the--gardener.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who is it then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Creep around--and lock--the glass door.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>weak from fright</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can't.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I will. (<i>She has taken but a few steps toward the door
+when the
+streaks of light again become visible.</i>) He's gone now!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How--gone?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There--there--nothing----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Seize the opportunity--and go.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Where?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To the gardener's house--quick--before he comes back.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In broad daylight--half dressed as I am?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Throw on a wrap--anything--hurry! (<i>Knocking at the door on
+the left.
+They both stand rooted to the spot. The knocking is repeated. Then</i>
+<span class="sc2">Pierre</span>, <i>in a choking voice</i>) Come in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Wittich </span><i>enters. He is a large, burly man of about forty,
+whose whole
+appearance betrays neglect; his sandy-coloured hair is pushed back from
+his forehead in damp strands; his beard is straggling and unkempt; his
+face is haggard and perspiring, his eyes lustreless. He staggers
+heavily in walking. He speaks in a stammering, hesitating voice; he
+gives the impression, in sum, of a man who is deathly ill, but is
+making an intense effort to hold himself together.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I beg your pardon if I am disturbing you. (<i>Both stare at
+him without
+venturing to move.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>taking heart</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh--p-p-please----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I see you were about to make coffee. Really--I don't want
+to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>stammering</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">P-p-please--th-there's no--hurry----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then we may as well--settle--our affair--first. (<span class="sc2">Julia</span>, <i>
+who has
+been standing quite still, panting, utters a low groan. At the sound of
+her voice</i>, <span class="sc2">Wittich </span><i>catches his breath as if suffocating, then sinks
+into one of the chairs at the left and stares vacantly at the floor.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>edging up to </i><span class="sc2">Julia </span><i>
+then softly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Can you understand this?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>glancing back--aside to </i>
+<span class="sc2"></span>Pierre).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Keep near the weapons!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>as </i><span class="sc2">Wittich </span><i>moves</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hush!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You must forgive me--I only wanted to--look after--my--wife. (<i>Breaks
+down again.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>aside to </i><span class="sc2">Julia</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, he's quite out of his mind!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Keep near the weapons!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't care--to settle--this matter--by means of
+a--so-called--affair
+of honour. I'm a plain man. I only know about such things from hearsay.
+And any way--I don't see that they help--m-matters much. (<i>Breaks into
+tearless sobs.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>aside</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He won't hurt us.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>stammering</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I simply--don't--understand it--at all!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>pointing to </i><span class="sc2">Wittich</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Try it! Go to him!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He's not a bit like himself.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Go on! Go on!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has timidly approached her husband, bid has drawn back
+at a
+movement of his, suddenly throws herself at his feet with great
+emotion.</i>) George! George!--I am guilty!--I have sinned before
+God and you!--I acknowledge my crime!--My life is in your hands!--Crush
+me--grind me to dust!--But God knows, I only obeyed a wretched impulse.
+My love for you has never left my heart.--My one desire is to die. Kill
+me!--Here!--Now!--But forgive me! Ah, forgive me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span> (<i>staring straight ahead</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, they always talk like that--in books, at least.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Forgive me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There is nothing to forgive. And I am not going to kill any
+one. What
+good would it do? (<span class="sc2">Julia </span><i>sobs, hiding her face in her hands.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then--don't kneel there--like that--Julia, dear!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall lie here until he raises me. Raise me! Take me in your
+arms!
+Oh, George----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's what they always say. (<i>Sinks into reverie
+again.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>aside to her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hush! Stand up! (<i>She does so.</i>) Well--h'm--I suppose I
+may assume,
+Herr Wittich, that you had some purpose in seeking this interview?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--yes. (<i>Looking about him.</i>) I can well imagine that
+my
+wife--er--that the lady must find it very pleasant here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes--we needn't hesitate to say that, need we, Julia,
+dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>uncertainly adopting his
+tone</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, indeed, Pierre, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At least--she seems to have plenty of roses here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>laughing nervously</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes--plenty.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the
+future?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>still timidly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn't I, Pierre?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes
+and
+inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life
+consecrated to Beauty and Art.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my
+wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>embarrassed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position
+to--h'm--h'm----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I see. But <i>until</i> that moment--?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I--er----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the
+woman
+whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am
+willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, as for that, of course----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to
+legitimize
+your relations.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not because--not that I don't dare insist upon <i>my</i>
+rights in this
+affair, but because I want to guard <i>her</i> from lifelong misery.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really, you wouldn't believe how often we have discussed this
+question--would he, Julia, dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You
+shall keep
+your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to
+follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it's
+no one's concern but my own--no one's! (<i>Tosses her head.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">May I inquire what those inclinations are?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It's hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must--
+Well, I want
+to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why
+talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like
+mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony
+with me now!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really! Well--h'm--if I had known that you felt that way about
+it--I
+should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tell me! Please!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--tell us--please!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I suppose I may assume that the people at the castle know
+nothing of
+this little adventure of the young Count's?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You may rest assured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a
+woman's
+honour.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah--really!--Well, I'm sure no one saw me coming here. So
+then, there
+need be no scandal.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties
+concerned.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being
+seen?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That concern, however, I shall share with you--my dear sir.
+And it
+seems to me that the best plan would be for the lady to put on a decent
+dress, walk through the grounds with me, and pay a visit to the
+Countess at the castle.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What!--my mother--? What's the use of that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It will look as if she'd returned--and we'd--somehow--met
+here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you think any one is going to believe that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span> (<i>proudly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What else should they believe?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>frightened anew</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, but I don't want to! I don't want to do that! Pierre! I
+want to
+stay with you! I am under your protection, Pierre!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here, my dear sir, let us suppose that your plan is
+successful--what then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--yes--afterward--what then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then?--Then-- (<i>Looks from one to the other, uncertainly,
+almost
+imploringly, and breaks down again.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well--won't you go on with your proposition?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I suppose that when a man has acted as I have acted here,
+he must
+have lost--his sense of pride--and honour--and all the rest of it--long
+ago.--Then nothing is left him but--his duty.--And the thing that seems
+to me my--duty--I am going to do.--Let the Count sneer at me--I no
+longer----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please--I say!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, let me tell you something, Julia. After I had read
+the
+letter from Brussels, I had two rooms prepared for you--in the left
+wing--quite apart; so that some day, in case--you ever--came back-- Oh,
+well--it doesn't matter now. But the rooms--are--still there--and if
+you would like to come home with me now--straight off--well, you might
+be spared--some annoyance.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm--so you're willing--? (<i>Shrugs his shoulders and laughs.</i>)
+I
+suppose that sort of thing is all a matter of taste--but I can
+understand----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am speaking to you, Julia.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I thank you most heartily, George. It's certainly very
+noble
+of you--and--I deeply appreciate it. But after--this, I should
+always feel ashamed before you--I should feel that I was just being
+tolerated--I-- No. Thank you, George--but I couldn't stand it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>correcting her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That is--! (<i>Aside to </i><span class="sc2">Julia</span>.) Don't be a fool!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span> (<i>without noticing </i>
+<span class="sc2">Pierre</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You shall never hear a word of reproach from my lips, Julia,
+dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But--if I should actually accept--we never could go on as we
+did
+before, you know. I must be free to do exactly as I please--to go
+away--come back--just as I like. There is such a thing as the
+sovereignty of the individuality, my dear George--you can't deny that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr Wittich can't possibly deny that!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You shall have your own way as far as it lies in my power,
+Julia, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then, you must try to bring a little more--more beauty
+into our
+life.--I surely have the right to demand that. Just look about you
+here. You know how passionately fond of roses I am. My soul demands
+something besides--potatoes! Well, I insist upon having roses around
+me. That's not unreasonable, is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You shall have roses enough to smother you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>nervously</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, Julia, dear, I see no reason why we should not
+accept this
+proposition.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What have you got to say about it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I beg your pardon, Herr Wittich. I certainly don't want to
+offend you.
+But--as Julia and I have found so much in each other--haven't we,
+Julia, dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--so very, very much, Pierre, dear.--And to know that we
+were so
+near--and yet could never see each other or talk together, or-- I, for
+my part, couldn't endure it, could you, Pierre?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh--as for that--well, it would be hard, Julia, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what would the world say, dear George, if we should
+suddenly--and
+apparently without any cause--break off all communication with our
+neighbors? How would Pierre explain it to his mother? Why, he simply
+couldn't! No; if we are to carry out your plan, then everything must
+remain outwardly the same as before. Don't you agree with me, Pierre,
+dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Hesitating, with an apprehensive glance toward </i>
+<span class="sc2">Wittich</span>.) Outwardly--yes, Julia, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span> (<i>losing control of himself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So that's your condition, is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span> (<i>with a sort of nervous
+impudence</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's our condition--isn't it, Pierre, dear? (<span class="sc2">Pierre </span><i>
+does not reply, but looks at </i><span class="sc2">Wittich</span>.)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really?--Really!--Very well! (<i>He draws himself to his full
+height, his
+face flushes, and he looks around the room wildly, as if searching for
+something.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What are you looking for, George?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you-- (<i>Gasps as if suffocating.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">George! George! What's the matter?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Wittich</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There--there--there! (<i>With a loud cry, he falls upon the
+weapons and
+snatches one of the daggers.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Julia</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Help! Help! Pierre! Save me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Pierre</span> (<i>at the same time</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Help! Help! (<i>He pushes open the door and escapes, screaming</i>.
+<span class="sc2">Julia </span>
+<i>rushes out through the door at the left</i>. <span class="sc2">Wittich </span><i>dashes after her. A
+piercing shriek is heard. After a short pause</i>, <span class="sc2">Julia </span><i>appears at the
+large door in the centre. She tries to go further, fails, supports
+herself against the door posts for an instant, and then reels into the
+room. She attempts to lean against the small table in the centre, but
+falls to the floor, dying. As she falls the small table is upset,
+burying her beneath a shower of roses.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Through the doorway at the left</i>, <span class="sc2">Wittich </span><i>is heard,
+sobbing and
+groaning. In the distance </i><span class="sc2">Pierre </span><i>is shouting for help. The sound of
+many voices, growing louder as the curtain falls.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>II</h2>
+
+<h1><a name="div1_margot" href="#div1Ref_margot">MARGOT</a></h1>
+
+<h2>A PLAY IN ONE ACT</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHARACTERS</h2>
+<br>
+<div style="margin-left:20%">
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Herr Ebeling</span>, a lawyer.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Frau von Yburg</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Margot</span>, her daughter.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Doctor von Tietz</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Bonath</span>, a secretary.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">A Servant</span>.</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">The Present Day</span></p>
+<br>
+<p class="continue">The scene is laid in a large German city.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>MARGOT</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>The richly furnished office of a prosperous lawyer.
+Pictures, bronzes,
+carved furniture, costly hangings. In the foreground, on the left, a
+window; turned toward it, a writing-table with a writing-chair behind.
+Near the window, a leather arm-chair. At the narrow side of the table,
+in the foreground, a low seat. On the right, a sofa, table, and chairs.
+In the background, a door which, when opened, reveals the clerks
+working at long tables. To the right, back, another door. The backward
+projection of the writing-table forms a revolving-stand for reference
+books. On the writing-table, among documents and writing materials, are
+photographs in standing frames and a slender vase filled with dark red
+roses.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>It is winter, about six o'clock in the evening. The lamps are
+lighted.</i></p>
+
+<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>is seated in the
+writing-chair. He is a man of about forty,
+attractive, winning in manner, his clothes betokening wealth and
+refinement; he wears a short, dark beard, and his hair is slightly gray
+at the temples</i>. <span class="sc2">Von Tietz</span>, <i>sitting opposite him
+in the arm-chair, is
+about thirty, very smartly dressed--in appearance a type of the
+ordinary drawing-room devotee.</i></p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>holding out a box of
+cigars</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There! Now let's chat. Will you smoke?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>helping himself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really now--if I'm disturbing you----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here, my dear fellow, if you were disturbing me, I'd make
+short
+work of you. But (<i>looking toward the clock</i>) my office hours are over.
+And we'll find out immediately what else there is. (<i>He rings.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Bonath</span> <i>appears with a bundle of
+papers</i>.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is any one still there?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (<span class="sc2">Bonath </span><i>lays
+them before
+him.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">v. Tietz</span>.) You can go on speaking. These are only
+signatures.--Have you a light?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has stood up and is looking around the room.</i>) Yes,
+thank you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at
+once.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, Herr Ebeling.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You've become a collector, I see.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>signing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One must have some diversion.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>signing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Would you expect it to be a copy?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm, your practice is certainly splendid.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer
+than
+I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Bonath</span>.) Will
+it be necessary to work overtime?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not to-day, Herr Ebeling.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (<span class="sc2">v.
+Tietz </span><i>listens attentively.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, Herr Ebeling. (<i>Goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lady you are expecting is Frau von Yburg?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of course you know that I've been the Yburg's legal adviser
+for years.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>sitting down</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, really, this is quite a marvellous coincidence. It's on
+account
+of the Yburgs that I've come to see you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>interested</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is that so? What's the matter?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear friend, if you hadn't so completely drawn away from
+all society
+since your wife l---- (<i>alarmed.</i>) I beg your pardon.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Go on! Say it! Left me! Walked out of the house! You may say
+it. But
+then--drop it! Even our old fraternity friendship doesn't oblige us to
+be everlastingly putting each other on the grill.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, really--it escaped me somehow. I'm awfully sorry.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well, never mind. You know, I speak of it quite
+disinterestedly.
+And it's a good many years since then. Only--I'd rather not be attacked
+unawares.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't worry. I'll be on my guard. But--as we've mentioned
+it--there's
+something I wanted to ask you before--only I hadn't the courage. Tell
+me, do you always keep her picture on your table?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>in a hard voice</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then you still love her?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No. I only keep the picture there to warn me against making a
+fool of myself again. So many charming women sit there where you're
+sitting, women just on the point of divorce--and therefore in
+need of consolation. Every now and then one of them undertakes to
+faint--um--and then I have to-- (<i>Holds out his arms.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>bursting out laughing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Aha! Very interesting! Very interesting!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In short, it does no harm to keep the picture there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of course, everyone knows how much courted you are. For
+instance, no
+matter when I come to see you, I always find those beautiful roses on
+your table. They speak for themselves. Heavens! What a luxury! Roses in
+January!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Things like that come anonymously. If I knew who the sender
+was, I
+wouldn't accept them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let me with all due modesty give you a piece of advice: you
+ought to
+marry.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Ironically, shaking his finger at him across the table.</i>)
+Thank you.
+But didn't you want to speak to me about the Yburgs?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. What was I going to say?--Oh, yes. Well, if you hadn't
+taken it
+into your head to live like a hermit, you'd know that, for some time
+past, I've been a very frequent visitor at the Yburgs's.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, I know. I go there myself sometimes--only not when
+other
+people are around.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, to make a long story short--why should I mince
+matters with
+you?--I am courting Margot.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>startled</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah--you, too? You're also one of the crowd?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>conceitedly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I trust that I stand up a bit above the crowd.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Indeed? I thought perhaps the social glamour of the Yburgs was
+attracting you. A thing like that can't help dazzling one. But
+that you----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is it so surprising? That girl is so bewitching--so--so
+entirely unlike
+these forward, city-bred girls. With her, at least, one knows what one
+can count on. She's so--so the essence of everything innocent and
+chaste and pure.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>quoting</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow,&quot;--thy dowry shall
+not
+escape me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no--don't joke. It's out of place. I won't deny that, as
+an
+official without fortune--that would also be very--h'm--but----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, but what have I got to do with it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here, my dear friend, we scattered remnants of the old
+college
+fraternity have grown so accustomed to ask your help in times of need,
+to look up to you as a sort of father confessor----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you want me to go and propose for you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We'll talk of that later. But first I'd like to ask you
+something. See
+here, what rôle is Baron von Kanoldt playing in this family?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So that's it!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You're his counsel in his divorce proceedings, aren't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As the affair has become common talk, I need make no secret of
+it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They say that it is the wife who has been the martyr. And yet,
+after
+fifteen years, <i>he</i> begins the divorce proceedings. Why should he?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear fellow, you must put that question to some one who's
+not so
+well informed as I am.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, see here, I don't want to be indiscreet about it, but the
+further
+the case goes, the more persistent are the rumours that he has designs
+on Margot's hand--and, furthermore, that her mother is encouraging him!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Yburg will be here in a few minutes.--Ask her!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you take me for?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>shrugging his shoulders</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well then----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But just think! that man--forty, if he's a day, fat, worn out,
+a roué
+whose amorous adventures are common gossip to every cabby on the
+street!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pardon me, my clients are all virtuous, young, handsome,
+desirable--of
+inestimable pulchritude.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See here--are you chaffing me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm only trying to make you understand that you've unwittingly
+walked
+into the enemy's camp.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>standing up</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well--if you don't want to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Also stands up, and puts his hand on </i><span class="sc2">v. Tietz's </span><i>
+shoulder.</i>) My dear
+fellow, you're ten years younger than I. You're one of your country's
+young hopefuls. Go ahead and do what your heart and pocket-book bid
+you.</p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I didn't need you to tell me that. (<i>A knock at the door.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Come in.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Yburg and----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ask her in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Bonath </span><i>stands aside, opening the door. Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau v.
+Yburg </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Margot</span>.
+<span class="sc2">Frau v. Yburg </span><i>is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but
+tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and
+betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention;
+but hidden behind her assurance, and scarcely noticeable, are the
+traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile</i>. Margot
+<i>is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy,
+reserved manner.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span> (<i>at sight of Margot</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch
+a
+glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>kissing her hand</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (<i>Shakes hands with </i><span class="sc2">
+Margot</span>.)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (<i>Gives
+him
+her hand.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm very happy to meet you both--I hadn't hoped to see
+Fräulein Yburg
+here. But our friend believes in military promptitude. I have just
+received permission to take my leave.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hope that you will come to see us soon, Herr von Tietz.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's very kind of you. (<i>Bowing to </i><span class="sc2">Margot</span>.) Fräulein
+Yburg!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>accompanying him to the
+door</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good-bye, my dear fellow. No bad feelings now----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Tietz</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I say! Of course not! (<i>Goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Won't you sit down?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, no. Margot is only going to glance around a bit. Yes, my
+little
+girl, you may well look about. Between these four walls many a fate has
+been shaped.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let us rather say, has been mended.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>softly, suddenly looking up</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mine, too?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Looking at her with evident disapproval.</i>) Perhaps
+Margot may call
+for me again in half an hour. You won't mind?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It will give me great pleasure.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then run away, dear, pay your visit, and let the carriage
+bring you
+back again. (<i>Sits down, right.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Giving him her hand with social assurance, but a little
+timidly, none
+the less.</i>) Au revoir, Herr Ebeling.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Au revoir, Fräulein Margot. (<i>Accompanies her to the door,
+and calls.</i>)
+Bonath, see to it that Fräulein Yburg finds her way out. She is coming
+back later.</p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Voice of </i><span class="sc2">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, Herr Ebeling.</p>
+
+<p class="center">(<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>bows to </i><span class="sc2">Margot</span>, <i>who is already out of
+sight, and closes the
+door.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, Frau von Yburg, we've brought matters to this point.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span> (<i>sighing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The divorce was granted yesterday morning.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, aren't you pleased?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Herr Ebeling, my heart is so full of
+gratitude--really, I don't
+know how to thank you--for myself and also for my poor, dear child. But
+I'm so helpless--so perplexed--I really don't know--I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, what can be wrong?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--just fancy--well, then--<i>she won't do it!</i></p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>astonished</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Think of the monstrosity of it! She won't do it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Has she been notified that the divorce has been granted?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yesterday--just after the proceedings--Baron von
+Kanoldt--came--with
+his proposal.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm!--quicker than I had expected.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My husband, of course, was simply thunderstruck. One can
+surely
+sympathise with him--von Kanoldt--a man in the forties--divorced--with
+grown children--and <i>such</i> a reputation! But when he saw that I took
+the man's part--I had to do that, didn't I?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That was our only course.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then his position, his wealth, his connections at court--oh,
+yes, and
+naturally our long friendship-- Of course, my husband doesn't surmise
+what this man did to her! In the end, he agreed that Margot herself
+should decide.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, and--? What----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She came, looked him quietly in the face, and asked for time
+to think
+it over.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seems to me your husband was very clever. Otherwise, he
+might
+perhaps have----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, but when we were alone, just fancy! she declared quite
+simply:
+&quot;No, I won't do it.&quot; I exclaimed, &quot;Why, my dear child, you're out of
+your mind! You know that we've done everything for the sake of this
+day!&quot; &quot;Yes, I know all about it--but I won't.&quot; &quot;You've been wishing it
+for three years,&quot; I said to her. And what do you suppose she answered!
+&quot;I never wished it. You talked it into me--and he.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He?&quot; Pardon me, who?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You, Herr Ebeling.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>standing up in his
+excitement</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear lady, it was my duty to carry out what you and
+Fräulein Margot
+desired--and what, in short, the circumstances demanded.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I know! My God, how well I realise it! And what a task
+you've
+accomplished! No--when I remember how much persuasion, how much subtle
+reasoning, how much-- Ah, and how I've suffered these three years! See,
+my hair is quite gray!--And I still can't understand it! I still look
+upon the girl as if she were a stranger, a mysterious being who has
+lost her way and accidentally come to me. I--I who was brought up so
+strictly, watched, and carefully tended all my life, kept worlds away
+from any taint of the unconventional-- And she, too-- No, on that
+point, I can't reproach myself. And yet--this horror! No, I shall
+never, never understand it! Ah, and to have to bear it all alone! Oh,
+yes, I had to do that. My husband, with his long army training, would
+have forced him to fight--and then we should all have been dragged in
+the dust. Margot's life--our position in society--everything! Ah, if
+you hadn't been here, Herr Ebeling! Do you remember how I came to you?
+I think I was half dead from wretchedness! With the letter to him in my
+hand, the letter that I had taken from her as she lay distracted in my
+arms! Do you remember?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, don't speak of it! As I read that handwriting--still so
+childish--and that helpless, stammering question: &quot;What has happened to
+me?&quot;--God knows, everything turned black before my eyes! Oh! it's too
+horrible!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then you yourself said to me, &quot;You're right--the
+blackguard <i>must</i>.
+I'll make him.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I said it in the heat of the first great indignation. Please
+take that
+into consideration. After I went to work, I religiously kept to my
+programme to leave all threats and violence out of the question. Not
+only because-- Ah, as I've come to feel now, such a calm method of
+procedure would be impossible. But then I had to keep in mind that a
+new life--I don't venture to say a happy one--was to be gained through
+me. To-day, some one is grateful to me--the very one who at first
+opposed me most violently--that poor, wretched wife.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now everything would have been forgiven. I can't
+understand it. I
+don't know--I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So she won't do it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And that's why I've fled to you in my need! Later, when she
+returns, I
+want to have gone. You understand? I've arranged it this way so that
+you could bring her to her senses. A little heart to heart talk, you
+know. But if your influence doesn't help, then I don't know--then----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>walking up and down</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so she won't do it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, just explain it to me! The only possible way in which to
+rehabilitate herself in her own eyes! And she throws it to the winds!
+What can she be thinking of? What----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so she won't do it!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's come over you, Herr Ebeling? You're not listening!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>firmly, quietly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, then she <i>shall</i> not.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For God's sake! You, too! You, too, want----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear friend, I have done all that lay in my power, often
+against my
+own convictions, I can assure you. She knows what she is doing. She
+will not. Very well. I'm not here to bait her to her ruin. I am very
+sorry, but this time I must refuse my assistance.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But what will happen? Must all our work count for
+nothing--your work,
+my work? For I have worked over her with all my powers, I need not
+hesitate to say it, worked to place her again on those spiritual
+heights where a young girl of family by right belongs. I have led her
+back to Religion, for whoever has anything to expiate must possess
+Religion. I have read with her only the most carefully selected books,
+books that could never, never endanger a young girl's imagination. And
+I have taken special care to see to it that when she was in the company
+of young people, she should, if possible, be stricter and even more
+reserved than the most timid of her friends. For her need of such
+behaviour was double theirs, wasn't it? And you yourself will admit
+that my efforts have been successful. No one could deny it and look
+into those clear, steadfast eyes of hers. (<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>nods assent.</i>) She
+has become all soul--all----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>doubtingly, sadly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, indeed, Herr Ebeling. No clandestine, no unseemly wish
+finds its
+way into her heart. I'll vouch for that. She glides through life like a
+silent spirit, cleansed and purified.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And therefore we are to throw her into the jaws of that beast.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is there any other way? Do you know of any?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>tormented</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm! She certainly has suitors enough!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She'll reject them all--as she has heretofore. She simply
+says, &quot;I
+shall not begin my new life with a lie. I think too much of myself for
+that. And to confess, to tell the man, and have him turn his back on
+me, or out of pure pity raise me to his own level--I think <i>entirely</i>
+too much of myself for that.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I believe one can readily appreciate her feelings.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But what will become of her? Is she to wither and wear
+away--this
+heavenly young creature? (<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>walks about, growing more and more
+excited. A pause.</i>) Herr Ebeling, speak! Advise me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>firmly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I know of only one solution: she must choose some one who
+knows it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who could that be--except----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>breathing heavily</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Except that man, there is only one other.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Stares at him uncomprehendingly with her hands clasped,
+then
+stammering.</i>) Oh! oh, God! What a joy that would be!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What more can I say? Such things come and grow great in a man,
+one
+knows not how. She bore <i>her</i> sorrow, <i>her</i> shame, I mine. At first,
+perhaps, it was no more than a casual fancy--no, an interest, for my
+inclinations were always involved--but to-day it has become a passion,
+a passion that, lonely man as I am, gnaws me to the very core of my
+being.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But how have you managed through it all to keep so quiet, so
+deliberate, so----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One learns, little by little, to be master of oneself. And
+five minutes
+ago there was absolutely no hope, (<i>bursting out</i>) but if she no longer
+wants him--why shouldn't I--oh! (<i>Hides his face in his hand, trembling
+with emotion.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wait! I don't see, after you've led him on to this point, how
+you'll
+ever justify all this to Baron von Kanoldt.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know! Until now, I've led a tolerably respectable
+life. For, in
+the disgrace that <i>she</i> (<i>pointing to the picture of his wife</i>)
+brought
+upon me, I played no part.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, everyone in society knows that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I haven't once asked myself whether what I am now going to
+do--or
+should like to do--conforms to the prevailing standards of propriety.
+One ought to think it over, to let some time elapse--in short, I don't
+know! All I can say is that if she doesn't want him, if she won't take
+that--(<i>checking himself</i>)--him, well, then, the path is open to
+any one--to me as well as to another.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span> (<i>hesitating</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I feel that I ought to warn you of just one thing more. She
+has never
+seemed to consider you as anything more than a fatherly sort of friend.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm! (<i>Laughs bitterly.</i>) Even though I'm a couple of
+years younger
+than----, I've certainly acted more like a father to her. But you're
+probably right. (<i>Knocking.</i>) Come in. (<span class="sc2">Bonath </span><i>enters.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I've let the clerks go home. Have you any further orders, Herr
+Ebeling?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You can go, too, Bonath. But tell my man to answer the door.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Bonath</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, Herr Ebeling. Good evening. (<span class="sc2">Bonath </span><i>goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Frau von Yburg, your daughter will return in a few minutes.
+Meanwhile,
+the scene has changed not altogether insignificantly. Do you still
+approve of that little private heart to heart talk--or not?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, my dear friend, I have such boundless confidence in you.
+You've
+been her good angel for so long. I don't hesitate for a moment to leave
+her in your hands. And you'll carefully observe all the conventions? Of
+course you will.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But what can I say to her?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You're so skilled in reading the heart. You'll have found a
+way to
+make her confess something before she's aware of it. Only let me beg of
+you--if you find nothing in what she says that gives you reason to
+hope, then please don't worry her. She has already suffered so much.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, then, I'll proceed upon the assumption that I have
+only to
+comply with the request that brought you to me to-day.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you would----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hush! (<i>Listens at the door, then pointing to the right.</i>)
+May I ask
+you to go out this door? You know your way.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Yburg</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And please, please, spare her delicacy. You've no idea how
+pure she
+is--in spite of----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If I didn't know <i>that</i>-- (<i>Knocking. He opens the
+door, right.</i>)
+Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Frau v. Yburg </span><i>goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Come in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Servant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A young lady is outside. She wants to know whether her mother
+is still
+here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Hurrying to the centre door--vivaciously.</i>) Just fancy
+Fräulein
+Margot, your mother thought you'd no longer be coming, and has only
+just left. (<span class="sc2">Margot </span><i>appears at the centre door, and stands there,
+hesitating.</i>) But won't you come in for a few moments?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gladly, if I may. (<i>Looking about irresolutely.</i>) Only I
+don't know
+whether I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What, my dear child?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It isn't usually mamma's way to go off without me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I'll take you home myself. You need have no fears.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I'm not afraid.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>inviting her to sit down</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Won't you----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'd like to look around a bit first; may I? I couldn't a while
+ago.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm only too happy to think that you take some interest in my
+home.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dear me, mamma has so often told me about it. Of late years
+her visits
+to you were our principal topic of conversation. I think I've known
+every tiny nook here for a long, long time.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, there's the stand with the horrible law books! (<i>Sighing.</i>)
+Ah,
+Herr Ebeling, everything in life is Law--and everything is in books.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear young girl, the hardest laws are never to be found in
+books.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, you are right. The laws that drag us down to destruction
+are the
+laws that we make for ourselves. And all those beautiful women! I
+suppose one must be very beautiful to join them?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>parrying lightly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Most of them are clients who have presented me with their
+pictures as a
+token of gratitude.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, but I'm your client, too--and yet I should never dare to
+offer
+you my picture in that way.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you only----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>startled</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, and there's your-- (<i>Looks at him questioningly,
+confused.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's my former wife.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw her only once in my life. I was a mere child then. She
+was very
+lovely.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, she was lovely.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, and the wonder--wonderful roses! Mamma has told me that
+you always
+have such lovely roses.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>lightly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I have an agreement with a gardener. He keeps me
+supplied.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>seemingly convinced</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">May I present them to you, Fräulein Margot?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, dear me, no. The gardener who keeps you supplied might be
+offended.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As you wish.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And this is the inquisitional chair--where the poor secrets
+are dragged
+out?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Quite the contrary! The secrets come forth of their own
+accord. I
+always have to say &quot;stop.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, I needn't hesitate to sit down. (<i>Does so.</i>) <i>
+My</i> secret
+you know--(<i>sighing</i>)--only too well!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Fräulein Margot; the real secret of your life, the law
+that
+governs your thoughts and feelings, I believe no one knows--not even
+your mother.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>smiling and shrugging her
+shoulders</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My good mamma! And I'm here to give you proofs of that fact,
+am I?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>evasively</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The reason for my being here isn't the one you've given me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Indeed! What is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I wasn't left here alone for nothing! Please go ahead, Herr
+Ebeling, do
+your duty and talk me nicely into marrying Baron von--(<i>shudders</i>).
+See?--I've never once been able to bring his name to my lips. And yet
+I'm to pass my whole life with that man! Can one picture anything more
+horrible? (<i>Shudders again.</i>) Do you know of any occupation for me,
+Herr Ebeling?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Occupation? Why?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I want to leave home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ebeling</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is that your earnest intention?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>nods</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, unfortunately, I've learned nothing. And then--it has to
+be an
+occupation that wouldn't humiliate me--and that wouldn't spoil my hands
+(<i>takes off her gloves</i>), for I love my hands. I don't care a bit about
+my face, but my hands--they're like two friends. I can keep up long
+conversations with them--especially with the left. That one's so weak.
+So, something that wouldn't spoil the hands--and would leave me time
+for reading--and--well, I want to be alone.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I might have suggested nursing, even though it requires the
+constant
+use of the hands. But, of course, you'd never be alone.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No. I have no love for my fellow-creatures. I don't want to do
+anything
+for them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Those are hard words, Fräulein Margot.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am hard. What have my fellow-creatures ever done for me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And--your parents?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You refer to mamma? Mamma certainly means well. But mamma has
+torn my
+soul from my body. She has made use of the old principle of family
+rule--which may have had some sense in the Stone Age--and has turned me
+into a doll, a doll-creature that moves its eyes and says <i>ba</i> when you
+press its head.--Just watch, Herr Ebeling!--Now haven't I a touching
+fashion of casting up my eyes when I look at you in this simple,
+thoughtful, innocent way?--And when I let the lids fall again in all
+the bashful piety that I still can muster--isn't it simply sweet?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>earnestly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear young girl, I really believe I must begin to say
+&quot;stop&quot; now!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dear me! You're already disgusted with me! But if you had any
+idea--do
+you know what you'd think? &quot;Pity that I wasted such pains on a creature
+like her!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I should never think that, my dear child. I should only pity
+you and
+love you the more.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't want to be pitied! And loved? (<i>Shakes her head.</i>)
+At least not
+that way--and not the other, either. That's still stupider. When I
+listen to my friends--this one loves me, and that one loves me, and
+this one kept my glove, and that one kissed my handkerchief--ugh! It
+reminds me of the cackling of a lot of hens. Herr Ebeling, do you
+believe criminals are scornful?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why do you ask?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Please answer.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It's very often true of born criminals.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, I've the criminal nature.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>laughing against his will</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tut, tut, my dear child, why so--all of a sudden?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Because I inwardly shrug my shoulders at everything that goes
+by the
+name of Innocence. I keep thinking to myself, &quot;You silly sheep, what do
+you know about it?&quot;--Ah, and yet, I envy them! At the balls, I see
+everything as through a veil. The things that the men chatter about
+sound far, far away--oceans off. I always feel like saying, &quot;Don't
+trouble about me. Go to that girl over there. She's stupid enough.&quot; And
+then--after I've come home--I weep, weep from sheer envy and utter
+boredom, weep until I have to turn my pillow.--And mamma? Mamma drags
+me from ball to ball: I mustn't be unlike the others, you know!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear child, if this goes against your nature, why don't you
+make
+some resistance? Why don't you show your mother that you have thoughts
+and feelings of your own which must be respected?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, my dear Herr Ebeling, just be a whipped dog yourself, year
+in year
+out! The dog doesn't resist either--but suddenly, some day--when he's
+at the very end of his endurance--he bites his master's hand. I shall
+bite soon!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I'll grant you that your mother has probably made some
+mistakes.
+But only out of love, or because she knew no better. Just ask yourself
+what would have become of you if you'd been left to yourself all this
+time?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I should have been embittered just the same--you're right--but
+I should
+not have let myself fall.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who knows?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Never! And I'll tell you something to prove it. Severely as I
+have been
+watched--and--surely there's nothing coquettish about me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly not.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You can believe me when I say that, in the general moral tone
+prevailing over our society just now--and of which our mothers
+naturally know nothing--there lurks a temptation which has over and
+over again enticed even me. Such things are so personal, so secret--one
+cannot describe them. Oh, I could have done whatever I wished! But
+I said to myself: the first time, you were ignorant, you were
+sacrificed--or, at least, you can talk it into yourself that you were
+sacrificed--but if ever again--no, I can't say it after all!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I understand, my child.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If ever again--then you'll be lost--forever! Then there can be
+no more
+ideals, no more poetry--nothing lofty--nothing for which to work--and,
+worst of all, nothing of which to dream. For to dream--ah, one must
+dream, mustn't one? When one no longer has <i>that</i>!----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>moved</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, dear child.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you mustn't think that I'm trying to make myself
+interesting, or
+that I stand here before you beautifully whitened and purified! Oh, no!
+What I'm going to say to you now has never been said to any one, to any
+man before. And you are going to despise me utterly. But I must say
+it--once, once in my life--and then the old hypocrisy can go on again.
+Well, I don't know what it is, but it's like a fire in me. No, worse,
+much worse! When I think of that frightful man, my heart fairly
+shrivels up. And yet--I can never get away from it. There's always a
+terror, a horror in me; and yet there is always an eternal--an eternal
+hunger. Yes--a restlessness--a search--the whole day long. It's
+strongest toward twilight. Then I want to go out--out into the wide
+world--to fly to unknown lands. Then I think to myself--out there, no
+one knows you; out there, there is no sin. Ah, it's as if I were
+lashed! And I heap such reproaches upon myself because of it! Even now
+you have not heard the worst. I must tell you the worst, too. Well, you
+know how I hate that man--yet, sometimes it seems to me that I must go
+to him and say to him--Behold, here I am again!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>jumps up, muttering to
+himself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What has he done? The scoundrel! The blackguard!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There! Now you know on whom you've wasted your sympathy! Now I
+can go.
+(<i>Stands up, snatches her muff, and prepares to leave.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has been silently walking up and down more hotly.</i>)
+It appears
+then that you still love that man.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>with a short, cutting laugh</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, Herr Ebeling, if you've gathered <i>that</i> from all I've
+said, then I
+might just as well have addressed myself to the four walls. I've been
+hoping for three long years that you would secretly manage the thing in
+such a way that I'd never have to see him again in all my life--never,
+never--not even from a distance.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why did you never confide in me before? Why to-day for the
+first time?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Can</i> one do such a thing? Is one ever allowed to? I'm a
+well-bred
+young girl, you know. I must observe the conventions. How I came to do
+it to-day, I don't know myself. But formerly when you were alone with
+me, did you ever, at any time, give me to understand, even by a glance,
+that you--you knew anything--about me? Do you think such an attitude
+gives one courage? Ah, and in my need I've prayed so often, &quot;Dear God,
+let him see into my soul! If <i>he</i> doesn't free me, no one will.&quot;
+Instead, you've only plunged me the deeper--pushed me before
+you--always deeper into misery--into the arms of that beast--into the
+filth. (<i>Sinks into a chair, sobbing.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Regards her confusedly, then approaches her.</i>) Dear
+child! That
+wasn't my intention! (<i>Laying his hand on her shoulder caressingly.</i>)
+My dear, dear child!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Grasps his hand, and presses her cheek to it. As he tries
+to free it,
+she holds it the more closely.</i>) Oh, don't leave me. I'm so lonely!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear, dear child. (<i>He bends down to her and kisses her
+on the brow.
+She throws her arms about his neck and draws herself close to him. He
+kisses her lips. She lets her head fall heavily upon his shoulder and
+remains motionless while he caresses her gently. With a sudden impulse
+she flings him from her, and sinks back in the chair.</i>) Margot, my
+darling. Have I hurt you? Are you offended at what I did? If I've
+misunderstood, if I have abused your confidence, I earnestly beg you to
+forgive me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I've so hungered--so hungered--for this--kiss!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>turning eagerly toward her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Margot!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>warding him off</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No! Go away! Go away!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you don't refuse me? And I'm not too old?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>passionately bursting into
+laughter</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was never free from the fear that you might not see anything
+in me
+except an image of that wasted, old creature. (<i>Instead of answering</i>,
+<span class="sc2">Margot </span><i>stretches out her arms to him with a soft cry of longing</i>.
+<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>draws the low stool to the writing-chair on which she is
+sitting, sits down upon it, and embraces her.</i>) Margot, my youth, my
+whole youth that I've squandered and frittered away comes back to me
+once more through you. And now all will be well with you, too. It was
+only a nightmare. Your true self had nothing to do with it. Only--you
+must take heart again--you must think of yourself now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>ecstatically</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I am equal to anything now. I am not afraid to face the
+worst.
+I can even marry that man. I shall send him my acceptance quite
+calmly.--Of course. Why not?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>shocked</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why should you be astonished at that? Now that I know you love
+me? Only
+for a year! Perhaps for two! Yes, two! Oh, please, two! Then, later,
+when you've left me, let others come! It's all the same, who! For
+marriage, of course, I'm entirely spoiled! But I'll be revenged on him!
+On him and on Virtue and on Loyalty and on all that stuff with which
+they've so long tormented me. And the evening before my wedding--then
+may I--come to you again? Toward twilight! It must be on a Sunday. I'll
+arrange for that, so we can be alone. Ah, I shall count the days till
+then! Why do you look at me like that? (<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>stands up and throws
+himself on the sofa, burying his face in his hands. A long pause.</i>)
+What can I have done? (<i>She stands up. Another pause.</i>) Surely I
+haven't done you any wrong by loving you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Go home now, my child.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I wanted to leave some time ago, but you made me stay. (<i>She
+buttons
+her coat, throws on her boa, and is about to go out. Then she turns
+around resolutely, and places herself before him.</i>) Oh, I know--I'm
+disgraced--I'm not worthy of anything better--; but I needn't have had
+to endure <i>such</i> scorn and contempt! (<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>rises, looks at her,
+groans, buries his face in his hands, and falls back into the chair</i>.
+<span class="sc2">Margot </span><i>kneels beside him, weeping.</i>) Dear--dearest--what is it? What's
+wrong, my darling?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>compelling himself to be
+composed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Stand up! (<i>She does so.</i>) I am going to tell you. (<i>Stands
+up
+himself.</i>) I asked your mother's consent to my marrying you to-day.
+There, now you know it. Good-bye. (<i>Sits down in the writing-chair. A
+pause.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Does not move. Her face becomes hard and bitter.</i>) And
+now that you
+see what sort I am----H'm, yes. Ah, well, you'll soon console yourself.
+There are so many others. Why should it be just I? Let me suggest one
+of my friends--a dear--a pretty girl--with white teeth. Why take it to
+heart? It hurts for the moment--but one easily forgets. Such girls as I
+deserve nothing better. To them--one does this! (<i>Plucks the petals
+from the roses which are standing before her in the vase.</i>) And then
+one throws them away--like this! (<i>Throws the petals in his face.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>brushing away the petals</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What have the roses done to you, my child?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sent them to you. I, too, may destroy them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>springing up</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was you, you who all these years----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good evening, Herr Ebeling. (<i>She goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Pauses for a moment irresolutely, struggling with himself,
+then
+hurries after her. His voice is heard.</i>) Stay here! Stay here! Come in
+here! (<i>He reappears at the centre door, pulling her by the arm.</i>) Come
+in here! Come back!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you want of me? I'll cry for help----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Come here! (<i>Drags her to the writing-table.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Leave me alone!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Be quiet! Be quiet! (<i>Picks up one of the pictures standing
+on the
+table.</i>) There! That woman dragged my name in the gutter. Will you do
+the same? Answer me! (<span class="sc2">Margot </span><i>stands motionless, the tears running down
+her cheeks.</i>) Answer, I say.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>slowly and heavily</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, one thinks and says so much when there's no longer a
+particle of
+hope in one's life.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I understand. (<i>He throws the picture on the ground; frame
+and glass
+are dashed to pieces.</i>) Let us go to your parents. We'll arrange with
+them what's best to be done. (<i>As she doesn't move.</i>) Well? (Margot
+<i>shakes her head.</i>) You don't want to?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not that way! As I am now,
+humiliated--mortified--disgraced--no, not
+that way! I am so tired of playing Magdalen! No! When I come, I'll come
+with a free step. I'll be able to look every man in the face! But I
+must find out first what I am still worth, and (<i>looking him full in
+the face</i>) it must be a great, great deal--to be worthy of you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Ebeling</span> (<i>moved</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Give me your hands, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Margot</span> (<i>doing so</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we see each other again, they'll be red and ugly.
+(<span class="sc2">Ebeling </span><i>kisses
+her hands and presses them to his face.</i>) Good-bye. (<i>She turns to
+go.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Curtain</span>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>III</h2>
+
+<h1><a name="div1_visit" href="#div1Ref_visit">THE LAST VISIT</a></h1>
+
+<h2>A PLAY IN ONE ACT</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHARACTERS</h2>
+<div style="margin-left:20%">
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">The Unknown Lady</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Lieutenant Von Wolters</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Mulbridge</span>, a horse-trainer.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">His Wife</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Daisy</span>, their daughter.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">Tempski</span>, an orderly.</p>
+<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">A Groom</span>.</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">The Present Day</span>.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><i>The scene is laid in a large German garrison</i>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>THE LAST VISIT</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, now we have seen our poor, dear captain for the last
+time.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. He was a good fellow, our captain and--awfully fond of
+horses.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, Daisy, what's the matter, dear? You've been standing here
+all
+alone, and yet, until now, you wouldn't stir from the coffin.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw him quite well from here, mother, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span> (<i>caressing her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My girlie--my little girl. Yes--we all loved him.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Tempski</span>, <i>who is sobbing.</i>) There, there,
+Tempski, hush now. (<i>A
+bell rings, right.</i>) There's the bell; go and open the door. (<span class="sc2">Tempski </span>
+<i>goes out at the right.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span> (<i>to the </i><span class="sc2">Groom</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And we'll be off to the stables!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sh! The Lieutenant!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span> (<i>to the Groom</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Go on! (<i>Pushes the </i><span class="sc2">Groom </span><i>out, left.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Lieutenant von Wolters </span><i>enters. He is an attractive young
+officer,
+very smart in appearance, wearing the uniform of an Uhlan</i>. <span class="sc2">Kellermann</span>,
+<i>a self-possessed, sharp-eyed man, follows him. While they are
+entering</i>, <span class="sc2">Tempski </span><i>comes in at the right, quietly places a wreath on
+one of the piles near the columns, and goes out again.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, Herr-- (<i>He puts his hand to his eyes, overcome for
+the moment,
+then stiffly, trying to conceal his emotion.</i>) Herr--Kellermann was the
+name, wasn't it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At your service, Lieutenant.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You have done everything very satisfactorily. I am much
+obliged to you.
+You understand that the removal of the coffin to the church is to be
+accomplished as secretly as possible.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm silent as the grave, Lieutenant. My business sort of
+carries that
+with it, don't you know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It will be dark about half past five. I have ordered the
+troops that
+are to accompany the casket to be here at half past six. At the
+church--the catafalque and the rest--I can confidently leave all that
+to you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Most assuredly, Lieutenant. I shall see that everything is of
+the
+finest.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But remember your instructions: all superfluous ostentation is
+to be
+rigorously avoided--to-morrow at the funeral procession, also.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I understand, Lieutenant--because of the way he met his death.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The reason does not concern you. (<i>Turns to go.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mulbridge.
+Beg pardon, Lieutenant, but may I speak to you? I've been in the
+captain's service seven years. I've been in Germany nearly eighteen
+years--have a German wife and daughter. I'm not as young as I used to
+be. What's going to become of the horses and the racing-stable, and--
+the rest?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, it's really too bad about him, Lieutenant. He's so fond
+of his
+horses. Why, if ever you want to speak to him, you have to go and stay
+at the stable. That's the only way I can manage to see him.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And she's a great help to me, too, Lieutenant.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can understand your anxiety, Mulbridge. The captain spoke
+about you
+on our last journey together. He especially commended you and your
+family to my care. But, of course, everything will depend upon the
+heir.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And who is the heir, Lieutenant?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one knows. He had no relatives. But be assured that whoever
+it is, I
+will do my best to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thank you, Lieutenant! Thank you! (<i>He says a few words
+aside to his
+wife and goes out, left.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Have you anything else to do here, Herr Kellermann?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, indeed, a great many things, Lieutenant. (<i>Goes out at
+the centre,
+carrying several wreaths, and then returns for more</i>. Frau Mulbridge
+<i>helps him.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, by the way, may I have a word with you, Daisy? (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>
+comes
+forward</i>, <span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>continues aside to her.</i>) My dear child, I know
+that the captain had a great deal of confidence in you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, he had.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well then, listen. Some one wishes to come here before the
+casket is
+removed some one who must not be seen.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well. She may.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>amazed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What----? She----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, it must be the lady.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What lady?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lady for whom he let himself be shot.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What! You know----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had to come, of course. Who else should it be?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm! Well then, listen carefully. If the undertaker--or any
+other
+stranger--should still be here when it begins to grow dark, throw on a
+wrap and wait at the door downstairs until a carriage stops. Will you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly I will. And Tempski?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, Tempski, faithful as he is----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tempski was never around in those days.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>looking at her in
+astonishment</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh--so Tempski--was never--around--in those days! H'm! Well
+then, I'll
+undertake to get rid of Tempski myself. Thank you, my child. (<i>Gives
+her his hand, then aloud.</i>) I have another errand, but I'll be back
+soon. (<i>Goes out at the right.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What did the lieutenant want of you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nothing in particular--something about the wreaths.</p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span> (<i>coming in from the back</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, with all those wreaths, we'll have to have an extra
+carriage for
+the flowers. He was a fine man, he was--a highly respected man! And on
+horseback! Why, I've won every time I bet on him! Ah, yes, but sooner
+or later they all have to come to me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And he was such a kind master! He was just like a child
+sometimes--so
+light-hearted and happy--like a little boy! Lately, to be sure,
+he-- (<i>The bell rings.</i>) Well, Daisy!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has stood without moving, lost in thought.</i>) I
+guess Tempski will
+go.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes, you're right. Tempski is outside.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Tempski</span> (<i>brings in a wreath, sobbing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">F-from--our--major.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, Tempski, it's perfectly natural that the major----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Tempski</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From--our--major.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Take the wreath from him, Daisy.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, mother, dear. (<i>She does so</i>. <span class="sc2">Tempski </span><i>goes out,
+crying.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span> (<i>reaching for the wreath</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From his major that must go on the coffin!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'll do it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span> (<i>in doubt</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't you think----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, let her; she looks after everything.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But nail it tightly, little lady--else it'll fall off when
+they're
+carrying him to the church.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes. (<i>Goes out back with the wreath. During the
+following
+conversation, the strokes of a hammer are heard.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Everything is so well arranged here. I don't see why they've
+got to
+take him to the church.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The official statement is that it will prevent any
+demonstration in the
+street. You know, the town folks haven't taken very kindly to this
+murdering business of late. But, of course, that's not the real reason.
+The truth of the matter is that several very influential ladies would
+like to attend the funeral without being seen. H'm!--love never dies,
+they say. Ah, the captain was no saint, I can tell you!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you know about it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well, there's a lot of talk about the veiled figures that
+used to
+go in and out of here at twilight. And if these mirrors could speak--!
+That reminds me--I'd almost forgotten--we must cover the mirrors.
+(<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>appears in front of the curtain. She is staring into space.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But since the casket is to be taken away in less than an
+hour--what's
+the use?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That doesn't make any difference. The mirrors have got to be
+draped. It
+would be a blemish on my art--and I wouldn't answer for it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daisy!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, mother, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Go get a pair of lace curtains to hang over the mirrors.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, mother, dear. (<i>She does not stir.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daisy! You're not listening.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes I am, mother, dear. You asked me to-- (<i>Falters.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked you to fetch a pair of lace curtains.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, mother, dear. (<i>Goes out, left.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now that the child isn't here--tell me, Herr Kellermann, do
+you know
+anything about the cause of the duel? We're all groping in the dark
+here at the house.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, they're saying all sorts of things. But the dead are my
+friends.
+I never say anything against them. It's a business principle with me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--but the man who shot him, is he still walking around free
+as air?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's the way with these fine folks. They fall upon one
+another
+like highwaymen. Your honour or your life! The man who survives can
+laugh. The man who falls--well, he falls into my arms. But, see here,
+getting into a duel with that fellow, that Baron Renoir--why it was
+nothing short of suicide! I tell you, where that man goes, no grass
+grows! On the turf, at the card-table, with the women--always the same
+story. That man shot him down like a rabbit. Oh, of course, it's
+always a fine thing to lay down your life for a woman. That's a phrase
+that----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you really think that a woman----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sh! Here comes your little girl. (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>enters with two
+vases, which
+she is carrying very carefully.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's that you're bringing?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I stopped and filled them first.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you were to get a pair of lace curtains!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, forgive me, mother, dear. I thought you said vases. I'll
+go (<i>Exit
+with the vases.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know what's come over the child! Why, she's been such
+a help
+these days--thought of everything, wanted to do everything herself.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A nice little girl--how old is she?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Seventeen, her last birthday.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is she at school?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She's been going to the Art Institute. She wants to teach
+drawing.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I suppose the captain thought a lot of her?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, dear me, yes. She was always around him from the time that
+she was
+a mere child. They used to play together out in the yard like two
+little kittens! Of course, when she grew older, that sort of thing
+stopped. But lately, when he seemed so worried, I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So he seemed worried, did he?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, indeed. I've had my suspicions for the last two months.
+Well, when
+he seemed so worried, I used to manage to send her in to him pretty
+often. She read aloud to him--and so on. (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>enters with a couple
+of curtains, and a dark coat on her arm.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thanks, thanks, little lady. (<i>Takes the curtains from her
+and stands
+on a chair under one of the mirrors.</i>) What lovely Venetian lace! Ah,
+yes, every mirror comes to this sooner or later!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'd like to get a breath of fresh air, would you mind, mother,
+dear? I
+feel so----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes, dear. Go out for a little while. (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>puts on
+her coat.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span> (<i>in front of the other mirror</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, here's a little bunch of flowers!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>eagerly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please, please, let me have it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Kellermann</span> (<i>blowing off the dust</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If it doesn't fall to pieces. (<i>Hands it to her.</i>) Ah,
+yes, many, many
+loved him! He had a beautiful life, he had a beautiful death, and, as
+for a beautiful funeral--just leave that to Kellermann! (<i>Takes his
+hat.</i>) I'll be back again for the procession. Good evening, ladies.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good evening. (<i>To </i><span class="sc2">Daisy</span>, <i>seeing her take off her
+coat.</i>) I thought
+you said you were going out?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well, I've changed my mind now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm glad, because one feels so--so alone in here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>with a glance backward</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But we are not alone yet.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span> (<i>shuddering slightly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's just it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>staring straight before
+her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm not afraid.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tell me something, Daisy, dear. Weren't you in there last
+night?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>alarmed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Last night? I?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, at the coffin.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What should I be doing at the coffin?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, I thought I heard some one go past the door.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You must have been dreaming, mother, dear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very likely. I haven't been sleeping well these nights. See
+here,
+Daisy, perhaps he's left us something--you, at least--tell me, haven't
+you been thinking about that sometimes?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>apart, with a glance at
+the clock</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If she doesn't come soon----!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's that you were saying? (<i>The bell rings</i>. <span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>
+starts.</i>) Why,
+what's the matter with you? (<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>enters.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>calling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tempski!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Tempski</span> (<i>at the threshold, in military attitude</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here, Lieutenant!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hurry over to the garrison church and see if everything is
+ready.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, Kellermann will see----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then go--or no--stay there until the casket arrives. Do
+you
+understand?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Tempski</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At your command, Lieutenant. (<i>He goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's attended to. And now, my dear Frau Mulbridge, there's
+something
+that I want to confide to you. A visitor is coming here presently--a
+lady. (<span class="sc2">Frau Mulbridge </span><i>glances anxiously at </i><span class="sc2">Daisy</span>, <i>who nods.</i>) She
+is
+not to be seen by any one--except Daisy. Daisy, it appears, used to
+open the door for her sometimes in former days.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daisy--? What does this mean?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, Tempski might have gossiped, you know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so he let <i>you</i> open the door?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I never gossip, mother.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'm finding things out now! Why did I never hear of this
+before?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, you were always in the stables with father in the evening.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And there I was trying to keep this child from any knowledge
+of the
+things that went on in here--and he----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We've no time for that now, Frau Mulbridge. Daisy, you will
+watch
+outside, won't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span> (<i>protesting</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, that's too----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>firmly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I'll watch. (<i>The bell rings softly.</i>) Should I----?
+(<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>nods.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span> (<i>calling her back</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daisy! (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>goes out without noticing her mother.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">May I ask, Frau Mulbridge, that you----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Mulbridge</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well. We have served him faithfully, and I'll not start
+making any
+trouble now at the end. (<i>Exit, left</i>. <span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>goes to the door at
+the right, listens, and then opens it cautiously</i>. <span class="sc2">The Unknown Lady </span>
+<i>enters. She is heavily veiled, dressed entirely in black, and carries
+a spray of white roses. As she enters, she staggers slightly and leans
+against the writing-table for support.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>who has softly locked
+the door</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">May I show you the way, Countess? (<span class="sc2">The Lady </span><i>shakes her head
+and
+motions questioningly toward the back</i>. <span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>nods, and she goes
+out through the curtained doorway. After a short pause</i>, <span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span>
+<i>opens the door at the right.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>calling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daisy! (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>appears at the threshold.</i>) Kindly see
+that no one
+enters the house while this lady is here--no one, do you understand?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, I understand very well.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It may be that she has something else to say to me. If the men
+should
+come for the casket before she has left, take them around the other
+way. Keep the main entrance clear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, that wouldn't be safe.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, what shall we do?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>breathing heavily</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'll--think of something.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His death grieves you, too, dear child?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Me? Oh, yes--me too. (<i>She goes out</i>. <span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>walks
+to and fro,
+pauses to listen in front of the curtain, turns on the electric lamp,
+again walks to and fro, etc. At a slight movement of the curtain, he
+stops, expectant</i>. <span class="sc2">The Lady</span>, <i>still veiled, comes forward slowly until
+she has reached one of the chairs on the left. A pause.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, Herr von Wolters--to let them close the coffin before I--I
+had seen
+him--I must confess, I had not expected that of you, Herr von Wolters.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I didn't dare prevent it, Countess--just because of your
+coming. It was
+the only way to have the house to ourselves.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't call me countess, Herr von Wolters. I am not a countess
+here.
+(<i>Glancing toward the door.</i>) I am only an unhappy woman whom no one in
+this house knows, whom no one is to know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wouldn't you care to rest for a moment?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are we quite safe here?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Quite. The little girl who, you say, is not unknown to you, is
+outside
+at the entrance. I have told her mother of your visit and she will not
+enter the house. If you wish, however, we can lock the door.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, do. Or, no, perhaps it would be better not to--in case
+any one----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Throws back her veil, revealing a very beautiful face,
+which is
+deathly pale and wears an expression of the deepest affliction. She
+sinks into the chair. A pause.</i>) I wanted to lay my roses on his
+breast. Ah, Herr von Wolters, I loved that man with an infinite love.
+Perhaps grief will give my life a new and holier meaning--who knows? We
+seek beauty--and find grief. Tell me, Herr von Wolters, you were his
+best friend, did you never suspect----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Never, never.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And when you received my letter early this morning asking you
+to come
+at once--not even then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could draw--various conclusions--from that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For instance----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please--really, you must excuse me----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, Herr von Wolters. We are here--but why don't you sit down?
+(<i>He
+does so.</i>) We are here together, you and I, to hold the last rites over
+our sainted dead. His friend and his beloved who else has any right to
+be here? Herr von Wolters, I have given you my full confidence--I have
+made a strange confession to you. You will not betray me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so, in this sacred hour, there must be no concealment
+between us.
+Answer me now. What does the world say?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>embarrassed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The world says so many things, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tell me, to what extent has my name been associated with this
+affair?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can't conceal the fact from you, Countess. Your name is
+mentioned.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>thoughtfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's what my husband says.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But please let me add that not a shadow, not the slightest
+suspicion,
+has ever----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But what else can they think?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Countess, when a woman is as beauti-- I mean, that
+when a woman
+is the centre of so much interest, it's not surprising that some notice
+was taken of the attentions which he--</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>somewhat impatiently</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--but----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It naturally was observed that my friend----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our friend had a--what shall I say--a susceptible heart. We
+knew that,
+who knew him so well. This was not the first time he had--been
+interested in a woman. And that was why I arranged to have him seen in
+our house as little as possible--lately, not at all.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That fact did not escape notice, Countess. And as Baron Renoir
+was
+frequently seen with you--instead of----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>somewhat excited</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't mention that name, Herr von Wolters! I can't stand it!
+What could
+have possessed that man Renoir--? But do tell me the rest. I've heard
+only the merest details. They've only told me what they thought
+necessary.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one knows what actually occurred between the two men. He
+begged me
+to ask no questions. You know, he was so reserved of late. It may
+be that certain expressions which passed between them a few days
+ago--after they had been drinking--had something to do with it--no one
+knows. Perhaps there was some insult which was given in private--and
+which neither of them would make public. The assurance that the injury,
+whatever it may have been, was irreparable, must satisfy us.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, how I hate that man Renoir!--quite apart from the trouble
+which he
+has gotten me into! My husband warned me against him long ago. &quot;That
+scoundrel will compromise you some day,&quot; he said, &quot;and then I'll have
+to fight a duel with him.&quot; Instead--this! Oh, you poor, poor darling!
+And now, when all was so quiet and peaceful between us!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Countess, if you think that the change which came over
+him in
+the last few months betokened peace and quiet----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>nervously</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know anything about that! It wasn't my fault! Was I to
+blame if
+he insisted on having notions? Tell me one thing, Herr von Wolters, did
+he die easily?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one dies easily, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Was he still living when they reached the house?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, he died on the field.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you know my first name, Herr von Wolters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>hesitating</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did he--by any chance--speak--that name?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That would have betrayed his secret, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I only meant--at the very last--when he was no
+longer--conscious.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, Countess. But--pardon me, I don't want to be
+indelicate--but did he
+ever call you by some little--little term of endearment--some--
+(<i>Stops, embarrassed.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why do you ask?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the very end, he kept murmuring something that sounded like
+&quot;Girlie&quot;--or----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>indignantly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Herr von Wolters, our intimacy was of a different
+sort.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pardon me, Countess, but you yourself asked. (<i>She nods. A
+short
+pause.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good heavens--these curtains over the mirrors! They make me
+feel as if
+I were looking a blind man in the eyes!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Would you like to have me remove them?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no. Never mind. I want to ask you something, Herr von
+Wolters. Tell
+me, what do you think of me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>confused</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you mean, Countess?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I want to know what I have done that I should be doomed to
+bring so
+much sorrow into the lives of others. I had only just left school when
+a strange young man shot himself under my window. It was on my account
+that my husband was transferred here from his former garrison. Tell me,
+what mark of Cain do I bear that all men follow me? I dress as simply
+as I can. I never go out without a double veil. Sometimes I have
+actually been tempted to throw vitriol in my face!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>candidly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, that would have been a shame, Countess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>severely</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr von Wolters!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, Countess, to mar that image of divinity would be a
+sin--and I do
+not hesitate to repeat it beside the coffin of my friend.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't! (<i>Reaches him her hand, which he kisses respectfully.</i>)
+Dear me,
+how strange it seems! Yesterday we scarcely knew one another--those few
+visits at my house don't count. To-day--this short conversation--and
+here we are, sitting side by side, the guardians of a secret which will
+be buried forever with him. It will, Herr von Wolters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, my dear Countess, please do not offend me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, I shall not worry. Did you love him very dearly?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought a great deal of him, Countess. He took care of me
+when I was
+a young fellow quite alone in the world. He was so-- Really, I don't
+know how I shall-- (<i>breaking down.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Courage, dear friend! We must both try to be brave.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>firmly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thank you, Countess. You will not have to reprove me again.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You evaded my question before. Do you consider me very guilty,
+Herr von
+Wolters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He loved you, Countess. That makes you holy in my eyes.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thank you for that word--little as I deserve it. It has
+never been my
+way to undervalue myself. But your opinion meant so much to me----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>puzzled</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What difference could my humble opinion----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't say that, my dear friend. There are few people--perhaps
+not even
+my own husband--who have ever seen me as you see me at this moment--so
+weak, so helpless, so--I had almost said--unguarded. Remember that--and
+spare me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hope that I have not been inconsiderate, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Putting her hand to her brow, stammering.</i>) No, no, no;
+it's--it's
+grieving for him that makes me lose my wits. The world had so long set
+me on a pedestal that I thought I belonged there. Now I feel as if I
+were torn down. Now I lie there-- Herr von Wolters, pay no attention to
+me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If I could only help you, Countess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>smiling sorrowfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Help me--you? And yet, why not? His friend and his beloved! It
+is we,
+you and I, who are paying the last honours to the dead. Who could know
+his worth better than we? Whose grief could be more eloquent than ours?
+No, no, no--I must not talk. Ah, I see him before me now with his
+bright, careless smile--his conqueror's smile! I suppose you never were
+courted by women as he was?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear Countess, I lead a fairly quiet, uneventful life.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you're not--you're not a Puritan, are you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must let others judge of that, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh! I should like to cry out my sorrow to the whole world--say
+to them
+all, &quot;You sordid souls, you couldn't know how much I loved him! What do
+I care if you damn me, if you----&quot; (<i>The bell rings. She starts.</i>)
+There's the bell!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>reassuringly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Probably just a wreath.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And if it's not--a----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, Daisy is outside. But to make sure-- (<i>Listens at the
+door, then
+opens it cautiously.</i>) Daisy! (<span class="sc2">The Lady </span><i>drops her veil</i>. <span class="sc2">Daisy </span>
+<i>appears at the threshold.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What is it, Herr von Wolters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who rang?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a wreath.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">The Lady</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just as I supposed.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">Daisy</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Come here, dear. (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>comes forward.</i>) You used to
+open the door for
+me, didn't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you don't know who I am?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You'll not try to find out?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, no.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Was he fond of you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And have you been crying since he died?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You're a pretty little girl.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>going</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Has my lady any more questions?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Taking out a gold purse, to </i><span class="sc2">v. Wolters</span>.) Do you think
+one might give
+her anything? (<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>shakes his head.</i>) Thank you, dear. We shall
+see each other again. (<i>As </i><span class="sc2">Daisy </span><i>lingers.</i>) What is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well--since I shall see my lady again. (<i>Goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It did seem though, as if she were waiting for something.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you will pardon me for the suggestion, it was surely
+not--not for
+money.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By the way, this incident reminds me of something I was just
+about
+to-- Herr von Wolters, are you my friend?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you consider me worthy of that distinction, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Most assuredly. Well, Herr von Wolters, there is something
+that
+troubles me--something that desecrates my grief, if I may use the
+word. There's the anxiety--the fear that-- Yes, yes--I must tell you
+all. Herr von Wolters, he has my letters. Do you understand? (<i>He
+nods.</i>) Didn't he give you something for me--a small, sealed package,
+perhaps--nothing?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You are forgetting, Countess, that I was ignorant of all this
+until a
+short time ago.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's true. H'm--it's really too bad. Who has the keys?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, he gave them to me just before the duel. I have them with
+me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You've looked through the writing-table?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I had to hand over his papers to the legal authorities. I
+didn't
+consider myself entitled to touch his private correspondence at
+present.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why not?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He made a will the day before the duel.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really? In whose favor?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What! Didn't he make any allusion--nothing----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The only thing he said was that he had named me as executor.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he had no relatives. Who is to inherit his large fortune?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I've said, I don't know. However, he made a remark that I
+didn't
+quite understand, and that I--pardon me--would rather not repeat, if
+you don't mind.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It might give you pain, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>sadly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nothing can give me pain after <i>this</i>.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, he said with a decided emphasis--though perhaps he did
+not intend
+that I should notice it--he said, &quot;The one who loved me best shall be
+my heir.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What! He said that? Who could have loved him best if not I?
+(<i>Terrified.</i>) For God's sake, Herr von Wolters!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't be alarmed, Countess. That would be too grotesque.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps this is his revenge.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Revenge? On you? What for?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no--I'm quite out of my senses, I-- But, as you have the
+keys, you
+won't mind doing me this slight favour.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What favour, Countess?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Search for the letters with me--now. It seems to me your duty,
+not only
+as a friend but as a gentleman.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pardon me, my dear Countess, you were certainly his
+last--perhaps his
+only great love. But his life was varied--and if we were to open his
+desk now--I really don't know what we might find there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You mean there would be letters from other----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must say no more.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, I'll shut my eyes. I'll only look for my own
+handwriting.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The will is to be opened in a few days, Countess. He has
+doubtless
+inserted a clause authorising me as executor to return certain papers
+to their owners--or destroy them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, I see you're a Puritan, after all.--No, no, I'll not
+trouble your
+conscience. This loyalty which you bear him to the very grave is
+so beautiful, so poetical, and I feel so near to you because of
+it--(<i>Putting her hand over her eyes.</i>) Oh, those curtains in front of
+the mirrors! They make me feel as if I were dead myself, (<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span>
+<i>is about to tear them down.</i>) No, no--don't. Thanks. Tell me, how long
+will it be before the will is opened?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Unfortunately, the day is not yet appointed.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall not sleep a moment until then. Not even my love, my
+grief, can
+outweigh this terrible fear. My honour, my future, my life--everything
+is at stake!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>amazed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Countess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Please stop calling me Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Forgive me. What should I----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Call me your friend. I want to be that. From this day you
+become closer
+to me than any other being in all the world. Are you not the legacy, as
+it were, that our dear dead has left me?--Ah, you and I must become
+like brother and sister, two beings who have--nothing--to conceal from
+one another. Herr von Wolters, will you be my guide, my confidant--my
+friend?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Countess! My dear, dear Countess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>softly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you're not to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Forgive me. Your kindness to me makes me feel
+so--confused--I----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why should it? I feel certain that if he could see us at this
+moment,
+he himself would join our hands together.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Countess, if you ever need a man who would let himself be torn
+to
+pieces for you----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, not that. I only want you to take this great weight from
+my soul.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, Countess, I am a man of my word.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And that's what you call being torn to pieces for me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>trembling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whether I can answer for this to him and to my own
+conscience--whether
+I can ever again think of him--without shame--will depend upon what we
+shall find in there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you will open it? (<i>A pause.</i>) Herr von Wolters,
+you'll not let me
+die of fear and distraction?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I'll open it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>laying her hand on his
+arm</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thanks, thanks! Ah, you are good----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>taking out the key</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't thank me. I feel as if he could hear it in there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>shuddering involuntarily</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No--no! (<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>turns the key in the keyhole
+unavailingly.</i>) Won't
+it work?--Heavens, why your hand is trembling. Let me have it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>with a last attempt at
+resistance</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The keys were entrusted to <i>me</i>, Countess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>coaxingly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, do let me have it. (<i>Sits at the writing-table and opens
+the
+drawer. With a low cry of surprise.</i>) Empty!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>bending over her</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Empty?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you sure that this was----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that was the drawer in which he kept his private papers.
+I'm sure
+of it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>staring straight ahead</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, how can you explain----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps he burned everything.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>springing to her feet</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And perhaps not!--Who knows?--This is the way he played with
+the honour
+of the woman who gave him all! This is my thanks! This is the action of
+a gentleman!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No gentleman, Countess, can do more than let himself be shot
+for a
+woman.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who asked him to do it? Was it my fault if jealousy of Renoir
+drove him
+mad? And perhaps this is really his revenge! Perhaps we'll live to see
+even more interesting disclosures!--This is my reward! This-- (<span class="sc2">Daisy </span>
+<i>appears at the door in the centre.</i>) What do you want?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I beg your pardon. My lady is looking for--letters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So you've been in there eavesdropping, have you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I brought in a wreath.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, what do you know about my letters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here they are. (<i>Takes a small package of letters from her
+dress and
+hands it to </i><span class="sc2">The Lady</span>.) I intended to give them to you <i>secretly</i> when
+you left.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Snatches the letters from her hand and looks at them.</i>)
+How do you
+happen to have these letters?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>wonderingly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, how should I happen to have them? He gave them to me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To you? Who are you? Why to you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Because he knew that I would do exactly what he told me to do.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">v. Wolters</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Can you understand this?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span> (<i>gently</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What did he tell you to do, Daisy?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He said to me, &quot;These letters belong to the lady who used to
+come to
+see me sometimes. No one is to know about her--not even Herr von
+Wolters.--When I am dead, the lady will----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did he say that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. &quot;When I am dead, the lady will probably come here again.
+If she
+does, give her these letters. If she doesn't, then burn them with the
+others.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What others?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Those over there in the stove.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>examining the letters</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Look at this! Unsealed! Unwrapped!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He knew that I wouldn't read them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I suppose from now on I shall be at <i>your</i> mercy!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know you, my lady. And even if I did, you need have no
+fear.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">v. Wolters</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Isn't she kind!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>always respectfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I should like to ask you a favour, my lady.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By all means. What could I deny you, my dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Goes into the room behind and returns with the flowers
+that </i><span class="sc2">The Lady </span><i>had brought.</i>)
+Oh please, please take these roses--away--with you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What does this mean?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>imploringly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please take them!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What right have you to make such a shameless request of me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Daisy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard--forgive me, I didn't want to--I heard the way you
+spoke about
+him before. And it seems to me that your flowers no longer belong upon
+his coffin.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you say to that, Herr von Wolters? This person acts as
+if she
+were the mistress of the house!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>proudly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Stares at her through her lorgnette and smiles.</i>) Oh,
+really!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>her bearing pure and
+proud</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The night before he died I became--his wife. (<i>A long pause.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hope you'll come and take tea with me in the near future,
+Herr von
+Wolters.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Wolters</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pray, excuse me, but official duties will make it impossible
+for me
+to----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Lady</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Taken aback, but quickly recovering herself.</i>) Thank
+you just the
+same. (<i>A loud ring.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">v. Daisy</span> (<i>starts and looks at the
+clock</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There are the troops already.--Would you be so kind, Herr von
+Wolters--? Please let no one come in here. (<span class="sc2">v. Wolters </span><i>bows and
+hurries out at the right.</i>) May I take you out the back way, my lady?
+No one will see you--or at least, only my mother. (<i>As the heavy steps
+of the soldiers are heard, to herself, in suppressed agony.</i>) And
+meanwhile--they will--take the coffin--away! (<i>Regaining possession of
+herself.</i>) But wouldn't it be better to drop your veil? (<span class="sc2">The Lady </span><i>does
+so.</i>) And your roses--do take them! (<span class="sc2">The Lady </span><i>snatches the roses from
+her hand.</i>) This way, please. (<i>She opens the door at the left and goes
+out slowly behind </i><span class="sc2">The Lady</span>, <i>her eyes turned longingly toward the room
+behind.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Curtain</span>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>IV</h2>
+
+<h1><a name="div1_princess" href="#div1Ref_princess">THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS</a></h1>
+
+<h2>A COMEDY IN ONE ACT</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHARACTERS</h2>
+<br>
+<table style="width:50%; margin-left:25%">
+<colgroup><col style="width:40%"><col style="width:5%"><col style="width:55%"></colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">The Princess von Geldern</span>.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Baroness von Brook</span>, her maid of honour.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Frau von Halldorf</span>.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td><span class="sc2">Liddy</span><td>
+<td rowspan="2" style="font-size:36pt">}</td>
+<td>her daughters</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td><span class="sc2">Milly</span></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Fritz Strübel</span>, a student.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Frau Lindemann</span>.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">Rosa</span>, a waitress.</td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td colspan="3"><span class="sc2">A Lackey</span>.</td>
+</tr></table>
+<br>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">The Present Day</span>.</p>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>The scene is laid at an inn situated above a watering-place
+in central
+Germany.</i></p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS</h2>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>The veranda of an inn. The right side of the stage and half
+of the
+background represent a framework of glass enclosing the veranda. The
+left side and the other half of the background represent the stone
+walls of the house. To the left, in the foreground, a door; another
+door in the background, at the left. On the left, back, a buffet and
+serving-table. Neat little tables and small iron chairs for visitors
+are placed about the veranda. On the right, in the centre, a large
+telescope, standing on a tripod, is directed through an open window</i>.
+<span class="sc2">Rosa</span>, <i>dressed in the costume of the country, is arranging flowers on
+the small tables</i>. <span class="sc2">Frau Lindemann</span>, <i>a handsome, stoutish woman in the
+thirties, hurries in excitedly from the left</i>.
+</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There! Now she can come--curtains, bedding--everything fresh
+and clean
+as new! No, this honour, this unexpected honour--! Barons and counts
+have been here often enough. Even the Russian princes sometimes come
+up from the Springs. I don't bother my head about them--they're just
+like--that!--But a princess--a real princess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps it isn't a real princess after all.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>indignantly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What? What do you mean by that!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was only thinking that a real princess wouldn't be coming to
+an inn
+like this. Real princesses won't lie on anything but silks and velvets.
+You just wait and see; it's a trick!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you going to pretend that the letter isn't genuine;--that
+the
+letter is a forgery?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Maybe one of the regular customers is playing a joke. That
+student,
+Herr Strübel, he's always joking. (<i>Giggles.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Herr Strübel makes a joke, he makes a decent joke, a
+real, genuine
+joke. Oh, of course one has to pretend to be angry sometimes--but as
+for writing a forged letter--My land!--a letter with a gold crown on
+it--there! (<i>She takes a letter from her waist, and reads.</i>) &quot;This
+afternoon, Her Highness, the Princess von Geldern, will stop at the
+Fairview Inn, to rest an hour or so before making the descent to the
+Springs. You are requested to have ready a quiet and comfortable room,
+to guard Her Highness from any annoying advances, and, above all, to
+maintain the strictest secrecy regarding this event, as otherwise the
+royal visit will not be repeated. Baroness von Brook, maid of honour to
+Her Highness.&quot; Now, what have you got to say?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr Strübel lent me a book once. A maid of honour came into
+that, too.
+I'm sure it's a trick!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>looking out toward
+the back</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dear, dear, isn't that Herr Strübel now, coming up the hill?
+To-day of
+all days! What on earth does he always want up here?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span> (<i>pointedly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He's in such favour at the Inn.--He won't be leaving here all
+day.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That won't do at all. He's got to be sent off. If I only knew
+how I
+could--Oh, ho! I'll be disagreeable to him--that's the only way to
+manage it!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Strübel </span><i>enters. He is a handsome young fellow without much
+polish,
+but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably
+good-natured.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good day, everybody.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>sarcastically</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Charming day.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>surprised at her coolness</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I say! What's up? Who's been rubbing you the wrong way? May I
+have a
+glass of beer any way? Glass of beer, if you please!--Several glasses
+of beer, if you please.--(<i>Sits down.</i>) Pestiferously hot this
+afternoon.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>after a pause</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm, H'm!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the first place, Herr Strübel, I would have you know that
+my name is
+Frau Lindemann.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just so.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Singing, as </i><span class="sc2">Rosa </span><i>brings him a glass of beer.</i>)
+&quot;Beer--beer!&quot;--Heavens and earth, how hot it is! (<i>Drinks.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there
+at the
+Springs?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights--my soul thirsts for the
+heights
+every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown
+himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow,
+&quot;I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>scornfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bah!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, you're thinking that <i>you</i> are my beloved? No,
+dearest: my beloved
+stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here--up
+to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into
+her window--see?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, so that's why----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that?--Besides, I've
+no more
+time for you.--Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right
+away. Good-bye, Herr Strübel. (<i>Goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>laughing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got
+into her
+head?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span> (<i>mysteriously</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ahem, there are crowned heads and other
+heads--and--ahem--there are
+letters <i>with</i> crowns and letters <i>without</i> crowns.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Letters--? Are you----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There are maids of honour--and other maids! (<i>Giggles.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Permit me. (<i>Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger.</i>)
+Ow! Ow!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What's the matter?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, your head's on fire! Blow! Blow! And while you are
+getting some
+salve for my burns, I'll just-- (<i>Goes to the telescope.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Enter </i><span class="sc2">Frau Von Halldorf</span>,
+<span class="sc2">Liddy</span>, <i>and </i><span class="sc2">Milly</span>. <span class="sc2">Frau
+Von Halldorf </span><i>is
+an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What a pity that it's in use just now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>stepping back</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I beg of you, ladies--I have plenty of time. I can wait.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span> (<i>condescendingly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, thanks so much. (<i>She goes up to the telescope, while
+Strübel
+returns to his former place.</i>) Waitress! Bring us three glasses of
+milk.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span> (<i>as </i><span class="sc2">Milly </span><i>languidly
+drops into a chair</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beyond to the right is the road, mother.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage--neither a
+royal
+carriage nor any other sort.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let me look.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Please do.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It has disappeared now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you quite sure that it was a royal carriage?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, one has an instinct for that sort of thing, mother. It
+comes to one
+in the cradle.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>As </i><span class="sc2">Milly </span><i>yawns and sighs aloud.</i>) Are you
+sleepy, dear?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Milly</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, only tired. I'm always tired.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, that's just why we are at the Springs. Do as the
+princess does:
+take the waters religiously.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Milly</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill
+either on a
+hot day like this.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span> (<i>more softly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good
+luck, we
+should happen to meet the princess----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has been looking through the telescope.</i>) Oh, there
+it is again!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span> (<i>eagerly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Where? Where? (<i>Takes </i><span class="sc2">Liddy's </span><i>place.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It's just coming around the turn at the top.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then she's coming up on foot.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">Milly</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just
+as anæmic
+as you are.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Milly</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my
+own
+carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk
+either.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can't see a thing now.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You have to turn the screw, mother.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't
+move.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let me try.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Who has been throwing little wads of paper at </i><span class="sc2">Rosa </span><i>
+during the
+preceding conversation.</i>) What are they up to?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, what shall we do about it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>rising</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some
+experience with
+these old screws.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very kind indeed. (<span class="sc2">Strübel </span><i>busies himself with the
+instrument.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the
+princess
+can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the
+road?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted
+old screw!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, really?--(<i>Aside to her daughters.</i>) And if she
+should actually
+speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present
+ourselves as the subjects of her noble fiancé, and tell her that we
+live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give
+us over the other women of the court!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to
+which the
+far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau V. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything
+about the
+report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the
+lonely
+villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning,
+but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously
+interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span> (<i>who has looked out, back</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There--there--there--it is!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The carriage?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the
+edge of
+the woods.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She will surely enter it there, then. Come quickly, my dear
+children,
+so that it will look quite accidental.--Here is your money. (<i>She
+throws a coin to </i><span class="sc2">Rosa </span><i>and unwraps a small package done up in tissue
+paper which she has brought with her.</i>) Here is a bouquet for you and
+here's one for you. You are to present these to the princess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Milly</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So that it will look quite accidental--oh, yes! (<i>All three
+go out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Good heavens! Could I--? I don't believe it! Surely she
+sits--Well,
+I'll make sure right away-- (<i>Goes up to the telescope and stops.</i>) Oh,
+I'll go along with them, anyhow. (<i>Exit after them.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>entering</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Have they all gone--all of them?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Rosa</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All of them.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>looking toward the
+right</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There--there--two ladies and a lackey are coming up the
+footpath. Mercy
+me! How my heart is beating!--If I had only had the sofa re-covered
+last spring!--What am I going to say to them?--Rosa, don't you know a
+poem by heart which you could speak to the princess? (<span class="sc2">Rosa </span><i>shrugs her
+shoulders.</i>) They're coming through the court now!--Stop putting your
+arms under your apron that way, you stupid thing!--oh dear, oh dear----</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>The door opens</i>. <span class="sc2">A Lackey </span><i>in plain black livery
+enters, and remains
+standing at the door. He precedes </i><span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Frau Von Brook</span>.
+<span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>is a pale, sickly, unassuming young girl, wearing a very
+simple walking costume and a medium-sized leghorn hat trimmed with
+roses</i>. <span class="sc2">Frau Von Brook </span><i>is a handsome, stately, stern-looking woman, in
+the thirties. She is well dressed, but in accordance with the simple
+tastes of the North German nobility.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who is the proprietor of this place?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At your command, your Highness.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span> (<i>reprovingly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am the maid of honour.--Where is the room that has been
+ordered?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span> (<i>opens the door,
+left</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here--at the head of the stairs--my lady.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Would your Highness care to remain here for a few moments?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very much, dear Frau von Brook.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Edward, order what is needed for Her Highness and see that a
+room next
+to Her Highness is prepared for me. I may assume that these are your
+Highness's wishes?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why certainly, dear Frau von Brook. (<span class="sc2">The Lackey</span>, <i>who is
+carrying
+shawls and pillows, goes out with </i><span class="sc2">Rosa</span>, <i>left.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mais puisque je te dis, Eugenie, que je n'ai pas sommeil.
+M'envoyer
+coucher comme une enfant, c'est abominable.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mais je t'implore, chérie, sois sage! Tu sais, que c'est le
+médecin,
+qui----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, ton médecin! Toujours cette corvée. Et si je te dis----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Chut! My dear woman, wouldn't it be best for you to
+superintend the
+preparations?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am entirely at your service. (<i>About to go out, left.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One thing more. This veranda, leading from the house to the
+grounds--would it be possible to close it to the public?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, certainly. The guests as often as not sit out under the
+trees.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well, then do so, please. (<span class="sc2">Frau Lindemann </span><i>locks the
+door.</i>) We
+may be assured that no one will enter this place?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If it is desired, none of us belonging to the house will come
+in here
+either.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We should like that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau Lindemann</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Very well. (<i>Exit.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really, you must be more careful, darling. If that woman had
+understood
+French-- You must be careful!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What would have been so dreadful about it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing
+but
+your illness--that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonised milk
+yet--this is a secret which we must keep from everyone, above all from
+your fiancé. If the Grand-Duke should discover----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>shrugging her
+shoulders</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, what of it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Otherwise?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>with a little smile of
+resignation</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What is it, dear? (<span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>shakes her head.</i>) And
+then think of
+the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn!
+You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most
+exacting demands of life.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of life? Whose life?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What do you mean by that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and
+unholy
+thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know
+that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And to go to sleep.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, it isn't only that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Look out there! See the woods!--Ah, to lie down on the moss,
+to cover
+oneself with leaves, to watch the clouds pass by high above----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span> (<i>softening</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We can do that, too, sometime.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>laughing aloud</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sometime!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Lackey </span><i>appears at the door</i>).</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is everything ready? (<span class="sc2">The Lackey </span><i>bows.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>aside to </i><span class="sc2">Frau v.
+Brook</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I simply cannot sleep.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Try to, for my sake. (<i>Aloud.</i>) Does your Highness
+command----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>smiling and sighing</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, I command. (<i>They go out, left.</i>)</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>The stage remains empty for several moments. Then </i><span class="sc2">
+Strübel </span><i>is heard
+trying the latch of the back door.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel's Voice</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hullo! What's up! Why is this locked all of a sudden?
+Rosa!--Open up!
+I've got to look through the telescope! Rosa! Won't you?--Oh, well,
+I know how to help myself. (<i>He is seen walking outside of the
+glass-covered veranda. Then he puts his head through the open window at
+the right.</i>) Not a soul inside?-- (<i>Climbs over.</i>) Well, here we are.
+What on earth has happened to these people? (<i>Unlocks the back door and
+looks out.</i>) Everything deserted. Well, it's all the same to me.
+(<i>Locks the door again.</i>) But let's find out right away what the
+carriage has to do with the case. (<i>Prepares to look through the
+telescope</i>. <span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>enters cautiously through the door at the
+left, her hat in her hand. Without noticing </i><span class="sc2">Strübel</span>, <i>who is standing
+motionless before the telescope, she goes hurriedly to the door at the
+back and unlocks it.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Startled at the sound of the key, turns around.</i>) Why,
+how do you do?
+(<span class="sc2">The Princess</span>, <i>not venturing to move, glances back at the door through
+which she has entered.</i>) Wouldn't you like to look through the
+telescope a while? Please do. (<span class="sc2">The Princess</span>, <i>undecided as to whether
+or not she should answer him, takes a few steps back toward the door at
+the left.</i>) Why are you going away? I won't do anything to you.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>reassured</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I'm not going away.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's right. But--where have you come from? The door was
+locked.
+Surely you didn't climb through the window as I did?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>frightened</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What?--You came--through the window?----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of course I did.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>frightened anew</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I had rather (<i>About to go back.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, my dear young lady, you just stay right here. Why, before
+I'd drive
+you away I'd pitch myself headlong over a precipice!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>smiling, reassured</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I only wanted to go out into the woods for half an hour.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, then you're a regular guest here at the Inn?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>quickly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes--yes, of course.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And of course you drink the waters down below?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>in a friendly way</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, I drink the waters. And I'm taking the baths, too.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">
+Two hundred metres up and down every time! Isn't that very hard on you?
+Heavens! And you look so pale! See here, my dear young lady, don't you
+do it. It would be better for you to go down there--that is-- Oh,
+forgive me! I've been talking without thinking. Of course, you have
+your own reasons-- It's decidedly cheaper up here. <i>I</i> know how to
+value a thing of that sort. I've never had any money in all my life!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>trying to seem
+practical</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But when one comes to a watering-place, one must have money.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>slapping himself on the
+chest</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do I look to you as if I drank iron? Thank Heaven, I can't
+afford such
+luxuries! No; I'm only a poor fellow who earns his miserable pittance
+during vacation by acting as a private tutor--that's to say,
+&quot;miserable&quot; is only a figure of speech, for in the morning I lie abed
+until nine, at noon I eat five, and at night seven, courses; and as for
+work, I really haven't a thing to do! My pupil is so anæmic--why,
+compared to him, <i>you're</i> fit for a circus rider!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>laughing
+unrestrainedly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, well, I'm rather glad I'm not one.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dear me, it's a business like any other.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Like any other? Really, I didn't think that.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And pray, what did you think then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, I thought that they were--an entirely different sort of
+people.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My dear young lady, all people are &quot;an entirely different
+sort.&quot; Of
+course <i>we</i> two aren't. We get along real well together, don't we? As
+poor as church mice, both of us!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>smiling reflectively</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who knows? Perhaps that's true.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>kindly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you know what? If you want to stay down there--I'll tell
+you how one
+can live cheaply. I have a friend, a student like myself. He's here to
+mend up as you are. I feed him up at the house where I'm staying.
+(<i>Frightened at a peculiar look of </i><span class="sc2">The Princess's</span>.) Oh, but you
+mustn't be-- No, I shouldn't have said it. It wasn't decent of me.
+Only, let me tell you, I'm so glad to be able to help the poor fellow
+out of my unexpected earnings, that I'd like to be shouting it from the
+housetops all the time! Of course, you understand that, don't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You like to help people, then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Surely--don't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>reflecting</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No. There's always so much talk about it, and the whole thing
+immediately appears in the newspapers.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What? If you help some one, that appears----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>quickly correcting
+herself</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I only mean if one takes part in entertainments for
+charity----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, naturally. In those things they always get some woman
+of rank
+to act as patroness, if they can, and she sees to it, you may be sure,
+that the newspapers make a fuss over it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>demurely</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, not every----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just try to teach me something I don't know about these titled
+women!
+Besides, my dear young lady, where is your home--in one of the large
+cities, or----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, no. In quite a small town--really more like the country.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then, I'm going to show you something that you probably never
+saw
+before in all your life.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh do! What is it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A princess! H'm--not a make-believe, but a real, true-blue
+princess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, really?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. Our Princess of the Springs.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And who may that be?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, Princess Marie Louise.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of Geldern?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of course.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you know her?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, certainly.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really? I thought that she lived in great retirement.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, that doesn't do her any good. Not a bit of it. And
+because you
+are such a jolly, good fellow, I'm going to tell you my secret. I'm in
+love with this princess!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You can't imagine what a comfort it is. The fact is, every
+young poet
+has got to have a princess to love.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are <i>you</i> a poet?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Can't you tell that by looking at me?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I never saw a poet before.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Never saw a poet--never saw a princess! Why, you're learning a
+heap of
+things to-day!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>assenting</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">H'm--And have you written poems to her?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, that goes without saying! Quantities of 'em!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, please recite some little thing--won't you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, not yet. Everything at the proper time.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, yes, first I should like to see the princess.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, first I am going to tell you the whole story.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes, yes. Please do. (<i>Sits down.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then--I had hardly heard that she was here before I was
+dead in
+love with her. It was just as quick as a shot, I tell you. Just as if I
+had waited all my life long to fall in love with her. Besides, I also
+heard about her beauty--and her sorrow. You see, she had an early love
+affair.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>disconcerted</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What? Are they saying that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes. It was a young officer who went to Africa because of
+her--and died
+there.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And they know that, too?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What don't they know?--But that's a mere detail--it doesn't
+concern
+me. Even the fact that in six months she will become the bride of a
+grand-duke--even that can make no difference to me. For the present she
+is <i>my</i> princess.--But you're not listening to me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes I am!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you know what that means--<i>my</i> princess? I'll not give
+up <i>my</i>
+princess--not for anything in all the world!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But--if you don't even know her----?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know her? Why, I know her as well as I know myself!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Have you ever met her, then?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I don't know of any one who has ever met her. And there's not
+a soul
+that can tell what she looks like. It is said that there were pictures
+of her in the shop-windows when she first came, but they were removed
+immediately. In the morning a great many people are always lurking
+around the Springs trying to catch a glimpse of her. I myself have
+gotten up at six o'clock a couple of times--on the same errand--and if
+you knew me better, you'd realise what that meant. But not a sign of
+her! Either she has the stuff brought to her house, or she has the
+power of making herself invisible. (<span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>turns aside to
+conceal a smile.</i>) After that, I used to hang around her garden--every
+day, for hours at a time. Until one day the policeman, whom the
+managers of the Springs have stationed at the gates, came up to me and
+asked me what on earth I was doing there. Well, that was the end of
+those methods of approach! Suddenly, however, a happy thought struck
+me. Now I can see her, and have her near to me as often as I wish.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, that's very interesting. How?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, that's just the point. H'm, should I risk it? Should I
+take you
+into my confidence?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You promised me some time ago that you would show her to me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wait a second. (<i>Looks through the telescope.</i>) There she
+is. Please
+look for yourself.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I am-- (<i>She, too, looks through the telescope.</i>)
+Actually, there
+is the garden as plain as if one were in it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And at the corner window on the left--with the
+embroidery-frame--that's
+she.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Are you absolutely certain that that is the princess?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, who else could it be?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, 'round about a princess like that--there are such a lot of
+people.
+For instance, there is her waiting-woman, there's the seamstress and
+her assistants, there's----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But my dear young lady, if you only understood anything about
+these
+matters, you would have been certain at the very first glance that it
+was she--and no one else. Observe the nobility in every motion--the
+queenly grace with which she bends over the embroidery-frame----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How do you know that it's an embroidery-frame?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, what should a princess be bending over if not an
+embroidery-frame?
+Do you expect her to be darning stockings?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It wouldn't hurt her at all!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now, that's just one of those petty, bourgeois notions which
+we ought
+to suppress. It's not enough that we have to stick in this misery, but
+we'd like to drag her down, too--that being far above all earthly
+care----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, dear me!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What are you sighing about so terribly?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Princess</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Tell me, wouldn't you like to have a closer acquaintance with
+your
+princess, sometime?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Closer? Why should I?--Isn't she close enough to me, my
+far-away
+princess?--for that's what I call her when I talk to myself about her.
+And to have her <i>still</i> closer?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why, so that you could talk to her and know what she really
+was like.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>terrified</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Talk to her! Heaven forbid! Goodness gracious, no! Just see
+here--how
+am I to face a princess? I'm an ordinary fellow, the son of poor folks.
+I haven't polished manners--I haven't even a decent tailor. A lady like
+that--why, she'd measure me from top to toe in one glance.--I've had my
+lessons in the fine houses where I've applied as tutor. A glance from
+boots to cravat--and you're dismissed!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And you think that I--(<i>correcting herself</i>)--that this
+girl is as
+superficial as that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This girl&quot;! Dear me, how that sounds! But, how should I ever
+succeed
+in showing her my real self? And even if I should, what would she
+care?--Oh, yes, if she were like you--so nice and simple--and with such
+a kindhearted, roguish little twinkle in her eye----!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Roguish--I? Why so?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Because you are laughing at me in your sleeve. And really I
+deserve
+nothing better.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But your princess deserves something better than your opinion
+of her.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How do you know that?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You really ought to try to become acquainted with her
+sometime.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no, no--and again no! As long as she remains my far-away
+princess,
+she is everything that I want her to be--modest, gracious, loving. She
+smiles upon me dreamily. Yes, she even listens when I recite my poems
+to her--and that can't be said of many people! And as soon as I have
+finished, she sighs, takes a rose from her breast, and casts it down to
+the poet.--I wrote a few verses yesterday about that rose, that flower
+which represents the pinnacle of my desires, as it were.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>eagerly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, yes. Oh, please, please!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, here goes. H'm--&quot;Twenty roses nestling close----&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What? Are there twenty now?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>severely</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My princess would not have interrupted me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh please--forgive me.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall begin again.</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t4">Twenty roses nestling close</p>
+<p class="t5">Gleam upon thy breast,</p>
+<p class="t4">Twenty years of rose-red love</p>
+<p class="t5">Upon thy fair cheeks rest.</p>
+<p class="t4">&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="t4">Twenty years would I gladly give</p>
+<p class="t5">Out of life's brief reign,</p>
+<p class="t4">Could I but ask a rose of thee</p>
+<p class="t5">And ask it not in vain.</p>
+<p class="t4">&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="t4">Twenty roses thou dost not need</p>
+<p class="t5">--Why, pearls and rubies are thine!--</p>
+<p class="t4">With nineteen thou'dst be just as fair,</p>
+<p class="t5">And <i>one</i> would then be <i>mine</i>!</p>
+<p class="t4">&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="t4">And twenty years of rose-wreathed joy</p>
+<p class="t5">Would spring to life for me--</p>
+<p class="t4">Yet twenty years could ne'er suffice</p>
+<p class="t5">To worship it--and thee!</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How nice that is! I've never had any verses written to me
+b----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, my dear young lady, ordinary folks like us have to do
+their own
+verse-making!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And all for one rose!--Dear me, how soon it fades! And then
+what is
+left you?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, my dear friend, a rose like that never fades--even as my
+love for
+the gracious giver can never die.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But you haven't even got it yet!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That makes no difference in the end. I'm entirely independent
+of such
+externals. When some day I shall be explaining Ovid to the beginners,
+or perhaps even reading Horace with the more advanced classes--no, it's
+better for the present not to think of reaching any such dizzy heights
+of greatness--well, then I shall always be saying to myself with a
+smile of satisfaction, &quot;You, too, were one of those confounded artist
+fellows--why, you once went so far as to love a princess!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And that will make you happy?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Enormously!--For what makes us happy after all? A bit of
+happiness?
+Great heavens, no! Happiness wears out like an old glove.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, then, what does?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, how should I know! Any kind of a dream--a fancy--a wish
+unfulfilled--a sorrow that we coddle--some nothing which suddenly
+becomes everything to us. I shall always say to my pupils--&quot;Young men,
+if you want to be happy as long as you live, create gods for yourselves
+in your own image; these gods will take care of your happiness.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what would the god be like that you would create?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Would be? Is, my dear young lady, is!</i>--A man of the
+world, a
+gentleman, well bred, smiling, enjoying life--who looks out upon
+mankind from under bushy eyebrows, who knows Nietzsche and Stendhal by
+heart, and--(<i>pointing to his shoes</i>) who isn't down at the heels--a
+god, in short, worthy of my princess. I know perfectly well that all my
+life long I shall never do anything but crawl around on the ground like
+an industrious ant, but I know, too, that the god of my fancy will
+always take me by the collar when the proper moment comes and pull me
+up again into the clouds. Yes, up there I'm safe.--And your god, or
+rather your goddess--what would she look like?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>thoughtfully</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's not easy to say. My goddess would be--a quiet, peaceful
+woman
+who would treasure a secret, little joy like the apple of her eye, who
+would know nothing of the world except what she wanted to know, and who
+would have the strength to make her own choice when it pleased her.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But that doesn't seem to me a particularly lofty aspiration,
+my dear
+young lady.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lofty as the heavens, my friend.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My princess would be of a different opinion.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Do you think so?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For that's merely the ideal of every little country girl.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not her ideal--her daily life which she counts as naught. It
+is my
+ideal because I can never attain it.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh. I say, my dear young girl! It can't be as bad as that! A
+young girl
+like you--so charming and--I don't want to be forward, but if I could
+only help you a bit!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Have you got to be helping all the time? Before, it was only a
+cheap
+lunch, now it's actually----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, yes, I'm an awful donkey, I know, but----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Don't say any more about it, dear friend! I like you that way.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>feeling oppressed by her
+superiority</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Really you are an awfully strange person! There's something
+about you
+that--that--</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can't exactly define it.--Tell me, weren't you wanting to go
+into the
+woods before? It's so--so oppressive in here.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oppressive? I don't find it so at all--quite the contrary.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no--I'm restless. I don't know what--at all events, may I
+not
+escort you--? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more
+openly--if one-- (<i>Takes a deep breath.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>smiling</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light
+heart?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span> (<i>carelessly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there tomorrow
+again--and the day after, too!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so that is your great, undying love?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment.</i>)
+Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Liddy</span> and Milly (<i>similarly</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her?
+Princesses
+don't grow along the roadside like weeds!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Disregarding him ceremoniously.</i>) The infinite
+happiness with which
+this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the
+extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring
+to address your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of your
+Highness's most noble fiancé, we could not refrain from----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, well! What's all this?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">--from offering to our eagerly awaited sovereign a slight
+token of our
+future loyalty. Liddy! Milly! (<span class="sc2">Liddy </span><i>and </i><span class="sc2">Milly </span><i>come forward, and,
+with low court bows, offer their bouquets.</i>) My daughters respectfully
+present these few flowers to the illustrious princess----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I beg your pardon, but who is doing the joking here, you
+or----?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">Frau v. Brook </span><i>enters</i>. <span class="sc2">The Princess</span>, <i>taken unawares,
+has retreated
+more and more helplessly toward the door at the left, undecided whether
+to take flight or remain. She greets the arrival of </i><span class="sc2">Frau v. Brook </span>
+<i>with a happy sigh of relief.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span> (<i>severely</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pardon me, ladies. Apparently you have not taken the proper
+steps
+toward being presented to Her Highness. In matters of this sort one
+must first apply to me. I may be addressed every morning from eleven to
+twelve, and I shall be happy to consider your desires.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Halldorf</span> (<i>with dignity</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I and my children, madame, were aware of the fact that we were
+acting
+contrary to the usual procedure; but the impulse of loyal hearts is
+guided by no rule. I shall be glad to avail myself of your very kind
+invitation.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="normal">(<i>All three go out with low curtsies to </i><span class="sc2">The Princess</span>.)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What forwardness!--But how could you come down without
+me?--And what is
+that young man over there doing? Does he belong to those people?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>shakes her head</i>. <span class="sc2">Strübel</span>, <i>without a
+word, goes to get
+his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to
+leave.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span> (<i>amazed</i>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What?--What!--Why, your Highness----!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Let me be, Eugenie. This young man and I have become far too
+good
+friends to part in such an unfriendly, yes, almost hostile, fashion.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Your Highness, I am <i>very</i> much----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span> (<i>to </i><span class="sc2">Strübel</span>).</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You and I will certainly remember this hour with great
+pleasure, and I
+thank you for it with all my heart. If I only had a rose with me so as
+to give you your dear wish!--Eugenie, haven't we any roses with us?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Your Highness, I am <i>very</i> much----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Examining herself and searching among the vases.</i>)
+Well, how are we
+going to manage it?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, no--wait! (<i>Her glance falls upon the hat which she is
+holding in
+her hand with a sudden thought.</i>) I have it!--But don't think that I'm
+joking.--And we'll have to do without scissors! (<i>She tears one of the
+roses from the hat.</i>) I don't know whether there are just twenty
+(<i>Holding out one of the roses to him.</i>) Well?--This rose has the
+merit of being just as real as the sentiment of which we were speaking
+before--and just as unfading.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is this--to be--my punishment? (<span class="sc2">The Princess </span><i>smilingly
+shakes her
+head.</i>) Or does your Highness mean by it that only the Unreal never
+fades?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That's exactly what I mean--because the Unreal must always
+dwell in the
+imagination.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So that's it! Just as it is only the <i>far-away</i>
+princesses who are
+always near to us.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Permit me to remark, your Highness that it is <i>high</i> time----</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As you see, those who are near must hurry away. (<i>Offering
+him the rose
+again.</i>) Well?</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Strübel</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Is about to take it, but lets his hand fall.</i>) With the
+far-away
+princess there--(<i>pointing down</i>) it would have been in harmony, but
+with the-- (<i>Shakes his head, then softly and with emotion.</i>) No,
+thanks--I'd rather not. (<i>He bows and goes out.</i>)</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">(<i>Smiling pensively, throws away the artificial flower.</i>)
+I'm going to
+ask my fiancé to let me send him a rose.</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Frau v. Brook</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Your Highness, I am <i>very</i> much--surprised!</p>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">The Princess</span>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Well, I told you that I wasn't sleepy.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center"><span class="sc2">Curtain</span>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
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+Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Roses: Four One-Act Plays
+       Streaks of Light--The Last Visit--Margot--The Far-away Princess
+
+Author: Hermann Sudermann
+
+Translator: Grace Frank
+
+Release Date: November 18, 2010 [EBook #34360]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROSES: FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note:
+Page scan source:
+http://books.google.com/books?id=sF8qAAAAYAAJ&dq
+
+
+
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                       BOOKS BY HERMANN SUDERMANN
+                  Published By CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+
+
+The Joy of Living (_Es Lebe das Leben_). A Play in Five Acts.
+Translated from the German by Edith Wharton. _net_ $1.25
+
+Roses. Four One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Grace Frank.
+_net_ $1.25
+
+Morituri. Three One-Act Plays. Translated from the German by Archibald
+Alexander. _net_ $1.25
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 ROSES
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 ROSES
+
+                           FOUR ONE-ACT PLAYS
+
+                    STREAKS OF LIGHT--THE LAST VISIT
+                    --MARGOT--THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           HERMANN SUDERMANN
+
+
+
+                       TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN
+                                   BY
+                              GRACE FRANK
+
+
+                        CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+                 NEW YORK:::::::::::::::::::::::: 1909
+
+
+
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1909, by
+                        CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS
+                       Published September, 1909
+
+
+
+
+
+                                CONTENTS
+
+
+      Streaks Of Light
+
+      Margot
+
+      The Last Visit
+
+      The Far-away Princess
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   I
+
+                            STREAKS OF LIGHT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                        Julia.
+                        Pierre.
+                        Wittich.
+
+
+                            The Present Day
+
+
+_The action takes place at a small pavilion situated in the park
+belonging to an old castle_.
+
+
+
+
+                            STREAKS OF LIGHT
+
+_An octagonal pavilion of the Rococo period, the three front walls of
+which are cut off by the proscenium. Ceiling and walls are cracked and
+spotted by rain, and bear the marks of long disuse. At the back, in the
+centre, a large doorway. The glass door is thrown wide open; the
+shutters behind are closed. On the right and left, in the oblique walls
+of the room, are windows, the shutters of which are also closed.
+Through the blinds at the door and the right window, sunbeams in
+streaks of light penetrate the semi-darkness of the room._
+
+_On the left, in the foreground, a Louis Sixteenth sofa with table and
+gilded chairs to match. On the wall above, an old mirror. Near the
+sofa, a tapestried doorway. A chandelier wrapped in a dusty gauze
+covering is suspended from the ceiling. A four-post bed with hangings
+of light net takes up the right side of the stage. In the foreground,
+in front of the bed, a table with plates, glasses, wine-decanters, and
+provisions on it. A coffee percolator stands under the table. In the
+middle of the stage, a little to the right, a chaise-longue. At the
+head of it, a small table. Between the large door and the windows,
+dusty marble busts on dilapidated pedestals. Above them, on the walls,
+a collection of various sorts of weapons. The Oriental rugs which are
+thrown about the floor and over the chaise-longue contrast strangely
+with the faded splendour of the past._
+
+_The whole room is decorated with roses. On the table at the left is a
+bronze vessel of antique design overflowing with roses. Garlands of
+roses hang from the chandelier and encircle the bedposts. On the small
+table near the chaise-longue, a large, flat dish, also filled with
+roses. In fact wherever there is any place for these flowers, they have
+been used in profusion._
+
+_Part of the table which stands in front of the sofa is covered by a
+napkin, upon which are seen a bottle of wine and the remains of a
+luncheon for one. It is a sultry afternoon in midsummer._
+
+Julia _lies on the chaise-longue, asleep. She is a beautiful woman,
+about twenty-five years of age, intractable and passionate, with traces
+of a bourgeois desire to be "romantic." She is dressed in white,
+flowing draperies, fantastically arranged._
+
+_A tower clock strikes four. Then the bells of the castle are heard
+ringing. Both seem to be at a distance of about two hundred paces._
+
+Pierre _enters cautiously through the tapestried doorway at the left.
+He is a fashionably dressed, aristocratic young fellow who has been
+petted and spoiled. He is effeminate, cowardly, arrogant, and is trying
+to play the passionate man, although inwardly cold and nervous._
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+(_Laughs in her sleep. Her laughter dies out in groans._) Pierre!
+Pierre! Help! Pierre!
+
+                      Pierre (_bending over her_).
+
+Yes, yes. What is it?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Nothing-- (_Laughs and goes on sleeping_).
+
+                      Pierre (_straightening up_).
+
+Whew How hot it is! (_He stares at_ Julia, _his face distorted by fear
+and anger, and beats his forehead. Then indicating the outstretched
+form of the woman._) Beautiful!--You beautiful animal--you! (_Kneels_.
+Julia _holds out her arms to him, but he evades her embrace._) Stop!
+Wake up!
+
+                          Julia (_tearfully_).
+
+Please let me sleep.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+No! Wake up! I've only come for a moment. It's tea-time, and I have to
+go back to the house.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Please stay!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+No, mamma will be asking for me. I have to be there for tea.
+
+                          Julia (_pettishly_).
+
+I have a headache. I want some black coffee!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then make it yourself. The gardener is cleaning the orchid rooms in the
+hot-house, and he has no time for you now.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He never has time for me!--And the meals that his wife cooks are simply
+abominable!--And the wine is always warm!--Do, for mercy's sake, steal
+the key to the icehouse!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you know that I can't!--I always bring you all the ice that I can
+manage to take from the table. If I insist upon having the key, the
+housekeeper will tell mamma.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I won't drink warm wine--so there! That's what gives me these
+headaches.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Your headaches, I want to tell you, come from the roses. Ugh!--this
+nasty smell from the withered ones--sour--like stale tobacco
+smoke--why, it burns the brains out of one's head!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+See here, dearie, you let the roses alone! That was our agreement, you
+know--basketsful, every morning! I wish the gardener would bring even
+more! That's what he's bribed for.--More! More! Always more!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+See here, if you were only reasonable----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I'm not reasonable! O you--you-- (_She holds out her arms to him.
+He comes to her. They kiss._) More!--More!--No end!--Ah, to die!----
+
+                      Pierre (_freeing himself_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+To die!
+
+                     Pierre (_with hidden scorn_).
+
+Yes--to die. (_Yawning nervously._) Pardon me!--It's as hot as an oven
+in here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And the shutters are always closed! For eight long days I've seen
+nothing of the sun except these streaks of light. Do open the
+shutters--just once!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+For Heaven's sake!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Just for a second!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But don't you realize that the pavilion is locked and that not a soul
+ever crosses the threshold?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, yes, I know--because your lovely, reckless great-grandmother lost
+her life here a hundred years ago! That's one of those old-wives' tales
+that everyone knows.--Who can tell? Perhaps my fate will be the same as
+hers.--But do open the shutters!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do be reasonable! You know that in order to come in here by the side
+door without being seen I have to crawl through the woods for a hundred
+yards. The same performance twice a day--for a week! Now, if I should
+open the shutters and one of the gardener's men should see it, why,
+he'd come, and then----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Let him come! I'll smile at him--and he's no man if he doesn't keep
+quiet after that! Why, your old gardener would cut his hand off
+for me any day of his life--just for a bit of wheedling!--It can't be
+helped--they all love me!
+
+                           Pierre (_aside_).
+
+Beast!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+What were you muttering then? (Pierre _throws himself down before her
+and weeps._) Pierre! Crying?--Oh!--Please don't--or I'll cry too. And
+my head aches so!
+
+            Pierre (_softly but nervously and with hatred_).
+
+Do you know what I'd like to do? Strangle you!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ha! Ha! Ha!--(_pityingly_) Dear me! Those soft fingers--so weak!--My
+little boy has read in a naughty book that people strangle their
+loves--and so he wants to do some strangling too!
+
+                           Pierre (_rising_).
+
+Well, what's to become of you? How much longer is the game to last in
+this pavilion?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+As long as the roses bloom--that was agreed, you know.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Bah! Then!--Why think of it? I'm here now, here under the protection of
+your lovely, ghostly great-grandmother. No one suspects--no one dreams!
+My husband is searching for me the whole world over!--That was a clever
+notion of mine--writing him from Brussels--Nora, last act, last
+scene--and then coming straight back again! I'll wager he's in Paris
+now, sitting at the Cafe des Anglais, and looking up and down the
+street--now toward the Place de l'Opera, now toward the Madeleine. Will
+you wager? I'll go you anything you say. Well, go on, wager!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+On anything else you wish--but not on that!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why not?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Because your husband was at the castle this morning.
+
+                       Julia (_rising hastily_).
+
+My husband--was--at the castle----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What's so surprising about that? He always used to come, you know--our
+nearest neighbour--and all that sort of thing.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Did he have a reason for coming?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+A special reason?--No.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre--you're concealing something from me!
+
+                         Pierre (_hesitating_).
+
+Nothing that I know of. No.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why didn't you come at once? And now--why have you waited to tell me?
+
+                          Pierre (_sullenly_).
+
+You're hearing it soon enough.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, what happened? Tell me, exactly!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, he came in the little runabout--without a groom--and asked for
+mamma. I naturally pretended to be going out. But you know how she
+always insists on my staying with her.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And how was he was he--just the same as ever?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, no, I wouldn't say that.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+How did he look? Tell me, tell me!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In the first place, he wore black gloves--like a gravedigger.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ha! Ha! And what else?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In the second place, he was everlastingly twitching his legs.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what else? What else?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, he explained that you were at a Hungarian watering-place, that you
+were improving, and that you were expected home soon. (Julia _bursts
+out laughing._) Yes, (_gloomily_) it's screamingly funny, isn't it.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+So I'm at a Hungarian watering-place! Ha! Ha! Ha!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But he looked at me so questioningly, so--so mournfully--why, it was
+really most annoying the way he looked at me.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+At a Hungarian watering-place!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And then, later, mamma said to him, "It's a dreadful pity your dear
+wife isn't here just now. She does so love the roses."
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what did he say?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+"Our roses are not thriving very well this year," said he.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But his turnips!--They always thrive!--And then----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then a strange thing occurred that I can't help worrying about.
+Suddenly mamma said to him, "Something very peculiar is happening on
+our estate this year. Now I can see from where I sit that the whole
+place is one mass of roses. And yet, if at any time I ask for a few
+more than usual, there are none to be had!"
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Why, you must have been shaking in your boots! Did you do anything to
+betray us?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, I think I know how to take care of myself!--But suddenly he grew
+absolutely rigid--as if--as if he had been reflecting. He acted like a
+man who sleeps with his eyes open. Mamma asked him a question three
+times, and he never answered a word!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I say, did you come here to frighten me?
+
+                        Pierre (_bursting out_).
+
+What is your fear compared to what I had to stand! Compared to my
+biting, nauseous shame as I sat there opposite him?--I scorned the man
+inwardly, and yet I felt as if I ought to lick the dust on his boots.
+When mamma said to him, "You don't look very well, Herr Wittich--are
+you ill?"--her words were like the box on the ear that she gave me
+when, as a lad of fifteen, I got into mischief with the steward's
+daughter.--Why did you drag me into this loathsome business? I don't
+like it!--I won't stand it!--I like to feel straight! I want my hands
+clean!--I want to look down on the people that I meet!--I owe that to
+myself.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Reproaches?--I'd like to know who has the guilty conscience in this
+case, you or I?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+How long have you been concerned about your conscience?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, you know I had never belonged to any other man--except him.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you've showered sweet glances right and left. You've flirted with
+every man who would look at you--even the stable-boy wasn't beneath
+your notice!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And he was better than you!--For he wanted nothing more than to follow
+me with his eyes. But you, Pierre, you were not so easily satisfied.
+No, the young Count was more exacting. Corrupt to the core--in spite of
+his twenty years----
+
+                          Pierre (_proudly_).
+
+I am not a bit corrupt. I am a dreamer. My twenty years excuse that!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But your dreams are poisonous. You want a woman to be your mistress and
+yet be chaste--to keep the blush of maidenhood and yet be as passionate
+as yourself.--And what have you learned from your experience in the
+world? Nothing, except how to scent and track out the sins that lie
+hidden in one's inmost soul, the secret sins that one dares not admit
+to oneself.--And when the prey is in reach, then you fire away with
+your "rights of the modern woman," your "sovereignty of the freed
+individuality"--and whatever the rest of the phrases may be.--Ah! You
+knew better than I that we all have the Scarlet Woman's blood in our
+veins!--Blow away the halo--and the saint is gone!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+It seems to me you found a great deal of pleasure in your sin!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--at least that's what one tells oneself--perhaps one feels it,
+too.--It depends--more in the evening than the morning--more in March
+than October.--But the dread, the horror of it, is always there.--The
+weight of such love is like the weight of one's own coffin-lid.--And
+you soon discovered that, Pierre.--Then you began softly, gently, to
+bind me to you with glances and caresses that were like chains of
+roses!--Yes, and that I become maddened by roses as cats by valerian,
+that, too, you soon found out.--Then--then you began to speak to me of
+the lover's pavilion--all covered with roses--where your ancestors
+spent happy, pastoral hours in wooing their loves--the pavilion that
+had been waiting so long for a new mistress. You spoke of adorning it
+with beautiful hangings--of filling it full of roses. Oh you, you
+Pierre, how well you understood!--Do have some black coffee made for
+me! If the gardener can't do it, make it yourself! Please, please!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But, I tell you, I have to go back to mamma.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Nowadays, you always "have to go back to mamma." Shall I tell you
+something--a big secret? You are tired of me! You want to get rid
+of me--only you don't know how!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Your notions are offensive, my dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, I know my fate. I know I am doomed to the gutter. But not
+yet! Don't leave me yet! Care for me a little while longer--so the
+fall won't be too sudden.--Let me stay here as long as the roses
+bloom--here, where _he_ can't find me! Oh, if I leave this place I
+shall die of fear!--Nowhere else am I safe from those two great fists
+of his!--Pierre, Pierre, you don't know his fists--they're like two
+iron bolts!--You, too--beware of him!
+
+                      Pierre (_half to himself_).
+
+Why do you say that to me?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He was always jealous of you. When you sent the hothouse roses in
+April, he became suspicious. Ever since then, he has continually had
+the notion of an admirer in his head. That was the danger-signal!
+Pierre, if he surmised--then you would be the first--and I would come
+afterward! Pierre, if you drive me to desperation, I'll give you up to
+him!----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Are you mad?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I'll write him a letter something like this: "If you want to find the
+traces of my flight, search the rubbish heap behind the lover's
+pavilion. Search for the faded petals of the roses upon which, night
+after night, Pierre and I celebrated our union. Search the highway for
+the bloody prints of my bare feet after he turned me out. Then search
+the dregs of the brothels where I found a refuge. And then--then avenge
+me!"
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You'll do nothing of the kind, you-- (_Seizes her by the wrists._)
+
+                          Julia (_laughing_).
+
+Nonsense! You have no strength! (_Disengages herself without
+difficulty._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You've taken it out of me, you beast!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Beast?--You've been muttering that word now for a couple of days. This
+is the first time that you have flung it in my face.--What have I done
+that was bestial except to throw my young life at your feet?--And so
+this is the end of our rose-fete?----
+
+         Pierre (_in a low voice, breathing with difficulty_).
+
+No, not yet--the end is still to come!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I dare say.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+In fact--you must--leave here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I dare say.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you understand?--You must leave this place--at once!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+H'm--just so.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+For--you must know--you are no longer safe here.
+
+                        Julia (_turning pale_).
+
+Not here either?--Not even here?----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I didn't tell you everything, before.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Are you up to some new trick now?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+After I had accompanied him down the steps, he asked--very suddenly--to
+see the park.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+The park----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes. And he seemed to be searching every rose-bush as if to count
+the number of blossoms that had been cut from it. Then--in the linden
+lane--I kept pushing to the left--he kept pushing to the right,
+straight for the pavilion. And as it stood before us----
+
+                          Julia (_terrified_).
+
+The pavilion?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Certainly.
+
+                         Julia (_shuddering_).
+
+So near!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+He said he'd like to see the old thing once, from the inside.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Good heavens! But he knows that's impossible--he knows your family
+history!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And you may be sure that's how I put it to him.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what did he----?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+He was silent--and went back.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Went back! But he'll return!----
+
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You've dumped me into a pretty mess, you have!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Do, for goodness' sake, stop pitying yourself, and tell me what's to be
+done.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Haven't I told you?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I'll not go away! I will not go away! He can't come in here! I will not
+leave this place!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Listen! I'll have a carriage here--at one o'clock in the night--behind
+the park wall. Take it as far as the station.--Listen, I tell you!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+No, no, no! As soon as I step into the street, I'm lost. And you, too!
+You don't know him! Gentle and tractable as he seems, when once he's
+angry, his blood boils over!--If I hadn't taken the cartridges out of
+his revolver in those days, he-- Why, I've seen him pick up two
+unmanageable boys on our place and swing them over his shoulder into
+the mill stream! And they would have been ground to pieces, too, if he
+hadn't braced himself against the shaft. Pierre, Pierre, never get into
+his way again. He's merciless!
+
+                   Pierre (_feigning indifference_).
+
+Oh, nonsense! I can hit the ace of hearts at twenty paces! I'll show
+him!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes, you'll "show him"! Do you suppose that he's going to wait until
+you take a shot at him?--Devilish much he cares about your duels! He'd
+make a clod of earth out of you before you'd have time to take off your
+hat!--I tell you, bolt the gate, lock every room in the house, hide
+behind your mother's chair,--and even there you won't be safe from him!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+(_Struggling against his growing apprehension._) If that's the case,
+then--h'm, then the best thing for me to do is to disappear for a time.
+
+                   Julia (_trying to cling to him_).
+
+Yes, let's go away together!
+
+                        Pierre (_moving aside_).
+
+That might suit you.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But, after all, it would do no good. We could hide among crowds of
+people--in Piccadilly or in Batignolles--we could go to India or to
+Texas--and yet, if he took it into his head, he would find us none the
+less. Even if we should evade him--some day, sooner or later, you would
+have to return--and then--you would have to pay the penalty!
+
+                         Pierre (_stammering_).
+
+I--would--have to----
+
+                           Julia (_wildly_).
+
+So stay--stay here! Go and shoot him down!--at night--from behind!--It
+doesn't matter! Only--let--me--breathe--again.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you want to drive me mad? Don't you see that I'm trembling all over?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Because you're a cad and a coward--because----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes, yes--anything, for all I care! But go! Leave my property! Insult
+me, spit on me,--but go!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what then? What then?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Can't you write to him? Tell him that you have come back from your
+little journey--that you have reconsidered--that you can't live without
+him. Tell him to forget--and all shall be as it was before.--Now,
+wouldn't that be splendid?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Now when he suspects?--When he can follow me, step by step, here to
+this pavilion and back again? (_Contemptuously._) Splendid!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Then try something else!--Oh, now I have it! Now I have it!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Speak, Pierre, for God's sake, speak! I'll love you as--! Speak! Speak!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You know him. His heart is soft?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes, except when he's in a rage, then----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+And you are sure that he loves you deeply?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+If he didn't love me so much, what need we fear?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Good! Well then, take a carriage at the station and drive home; throw
+yourself at his feet and tell him everything. Tell him, for all I care,
+that you hate me--that you loathe me--I don't mind--grovel before him
+until he raises you. And then all will be well!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Ah, if it were possible!--It would be deliverance--it would be heaven!
+I should be safe once more--a human being!--I should see the sun again,
+instead of these streaks of light!--I should breathe the fresh air,
+instead of this musty odour of dead roses!--I shouldn't have to sink
+down, down into the filth!--I shouldn't have to be a bad woman--even if
+I am one!--There would be a respectable divorce--or perhaps merely a
+separation. For, I no longer dare hope to live with him as his wife,
+even if I were satisfied to be no better than his dog for the rest of
+my days!--Ah, but it cannot be! It cannot be! You don't know him. You
+don't know what he's like when the veins stand out on his forehead!--He
+would kill me!--Rather than that--kill me yourself!--Here--now--this
+moment!--Get your duelling pistols. Oh no! There--there--there are
+plenty of weapons! (_She pulls at the weapons on the wall, several of
+which fall clattering upon the floor._) Swords--daggers--here! (_Throws
+an armful on the chaise-longue._) They are rusty--but that doesn't
+matter.--Take one! Stab me first--then--do as you please!--Live if you
+can--do!--live as happily as you can! Your life is in your hands.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--I dare say. Live!--But how? Where? (_Sobs chokingly._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Come, then--we'll die together--together! (_They sink into each other's
+arms and remain motionless in mute despair. After a time_, Julia
+_raises her head cautiously and looks about her._) Pierre!
+
+                          Pierre (_troubled_).
+
+Well?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Has it occurred to you? Perhaps it isn't so, after all!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What do you mean?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Perhaps we've just been talking ourselves into this notion, little by
+little--think so?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You mean that he really wanted to do nothing but--look at the pavilion?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Well, it's possible, you know.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--at least nothing very unusual occurred.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But your naughty, naughty conscience came and asserted itself. Ha! Ha!
+What a silly little boy it is! A downright stupid little boy!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+My imagination was always rather easily aroused. I----
+
+                 Julia (_laughing without restraint_).
+
+Such a stupid boy!--Pierre, let's make some coffee--for a change, eh?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+But you know--I have to----
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Dear me, mamma has had her tea long ago. Tell her you sat down in the
+shade--and fell asleep--anything! It's growing a bit shady here now.
+See there! The streaks of light have gone. (_Indicates a corner of the
+room in which the streaks of light have just grown dim._) Ah! but how
+hot it is! (_Tears her dress open at the throat, breathing heavily._)
+Will you bring me the coffee-pot, like a good boy?
+
+                         Pierre (_listlessly_).
+
+Oh, well--all right. (_Carries the coffee-pot to the table._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Pierre, you--you couldn't open the small door just a tiny bit? No one
+would look into the shrubbery.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, out there in the shrubbery, it's even hotter than in here.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, just try it--won't you?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, you'll see! (_Opens the door at the left._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Whew! It's like a blast from a furnace! And that disgusting odour--a
+mixture of perspiration and bad perfume--ugh!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+That's from the roses of our by-gone days--they lie out there in great
+heaps.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Close the door! Hurry--close it!
+
+                          Pierre (_does so_).
+
+I told you how it would be!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Well, perhaps you could adjust the shutters at the large door so that
+we'd get more fresh air in here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Even that would be dangerous. If some one happened to be looking this
+way and saw the movement----
+
+                      Julia (_going to the door_).
+
+One has to do it slowly, ve-ry slow-ly-- (_She starts, uttering a low
+cry of fear, and retreats to the foreground, her arms outstretched as
+if she were warding off a ghost._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Sh! Sh! (_Approaches him cautiously, then softly._) There's a man--out
+there.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Where?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Hush! Come here you can see it against the light. (_They cautiously
+change places_. Pierre _utters a low shriek, then_ Julia, _softly,
+despairingly_) Pierre!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+It must be the gardener.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+It's not--the--gardener.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Who is it then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Creep around--and lock--the glass door.
+
+                      Pierre (_weak from fright_).
+
+I can't.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Then I will. (_She has taken but a few steps toward the door when the
+streaks of light again become visible._) He's gone now!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+How--gone?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+There--there--nothing----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Seize the opportunity--and go.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Where?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+To the gardener's house--quick--before he comes back.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+In broad daylight--half dressed as I am?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Throw on a wrap--anything--hurry! (_Knocking at the door on the left.
+They both stand rooted to the spot. The knocking is repeated. Then_
+Pierre, _in a choking voice_) Come in.
+
+(Wittich _enters. He is a large, burly man of about forty, whose whole
+appearance betrays neglect; his sandy-coloured hair is pushed back from
+his forehead in damp strands; his beard is straggling and unkempt; his
+face is haggard and perspiring, his eyes lustreless. He staggers
+heavily in walking. He speaks in a stammering, hesitating voice; he
+gives the impression, in sum, of a man who is deathly ill, but is
+making an intense effort to hold himself together._)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I beg your pardon if I am disturbing you. (_Both stare at him without
+venturing to move._)
+
+                        Pierre (_taking heart_).
+
+Oh--p-p-please----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I see you were about to make coffee. Really--I don't want to----
+
+                         Pierre (_stammering_).
+
+P-p-please--th-there's no--hurry----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, then we may as well--settle--our affair--first. (Julia, _who has
+been standing quite still, panting, utters a low groan. At the sound of
+her voice_, Wittich _catches his breath as if suffocating, then sinks
+into one of the chairs at the left and stares vacantly at the floor._)
+
+              Pierre (_edging up to_ Julia _then softly_).
+
+Can you understand this?
+
+               Julia (_glancing back--aside to_ Pierre).
+
+Keep near the weapons!
+
+                     Pierre (_as_ Wittich _moves_).
+
+Hush!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You must forgive me--I only wanted to--look after--my--wife. (_Breaks
+down again._)
+
+                       Pierre (_aside to_ Julia).
+
+Why, he's quite out of his mind!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Keep near the weapons!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I don't care--to settle--this matter--by means of a--so-called--affair
+of honour. I'm a plain man. I only know about such things from hearsay.
+And any way--I don't see that they help--m-matters much. (_Breaks into
+tearless sobs._)
+
+                           Pierre (_aside_).
+
+He won't hurt us.
+
+                         Julia (_stammering_).
+
+I simply--don't--understand it--at all!
+
+                     Pierre (_pointing to_ Wittich).
+
+Try it! Go to him!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+He's not a bit like himself.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Go on! Go on!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+(_Who has timidly approached her husband, bid has drawn back at a
+movement of his, suddenly throws herself at his feet with great
+emotion._) George! George!--I am guilty!--I have sinned before
+God and you!--I acknowledge my crime!--My life is in your hands!--Crush
+me--grind me to dust!--But God knows, I only obeyed a wretched impulse.
+My love for you has never left my heart.--My one desire is to die. Kill
+me!--Here!--Now!--But forgive me! Ah, forgive me!
+
+                  Wittich (_staring straight ahead_).
+
+Yes, they always talk like that--in books, at least.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Forgive me!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+There is nothing to forgive. And I am not going to kill any one. What
+good would it do? (Julia _sobs, hiding her face in her hands._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well, then--don't kneel there--like that--Julia, dear!
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+I shall lie here until he raises me. Raise me! Take me in your arms!
+Oh, George----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes, that's what they always say. (_Sinks into reverie again._)
+
+                        Pierre (_aside to her_).
+
+Hush! Stand up! (_She does so._) Well--h'm--I suppose I may assume,
+Herr Wittich, that you had some purpose in seeking this interview?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes--yes. (_Looking about him._) I can well imagine that my
+wife--er--that the lady must find it very pleasant here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, yes--we needn't hesitate to say that, need we, Julia, dear?
+
+                Julia (_uncertainly adopting his tone_).
+
+No, indeed, Pierre, dear.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+At least--she seems to have plenty of roses here.
+
+                      Julia (_laughing nervously_).
+
+Oh, yes--plenty.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the future?
+
+                        Julia (_still timidly_).
+
+I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn't I, Pierre?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes and
+inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life
+consecrated to Beauty and Art.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my
+wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses?
+
+                        Pierre (_embarrassed_).
+
+From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position
+to--h'm--h'm----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I see. But _until_ that moment--?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I--er----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the woman
+whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am
+willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, as for that, of course----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to legitimize
+your relations.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Not because--not that I don't dare insist upon _my_ rights in this
+affair, but because I want to guard _her_ from lifelong misery.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Really, you wouldn't believe how often we have discussed this
+question--would he, Julia, dear?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You shall keep
+your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to
+follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it's
+no one's concern but my own--no one's! (_Tosses her head._)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+May I inquire what those inclinations are?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+It's hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must-- Well, I want
+to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why
+talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like
+mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony
+with me now!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Really! Well--h'm--if I had known that you felt that way about it--I
+should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Tell me! Please!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Yes--tell us--please!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I suppose I may assume that the people at the castle know nothing of
+this little adventure of the young Count's?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+You may rest assured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a woman's
+honour.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Ah--really!--Well, I'm sure no one saw me coming here. So then, there
+need be no scandal.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties concerned.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being seen?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+That concern, however, I shall share with you--my dear sir. And it
+seems to me that the best plan would be for the lady to put on a decent
+dress, walk through the grounds with me, and pay a visit to the
+Countess at the castle.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+What!--my mother--? What's the use of that?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+It will look as if she'd returned--and we'd--somehow--met here.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Do you think any one is going to believe that?
+
+                          Wittich (_proudly_).
+
+What else should they believe?
+
+                       Julia (_frightened anew_).
+
+Oh, but I don't want to! I don't want to do that! Pierre! I want to
+stay with you! I am under your protection, Pierre!
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+See here, my dear sir, let us suppose that your plan is
+successful--what then?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--yes--afterward--what then?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Then?--Then-- (_Looks from one to the other, uncertainly, almost
+imploringly, and breaks down again._)
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Well--won't you go on with your proposition?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Yes, I suppose that when a man has acted as I have acted here, he must
+have lost--his sense of pride--and honour--and all the rest of it--long
+ago.--Then nothing is left him but--his duty.--And the thing that seems
+to me my--duty--I am going to do.--Let the Count sneer at me--I no
+longer----
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh, please--I say!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Well, then, let me tell you something, Julia. After I had read the
+letter from Brussels, I had two rooms prepared for you--in the left
+wing--quite apart; so that some day, in case--you ever--came back-- Oh,
+well--it doesn't matter now. But the rooms--are--still there--and if
+you would like to come home with me now--straight off--well, you might
+be spared--some annoyance.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+H'm--so you're willing--? (_Shrugs his shoulders and laughs._) I
+suppose that sort of thing is all a matter of taste--but I can
+understand----
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+I am speaking to you, Julia.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Oh, I thank you most heartily, George. It's certainly very noble
+of you--and--I deeply appreciate it. But after--this, I should
+always feel ashamed before you--I should feel that I was just being
+tolerated--I-- No. Thank you, George--but I couldn't stand it.
+
+                       Pierre (_correcting her_).
+
+That is--! (_Aside to_ Julia.) Don't be a fool!
+
+                  Wittich (_without noticing_ Pierre).
+
+You shall never hear a word of reproach from my lips, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+But--if I should actually accept--we never could go on as we did
+before, you know. I must be free to do exactly as I please--to go
+away--come back--just as I like. There is such a thing as the
+sovereignty of the individuality, my dear George--you can't deny that.
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Herr Wittich can't possibly deny that!
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You shall have your own way as far as it lies in my power, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And then, you must try to bring a little more--more beauty into our
+life.--I surely have the right to demand that. Just look about you
+here. You know how passionately fond of roses I am. My soul demands
+something besides--potatoes! Well, I insist upon having roses around
+me. That's not unreasonable, is it?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+You shall have roses enough to smother you.
+
+                         Pierre (_nervously_).
+
+Well, then, Julia, dear, I see no reason why we should not accept this
+proposition.
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+What have you got to say about it?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+I beg your pardon, Herr Wittich. I certainly don't want to offend you.
+But--as Julia and I have found so much in each other--haven't we,
+Julia, dear?
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Yes--so very, very much, Pierre, dear.--And to know that we were so
+near--and yet could never see each other or talk together, or-- I, for
+my part, couldn't endure it, could you, Pierre?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+Oh--as for that--well, it would be hard, Julia, dear.
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+And what would the world say, dear George, if we should suddenly--and
+apparently without any cause--break off all communication with our
+neighbors? How would Pierre explain it to his mother? Why, he simply
+couldn't! No; if we are to carry out your plan, then everything must
+remain outwardly the same as before. Don't you agree with me, Pierre,
+dear?
+
+                                Pierre.
+
+(_Hesitating, with an apprehensive glance toward_ Wittich.)
+Outwardly--yes, Julia, dear.
+
+                 Wittich (_losing control of himself_).
+
+So that's your condition, is it?
+
+              Julia (_with a sort of nervous impudence_).
+
+Yes, that's our condition--isn't it, Pierre, dear? (Pierre _does not
+reply, but looks at_ Wittich.)
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+Really?--Really!--Very well! (_He draws himself to his full height, his
+face flushes, and he looks around the room wildly, as if searching for
+something._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+What are you looking for, George?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+If you-- (_Gasps as if suffocating._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+George! George! What's the matter?
+
+                                Wittich.
+
+There--there--there! (_With a loud cry, he falls upon the weapons and
+snatches one of the daggers._)
+
+                                 Julia.
+
+Help! Help! Pierre! Save me!
+
+                      Pierre (_at the same time_).
+
+Help! Help! (_He pushes open the door and escapes, screaming_. Julia
+_rushes out through the door at the left_. Wittich _dashes after her. A
+piercing shriek is heard. After a short pause_, Julia _appears at the
+large door in the centre. She tries to go further, fails, supports
+herself against the door posts for an instant, and then reels into the
+room. She attempts to lean against the small table in the centre, but
+falls to the floor, dying. As she falls the small table is upset,
+burying her beneath a shower of roses._
+
+_Through the doorway at the left_, Wittich _is heard, sobbing and
+groaning. In the distance_ Pierre _is shouting for help. The sound of
+many voices, growing louder as the curtain falls._)
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   II
+
+                                 MARGOT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                  Herr Ebeling, a lawyer.
+                  Frau von Yburg.
+                  Margot, her daughter.
+                  Doctor von Tietz.
+                  Bonath, a secretary.
+                  A Servant.
+
+                            The Present Day
+
+The scene is laid in a large German city.
+
+
+
+
+                                 MARGOT
+
+
+_The richly furnished office of a prosperous lawyer. Pictures, bronzes,
+carved furniture, costly hangings. In the foreground, on the left, a
+window; turned toward it, a writing-table with a writing-chair behind.
+Near the window, a leather arm-chair. At the narrow side of the table,
+in the foreground, a low seat. On the right, a sofa, table, and chairs.
+In the background, a door which, when opened, reveals the clerks
+working at long tables. To the right, back, another door. The backward
+projection of the writing-table forms a revolving-stand for reference
+books. On the writing-table, among documents and writing materials, are
+photographs in standing frames and a slender vase filled with dark red
+roses._
+
+_It is winter, about six o'clock in the evening. The lamps are
+lighted._
+
+Ebeling _is seated in the writing-chair. He is a man of about forty,
+attractive, winning in manner, his clothes betokening wealth and
+refinement; he wears a short, dark beard, and his hair is slightly gray
+at the temples_. Von Tietz, _sitting opposite him in the arm-chair, is
+about thirty, very smartly dressed--in appearance a type of the
+ordinary drawing-room devotee._
+
+                Ebeling (_holding out a box of cigars_).
+
+There! Now let's chat. Will you smoke?
+
+                     v. Tietz (_helping himself_).
+
+Really now--if I'm disturbing you----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+See here, my dear fellow, if you were disturbing me, I'd make short
+work of you. But (_looking toward the clock_) my office hours are over.
+And we'll find out immediately what else there is. (_He rings._)
+
+               Bonath _appears with a bundle of papers_.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Is any one still there?
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+No, Herr Ebeling, but a lady is expected.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, I know. Well, let me have the papers. (Bonath _lays them before
+him._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_To_ v. Tietz.) You can go on speaking. These are only
+signatures.--Have you a light?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+(_Who has stood up and is looking around the room._) Yes, thank you.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+See that this decision is delivered to Baron von Kanoldt at once.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Yes, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+You've become a collector, I see.
+
+                          Ebeling (_signing_).
+
+One must have some diversion.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+What's that? Looks like a Terburg. Is it an original?
+
+                          Ebeling (_signing_).
+
+Would you expect it to be a copy?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+H'm, your practice is certainly splendid.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+There are a lot of people, though, who think they are cleverer than
+I--and take great pains to justify their opinion. (_To_ Bonath.) Will
+it be necessary to work overtime?
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Not to-day, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Then you can announce Frau von Yburg as soon as she comes. (v. Tietz
+_listens attentively._)
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling. (_Goes out._)
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+The lady you are expecting is Frau von Yburg?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Of course you know that I've been the Yburg's legal adviser for years.
+
+                       v. Tietz (_sitting down_).
+
+Well, really, this is quite a marvellous coincidence. It's on account
+of the Yburgs that I've come to see you.
+
+                        Ebeling (_interested_).
+
+Is that so? What's the matter?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+My dear friend, if you hadn't so completely drawn away from all society
+since your wife l---- (_alarmed._) I beg your pardon.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Go on! Say it! Left me! Walked out of the house! You may say it. But
+then--drop it! Even our old fraternity friendship doesn't oblige us to
+be everlastingly putting each other on the grill.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+No, really--it escaped me somehow. I'm awfully sorry.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, well, never mind. You know, I speak of it quite disinterestedly.
+And it's a good many years since then. Only--I'd rather not be attacked
+unawares.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Don't worry. I'll be on my guard. But--as we've mentioned it--there's
+something I wanted to ask you before--only I hadn't the courage. Tell
+me, do you always keep her picture on your table?
+
+                      Ebeling (_in a hard voice_).
+
+Yes.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Then you still love her?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+No. I only keep the picture there to warn me against making a
+fool of myself again. So many charming women sit there where you're
+sitting, women just on the point of divorce--and therefore in
+need of consolation. Every now and then one of them undertakes to
+faint--um--and then I have to-- (_Holds out his arms._)
+
+                  v. Tietz (_bursting out laughing_).
+
+Aha! Very interesting! Very interesting!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+In short, it does no harm to keep the picture there.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Of course, everyone knows how much courted you are. For instance, no
+matter when I come to see you, I always find those beautiful roses on
+your table. They speak for themselves. Heavens! What a luxury! Roses in
+January!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Things like that come anonymously. If I knew who the sender was, I
+wouldn't accept them.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Let me with all due modesty give you a piece of advice: you ought to
+marry.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Ironically, shaking his finger at him across the table._) Thank you.
+But didn't you want to speak to me about the Yburgs?
+
+                               V. Tietz.
+
+Yes. What was I going to say?--Oh, yes. Well, if you hadn't taken it
+into your head to live like a hermit, you'd know that, for some time
+past, I've been a very frequent visitor at the Yburgs's.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, yes, I know. I go there myself sometimes--only not when other
+people are around.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Well, then, to make a long story short--why should I mince matters with
+you?--I am courting Margot.
+
+                         Ebeling (_startled_).
+
+Ah--you, too? You're also one of the crowd?
+
+                    v. Tietz (_conceitedly_).
+
+I trust that I stand up a bit above the crowd.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Indeed? I thought perhaps the social glamour of the Yburgs was
+attracting you. A thing like that can't help dazzling one. But
+that you----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Is it so surprising? That girl is so bewitching--so--so entirely unlike
+these forward, city-bred girls. With her, at least, one knows what one
+can count on. She's so--so the essence of everything innocent and
+chaste and pure.
+
+                          Ebeling (_quoting_).
+
+"Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow,"--thy dowry shall not
+escape me.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+No, no--don't joke. It's out of place. I won't deny that, as an
+official without fortune--that would also be very--h'm--but----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, but what have I got to do with it?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+See here, my dear friend, we scattered remnants of the old college
+fraternity have grown so accustomed to ask your help in times of need,
+to look up to you as a sort of father confessor----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Do you want me to go and propose for you?
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+We'll talk of that later. But first I'd like to ask you something. See
+here, what role is Baron von Kanoldt playing in this family?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+So that's it!
+
+                               V. Tietz.
+
+You're his counsel in his divorce proceedings, aren't you?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+As the affair has become common talk, I need make no secret of it.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+They say that it is the wife who has been the martyr. And yet, after
+fifteen years, _he_ begins the divorce proceedings. Why should he?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear fellow, you must put that question to some one who's not so
+well informed as I am.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Oh, see here, I don't want to be indiscreet about it, but the further
+the case goes, the more persistent are the rumours that he has designs
+on Margot's hand--and, furthermore, that her mother is encouraging him!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Frau von Yburg will be here in a few minutes.--Ask her!
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+What do you take me for?
+
+                  Ebeling (_shrugging his shoulders_).
+
+Oh, well then----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+But just think! that man--forty, if he's a day, fat, worn out, a roue
+whose amorous adventures are common gossip to every cabby on the
+street!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Pardon me, my clients are all virtuous, young, handsome, desirable--of
+inestimable pulchritude.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+See here--are you chaffing me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I'm only trying to make you understand that you've unwittingly walked
+into the enemy's camp.
+
+                       v. Tietz (_standing up_).
+
+Very well--if you don't want to----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Also stands up, and puts his hand on_ v. Tietz's _shoulder._) My dear
+fellow, you're ten years younger than I. You're one of your country's
+young hopefuls. Go ahead and do what your heart and pocket-book bid
+you.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+I didn't need you to tell me that. (_A knock at the door._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come in.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Frau von Yburg and----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Ask her in.
+
+(Bonath _stands aside, opening the door. Enter_ Frau v. Yburg _and_
+Margot. Frau v. Yburg _is a woman of about forty, dressed simply but
+tastefully; her bearing is dignified, self-possessed, refined, and
+betrays a natural, unaffected knowledge of the demands of convention;
+but hidden behind her assurance, and scarcely noticeable, are the
+traces of an old sorrow, a helpless glance, and a forced smile_. Margot
+_is a lovely young girl, extremely well-bred, with a somewhat shy,
+reserved manner._)
+
+                    v. Tietz (_at sight of Margot_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+I brought my little girl along, Herr Ebeling, to let her catch a
+glimpse of the lion's den. I hope that you won't mind.
+
+                     Ebeling (_kissing her hand_).
+
+A thousand times welcome, dear ladies. (_Shakes hands with_ Margot.)
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Good evening, Herr von Tietz. This is indeed a pleasure. (_Gives him
+her hand._)
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+I'm very happy to meet you both--I hadn't hoped to see Fraeulein Yburg
+here. But our friend believes in military promptitude. I have just
+received permission to take my leave.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+I hope that you will come to see us soon, Herr von Tietz.
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+That's very kind of you. (_Bowing to_ Margot.) Fraeulein Yburg!
+
+               Ebeling (_accompanying him to the door_).
+
+Good-bye, my dear fellow. No bad feelings now----
+
+                               v. Tietz.
+
+Oh, I say! Of course not! (_Goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Won't you sit down?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, no. Margot is only going to glance around a bit. Yes, my little
+girl, you may well look about. Between these four walls many a fate has
+been shaped.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Let us rather say, has been mended.
+
+                Margot (_softly, suddenly looking up_).
+
+Mine, too?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+(_Looking at her with evident disapproval._) Perhaps Margot may call
+for me again in half an hour. You won't mind?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It will give me great pleasure.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Then run away, dear, pay your visit, and let the carriage bring you
+back again. (_Sits down, right._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Giving him her hand with social assurance, but a little timidly, none
+the less._) Au revoir, Herr Ebeling.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Au revoir, Fraeulein Margot. (_Accompanies her to the door, and calls._)
+Bonath, see to it that Fraeulein Yburg finds her way out. She is coming
+back later.
+
+                           _Voice of_ Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling.
+
+(Ebeling _bows to_ Margot, _who is already out of sight, and closes the
+door._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, Frau von Yburg, we've brought matters to this point.
+
+                       Frau v. Yburg (_sighing_).
+
+Yes.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+The divorce was granted yesterday morning.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, I know.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, aren't you pleased?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+My dear Herr Ebeling, my heart is so full of gratitude--really, I don't
+know how to thank you--for myself and also for my poor, dear child. But
+I'm so helpless--so perplexed--I really don't know--I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why, what can be wrong?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes--just fancy--well, then--_she won't do it!_
+
+                        Ebeling (_astonished_).
+
+What's that?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Think of the monstrosity of it! She won't do it.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Has she been notified that the divorce has been granted?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yesterday--just after the proceedings--Baron von Kanoldt--came--with
+his proposal.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+H'm!--quicker than I had expected.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+My husband, of course, was simply thunderstruck. One can surely
+sympathise with him--von Kanoldt--a man in the forties--divorced--with
+grown children--and _such_ a reputation! But when he saw that I took
+the man's part--I had to do that, didn't I?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+That was our only course.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Then his position, his wealth, his connections at court--oh, yes, and
+naturally our long friendship-- Of course, my husband doesn't surmise
+what this man did to her! In the end, he agreed that Margot herself
+should decide.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Well, and--? What----?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+She came, looked him quietly in the face, and asked for time to think
+it over.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It seems to me your husband was very clever. Otherwise, he might
+perhaps have----
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, but when we were alone, just fancy! she declared quite simply:
+"No, I won't do it." I exclaimed, "Why, my dear child, you're out of
+your mind! You know that we've done everything for the sake of this
+day!" "Yes, I know all about it--but I won't." "You've been wishing it
+for three years," I said to her. And what do you suppose she answered!
+"I never wished it. You talked it into me--and he."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+"He?" Pardon me, who?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+You, Herr Ebeling.
+
+               Ebeling (_standing up in his excitement_).
+
+My dear lady, it was my duty to carry out what you and Fraeulein Margot
+desired--and what, in short, the circumstances demanded.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, I know! My God, how well I realise it! And what a task you've
+accomplished! No--when I remember how much persuasion, how much subtle
+reasoning, how much-- Ah, and how I've suffered these three years! See,
+my hair is quite gray!--And I still can't understand it! I still look
+upon the girl as if she were a stranger, a mysterious being who has
+lost her way and accidentally come to me. I--I who was brought up so
+strictly, watched, and carefully tended all my life, kept worlds away
+from any taint of the unconventional-- And she, too-- No, on that
+point, I can't reproach myself. And yet--this horror! No, I shall
+never, never understand it! Ah, and to have to bear it all alone! Oh,
+yes, I had to do that. My husband, with his long army training, would
+have forced him to fight--and then we should all have been dragged in
+the dust. Margot's life--our position in society--everything! Ah, if
+you hadn't been here, Herr Ebeling! Do you remember how I came to you?
+I think I was half dead from wretchedness! With the letter to him in my
+hand, the letter that I had taken from her as she lay distracted in my
+arms! Do you remember?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, don't speak of it! As I read that handwriting--still so
+childish--and that helpless, stammering question: "What has happened to
+me?"--God knows, everything turned black before my eyes! Oh! it's too
+horrible!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And then you yourself said to me, "You're right--the blackguard _must_.
+I'll make him."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I said it in the heat of the first great indignation. Please take that
+into consideration. After I went to work, I religiously kept to my
+programme to leave all threats and violence out of the question. Not
+only because-- Ah, as I've come to feel now, such a calm method of
+procedure would be impossible. But then I had to keep in mind that a
+new life--I don't venture to say a happy one--was to be gained through
+me. To-day, some one is grateful to me--the very one who at first
+opposed me most violently--that poor, wretched wife.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And now everything would have been forgiven. I can't understand it. I
+don't know--I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+So she won't do it?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And that's why I've fled to you in my need! Later, when she returns, I
+want to have gone. You understand? I've arranged it this way so that
+you could bring her to her senses. A little heart to heart talk, you
+know. But if your influence doesn't help, then I don't know--then----
+
+                    Ebeling (_walking up and down_).
+
+And so she won't do it.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, just explain it to me! The only possible way in which to
+rehabilitate herself in her own eyes! And she throws it to the winds!
+What can she be thinking of? What----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And so she won't do it!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+What's come over you, Herr Ebeling? You're not listening!
+
+                      Ebeling (_firmly, quietly_).
+
+Very well, then she _shall_ not.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+For God's sake! You, too! You, too, want----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear friend, I have done all that lay in my power, often against my
+own convictions, I can assure you. She knows what she is doing. She
+will not. Very well. I'm not here to bait her to her ruin. I am very
+sorry, but this time I must refuse my assistance.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But what will happen? Must all our work count for nothing--your work,
+my work? For I have worked over her with all my powers, I need not
+hesitate to say it, worked to place her again on those spiritual
+heights where a young girl of family by right belongs. I have led her
+back to Religion, for whoever has anything to expiate must possess
+Religion. I have read with her only the most carefully selected books,
+books that could never, never endanger a young girl's imagination. And
+I have taken special care to see to it that when she was in the company
+of young people, she should, if possible, be stricter and even more
+reserved than the most timid of her friends. For her need of such
+behaviour was double theirs, wasn't it? And you yourself will admit
+that my efforts have been successful. No one could deny it and look
+into those clear, steadfast eyes of hers. (Ebeling _nods assent._) She
+has become all soul--all----
+
+                     Ebeling (_doubtingly, sadly_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Yes, indeed, Herr Ebeling. No clandestine, no unseemly wish finds its
+way into her heart. I'll vouch for that. She glides through life like a
+silent spirit, cleansed and purified.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And therefore we are to throw her into the jaws of that beast.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Is there any other way? Do you know of any?
+
+                         Ebeling (_tormented_).
+
+H'm! She certainly has suitors enough!
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+She'll reject them all--as she has heretofore. She simply says, "I
+shall not begin my new life with a lie. I think too much of myself for
+that. And to confess, to tell the man, and have him turn his back on
+me, or out of pure pity raise me to his own level--I think _entirely_
+too much of myself for that."
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I believe one can readily appreciate her feelings.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But what will become of her? Is she to wither and wear away--this
+heavenly young creature? (Ebeling _walks about, growing more and more
+excited. A pause._) Herr Ebeling, speak! Advise me!
+
+                          Ebeling (_firmly_).
+
+I know of only one solution: she must choose some one who knows it.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Who could that be--except----?
+
+                     Ebeling (_breathing heavily_).
+
+Except that man, there is only one other.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+(_Stares at him uncomprehendingly with her hands clasped, then
+stammering._) Oh! oh, God! What a joy that would be!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+What more can I say? Such things come and grow great in a man, one
+knows not how. She bore _her_ sorrow, _her_ shame, I mine. At first,
+perhaps, it was no more than a casual fancy--no, an interest, for my
+inclinations were always involved--but to-day it has become a passion,
+a passion that, lonely man as I am, gnaws me to the very core of my
+being.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+But how have you managed through it all to keep so quiet, so
+deliberate, so----?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+One learns, little by little, to be master of oneself. And five minutes
+ago there was absolutely no hope, (_bursting out_) but if she no longer
+wants him--why shouldn't I--oh! (_Hides his face in his hand, trembling
+with emotion._)
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Wait! I don't see, after you've led him on to this point, how you'll
+ever justify all this to Baron von Kanoldt.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I don't know! Until now, I've led a tolerably respectable life. For, in
+the disgrace that _she_ (_pointing to the picture of his wife_) brought
+upon me, I played no part.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Oh, yes, everyone in society knows that.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But I haven't once asked myself whether what I am now going to do--or
+should like to do--conforms to the prevailing standards of propriety.
+One ought to think it over, to let some time elapse--in short, I don't
+know! All I can say is that if she doesn't want him, if she won't take
+that--(_checking himself_)--him, well, then, the path is open to
+any one--to me as well as to another.
+
+                     Frau v. Yburg (_hesitating_).
+
+I feel that I ought to warn you of just one thing more. She has never
+seemed to consider you as anything more than a fatherly sort of friend.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+H'm! (_Laughs bitterly._) Even though I'm a couple of years younger
+than----, I've certainly acted more like a father to her. But you're
+probably right. (_Knocking._) Come in. (Bonath _enters._)
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+I've let the clerks go home. Have you any further orders, Herr Ebeling?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+You can go, too, Bonath. But tell my man to answer the door.
+
+                                Bonath.
+
+Very well, Herr Ebeling. Good evening. (Bonath _goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Frau von Yburg, your daughter will return in a few minutes. Meanwhile,
+the scene has changed not altogether insignificantly. Do you still
+approve of that little private heart to heart talk--or not?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+Ah, my dear friend, I have such boundless confidence in you. You've
+been her good angel for so long. I don't hesitate for a moment to leave
+her in your hands. And you'll carefully observe all the conventions? Of
+course you will.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But what can I say to her?
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+You're so skilled in reading the heart. You'll have found a way to
+make her confess something before she's aware of it. Only let me beg of
+you--if you find nothing in what she says that gives you reason to
+hope, then please don't worry her. She has already suffered so much.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Very well, then, I'll proceed upon the assumption that I have only to
+comply with the request that brought you to me to-day.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+If you would----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Hush! (_Listens at the door, then pointing to the right._) May I ask
+you to go out this door? You know your way.
+
+                             Frau v. Yburg.
+
+And please, please, spare her delicacy. You've no idea how pure she
+is--in spite of----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+If I didn't know _that_-- (_Knocking. He opens the door, right._)
+Good-bye.
+
+                      (Frau v. Yburg _goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come in.
+
+                              The Servant.
+
+A young lady is outside. She wants to know whether her mother is still
+here.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Hurrying to the centre door--vivaciously._) Just fancy Fraeulein
+Margot, your mother thought you'd no longer be coming, and has only
+just left. (Margot _appears at the centre door, and stands there,
+hesitating._) But won't you come in for a few moments?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Gladly, if I may. (_Looking about irresolutely._) Only I don't know
+whether I----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+What, my dear child?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+It isn't usually mamma's way to go off without me.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Then I'll take you home myself. You need have no fears.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, I'm not afraid.
+
+                 Ebeling (_inviting her to sit down_).
+
+Won't you----?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I'd like to look around a bit first; may I? I couldn't a while ago.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I'm only too happy to think that you take some interest in my home.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Dear me, mamma has so often told me about it. Of late years her visits
+to you were our principal topic of conversation. I think I've known
+every tiny nook here for a long, long time.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Really?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, there's the stand with the horrible law books! (_Sighing._) Ah,
+Herr Ebeling, everything in life is Law--and everything is in books.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear young girl, the hardest laws are never to be found in books.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Yes, you are right. The laws that drag us down to destruction are the
+laws that we make for ourselves. And all those beautiful women! I
+suppose one must be very beautiful to join them?
+
+                     Ebeling (_parrying lightly_).
+
+Most of them are clients who have presented me with their pictures as a
+token of gratitude.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, but I'm your client, too--and yet I should never dare to offer
+you my picture in that way.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+If you only----
+
+                          Margot (_startled_).
+
+Oh, and there's your-- (_Looks at him questioningly, confused._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, that's my former wife.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I saw her only once in my life. I was a mere child then. She was very
+lovely.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Yes, she was lovely.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, and the wonder--wonderful roses! Mamma has told me that you always
+have such lovely roses.
+
+                          Ebeling (_lightly_).
+
+Yes, I have an agreement with a gardener. He keeps me supplied.
+
+                    Margot (_seemingly convinced_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+May I present them to you, Fraeulein Margot?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, dear me, no. The gardener who keeps you supplied might be offended.
+
+                         Ebeling (_laughing_).
+
+As you wish.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+And this is the inquisitional chair--where the poor secrets are dragged
+out?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Quite the contrary! The secrets come forth of their own accord. I
+always have to say "stop."
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, then, I needn't hesitate to sit down. (_Does so._) _My_ secret
+you know--(_sighing_)--only too well!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear Fraeulein Margot; the real secret of your life, the law that
+governs your thoughts and feelings, I believe no one knows--not even
+your mother.
+
+            Margot (_smiling and shrugging her shoulders_).
+
+My good mamma! And I'm here to give you proofs of that fact, am I?
+
+                         Ebeling (_evasively_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+The reason for my being here isn't the one you've given me.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Indeed! What is it?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I wasn't left here alone for nothing! Please go ahead, Herr Ebeling, do
+your duty and talk me nicely into marrying Baron von--(_shudders_).
+See?--I've never once been able to bring his name to my lips. And yet
+I'm to pass my whole life with that man! Can one picture anything more
+horrible? (_Shudders again._) Do you know of any occupation for me,
+Herr Ebeling?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Occupation? Why?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I want to leave home.
+
+                                Ebeling
+
+Is that your earnest intention?
+
+                            Margot (_nods_).
+
+But, unfortunately, I've learned nothing. And then--it has to be an
+occupation that wouldn't humiliate me--and that wouldn't spoil my hands
+(_takes off her gloves_), for I love my hands. I don't care a bit about
+my face, but my hands--they're like two friends. I can keep up long
+conversations with them--especially with the left. That one's so weak.
+So, something that wouldn't spoil the hands--and would leave me time
+for reading--and--well, I want to be alone.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I might have suggested nursing, even though it requires the constant
+use of the hands. But, of course, you'd never be alone.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+No. I have no love for my fellow-creatures. I don't want to do anything
+for them.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Those are hard words, Fraeulein Margot.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I am hard. What have my fellow-creatures ever done for me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+And--your parents?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+You refer to mamma? Mamma certainly means well. But mamma has torn my
+soul from my body. She has made use of the old principle of family
+rule--which may have had some sense in the Stone Age--and has turned me
+into a doll, a doll-creature that moves its eyes and says _ba_ when you
+press its head.--Just watch, Herr Ebeling!--Now haven't I a touching
+fashion of casting up my eyes when I look at you in this simple,
+thoughtful, innocent way?--And when I let the lids fall again in all
+the bashful piety that I still can muster--isn't it simply sweet?
+
+                         Ebeling (_earnestly_).
+
+My dear young girl, I really believe I must begin to say "stop" now!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Dear me! You're already disgusted with me! But if you had any idea--do
+you know what you'd think? "Pity that I wasted such pains on a creature
+like her!"
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I should never think that, my dear child. I should only pity you and
+love you the more.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I don't want to be pitied! And loved? (_Shakes her head._) At least not
+that way--and not the other, either. That's still stupider. When I
+listen to my friends--this one loves me, and that one loves me, and
+this one kept my glove, and that one kissed my handkerchief--ugh! It
+reminds me of the cackling of a lot of hens. Herr Ebeling, do you
+believe criminals are scornful?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why do you ask?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Please answer.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+It's very often true of born criminals.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Well, then, I've the criminal nature.
+
+                 Ebeling (_laughing against his will_).
+
+Tut, tut, my dear child, why so--all of a sudden?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Because I inwardly shrug my shoulders at everything that goes by the
+name of Innocence. I keep thinking to myself, "You silly sheep, what do
+you know about it?"--Ah, and yet, I envy them! At the balls, I see
+everything as through a veil. The things that the men chatter about
+sound far, far away--oceans off. I always feel like saying, "Don't
+trouble about me. Go to that girl over there. She's stupid enough." And
+then--after I've come home--I weep, weep from sheer envy and utter
+boredom, weep until I have to turn my pillow.--And mamma? Mamma drags
+me from ball to ball: I mustn't be unlike the others, you know!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear child, if this goes against your nature, why don't you make
+some resistance? Why don't you show your mother that you have thoughts
+and feelings of your own which must be respected?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Ah, my dear Herr Ebeling, just be a whipped dog yourself, year in year
+out! The dog doesn't resist either--but suddenly, some day--when he's
+at the very end of his endurance--he bites his master's hand. I shall
+bite soon!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Oh, I'll grant you that your mother has probably made some mistakes.
+But only out of love, or because she knew no better. Just ask yourself
+what would have become of you if you'd been left to yourself all this
+time?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I should have been embittered just the same--you're right--but I should
+not have let myself fall.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Who knows?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Never! And I'll tell you something to prove it. Severely as I have been
+watched--and--surely there's nothing coquettish about me?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Certainly not.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+You can believe me when I say that, in the general moral tone
+prevailing over our society just now--and of which our mothers
+naturally know nothing--there lurks a temptation which has over and
+over again enticed even me. Such things are so personal, so secret--one
+cannot describe them. Oh, I could have done whatever I wished! But
+I said to myself: the first time, you were ignorant, you were
+sacrificed--or, at least, you can talk it into yourself that you were
+sacrificed--but if ever again--no, I can't say it after all!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I understand, my child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+If ever again--then you'll be lost--forever! Then there can be no more
+ideals, no more poetry--nothing lofty--nothing for which to work--and,
+worst of all, nothing of which to dream. For to dream--ah, one must
+dream, mustn't one? When one no longer has _that_!----
+
+                           Ebeling (_moved_).
+
+Yes, dear child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+But you mustn't think that I'm trying to make myself interesting, or
+that I stand here before you beautifully whitened and purified! Oh, no!
+What I'm going to say to you now has never been said to any one, to any
+man before. And you are going to despise me utterly. But I must say
+it--once, once in my life--and then the old hypocrisy can go on again.
+Well, I don't know what it is, but it's like a fire in me. No, worse,
+much worse! When I think of that frightful man, my heart fairly
+shrivels up. And yet--I can never get away from it. There's always a
+terror, a horror in me; and yet there is always an eternal--an eternal
+hunger. Yes--a restlessness--a search--the whole day long. It's
+strongest toward twilight. Then I want to go out--out into the wide
+world--to fly to unknown lands. Then I think to myself--out there, no
+one knows you; out there, there is no sin. Ah, it's as if I were
+lashed! And I heap such reproaches upon myself because of it! Even now
+you have not heard the worst. I must tell you the worst, too. Well, you
+know how I hate that man--yet, sometimes it seems to me that I must go
+to him and say to him--Behold, here I am again!
+
+                 Ebeling (_jumps up, muttering to himself_).
+
+What has he done? The scoundrel! The blackguard!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+There! Now you know on whom you've wasted your sympathy! Now I can go.
+(_Stands up, snatches her muff, and prepares to leave._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Who has been silently walking up and down more hotly._) It appears
+then that you still love that man.
+
+                Margot (_with a short, cutting laugh_).
+
+Oh, Herr Ebeling, if you've gathered _that_ from all I've said, then I
+might just as well have addressed myself to the four walls. I've been
+hoping for three long years that you would secretly manage the thing in
+such a way that I'd never have to see him again in all my life--never,
+never--not even from a distance.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Why did you never confide in me before? Why to-day for the first time?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+_Can_ one do such a thing? Is one ever allowed to? I'm a well-bred
+young girl, you know. I must observe the conventions. How I came to do
+it to-day, I don't know myself. But formerly when you were alone with
+me, did you ever, at any time, give me to understand, even by a glance,
+that you--you knew anything--about me? Do you think such an attitude
+gives one courage? Ah, and in my need I've prayed so often, "Dear God,
+let him see into my soul! If _he_ doesn't free me, no one will."
+Instead, you've only plunged me the deeper--pushed me before
+you--always deeper into misery--into the arms of that beast--into the
+filth. (_Sinks into a chair, sobbing._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Regards her confusedly, then approaches her._) Dear child! That
+wasn't my intention! (_Laying his hand on her shoulder caressingly._)
+My dear, dear child!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Grasps his hand, and presses her cheek to it. As he tries to free it,
+she holds it the more closely._) Oh, don't leave me. I'm so lonely!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+My dear, dear child. (_He bends down to her and kisses her on the brow.
+She throws her arms about his neck and draws herself close to him. He
+kisses her lips. She lets her head fall heavily upon his shoulder and
+remains motionless while he caresses her gently. With a sudden impulse
+she flings him from her, and sinks back in the chair._) Margot, my
+darling. Have I hurt you? Are you offended at what I did? If I've
+misunderstood, if I have abused your confidence, I earnestly beg you to
+forgive me.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Oh, I've so hungered--so hungered--for this--kiss!
+
+                Ebeling (_turning eagerly toward her_).
+
+Margot!
+
+                      Margot (_warding him off_).
+
+No! Go away! Go away!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+But you don't refuse me? And I'm not too old?
+
+            Margot (_passionately bursting into laughter_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I was never free from the fear that you might not see anything in me
+except an image of that wasted, old creature. (_Instead of answering_,
+Margot _stretches out her arms to him with a soft cry of longing_.
+Ebeling _draws the low stool to the writing-chair on which she is
+sitting, sits down upon it, and embraces her._) Margot, my youth, my
+whole youth that I've squandered and frittered away comes back to me
+once more through you. And now all will be well with you, too. It was
+only a nightmare. Your true self had nothing to do with it. Only--you
+must take heart again--you must think of yourself now.
+
+                        Margot (_ecstatically_).
+
+Yes, I am equal to anything now. I am not afraid to face the worst.
+I can even marry that man. I shall send him my acceptance quite
+calmly.--Of course. Why not?
+
+                          Ebeling (_shocked_).
+
+What!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Why should you be astonished at that? Now that I know you love me? Only
+for a year! Perhaps for two! Yes, two! Oh, please, two! Then, later,
+when you've left me, let others come! It's all the same, who! For
+marriage, of course, I'm entirely spoiled! But I'll be revenged on him!
+On him and on Virtue and on Loyalty and on all that stuff with which
+they've so long tormented me. And the evening before my wedding--then
+may I--come to you again? Toward twilight! It must be on a Sunday. I'll
+arrange for that, so we can be alone. Ah, I shall count the days till
+then! Why do you look at me like that? (Ebeling _stands up and throws
+himself on the sofa, burying his face in his hands. A long pause._)
+What can I have done? (_She stands up. Another pause._) Surely I
+haven't done you any wrong by loving you?
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Go home now, my child.
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I wanted to leave some time ago, but you made me stay. (_She buttons
+her coat, throws on her boa, and is about to go out. Then she turns
+around resolutely, and places herself before him._) Oh, I know--I'm
+disgraced--I'm not worthy of anything better--; but I needn't have had
+to endure _such_ scorn and contempt! (Ebeling _rises, looks at her,
+groans, buries his face in his hands, and falls back into the chair_.
+Margot _kneels beside him, weeping._) Dear--dearest--what is it? What's
+wrong, my darling?
+
+             Ebeling (_compelling himself to be composed_).
+
+Stand up! (_She does so._) I am going to tell you. (_Stands up
+himself._) I asked your mother's consent to my marrying you to-day.
+There, now you know it. Good-bye. (_Sits down in the writing-chair. A
+pause._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+(_Does not move. Her face becomes hard and bitter._) And now that you
+see what sort I am----H'm, yes. Ah, well, you'll soon console yourself.
+There are so many others. Why should it be just I? Let me suggest one
+of my friends--a dear--a pretty girl--with white teeth. Why take it to
+heart? It hurts for the moment--but one easily forgets. Such girls as I
+deserve nothing better. To them--one does this! (_Plucks the petals
+from the roses which are standing before her in the vase._) And then
+one throws them away--like this! (_Throws the petals in his face._)
+
+                 Ebeling (_brushing away the petals_).
+
+What have the roses done to you, my child?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+I sent them to you. I, too, may destroy them.
+
+                       Ebeling (_springing up_).
+
+It was you, you who all these years----?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Good evening, Herr Ebeling. (_She goes out._)
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+(_Pauses for a moment irresolutely, struggling with himself, then
+hurries after her. His voice is heard._) Stay here! Stay here! Come in
+here! (_He reappears at the centre door, pulling her by the arm._) Come
+in here! Come back!
+
+                                Margot.
+
+What do you want of me? I'll cry for help----
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Come here! (_Drags her to the writing-table._)
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Leave me alone!
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+Be quiet! Be quiet! (_Picks up one of the pictures standing on the
+table._) There! That woman dragged my name in the gutter. Will you do
+the same? Answer me! (Margot _stands motionless, the tears running down
+her cheeks._) Answer, I say.
+
+                     Margot (_slowly and heavily_).
+
+Ah, one thinks and says so much when there's no longer a particle of
+hope in one's life.
+
+                                Ebeling.
+
+I understand. (_He throws the picture on the ground; frame and glass
+are dashed to pieces._) Let us go to your parents. We'll arrange with
+them what's best to be done. (_As she doesn't move._) Well? (Margot
+_shakes her head._) You don't want to?
+
+                                Margot.
+
+Not that way! As I am now, humiliated--mortified--disgraced--no, not
+that way! I am so tired of playing Magdalen! No! When I come, I'll come
+with a free step. I'll be able to look every man in the face! But I
+must find out first what I am still worth, and (_looking him full in
+the face_) it must be a great, great deal--to be worthy of you.
+
+                           Ebeling (_moved_).
+
+Give me your hands, dear.
+
+                          Margot (_doing so_).
+
+When we see each other again, they'll be red and ugly. (Ebeling _kisses
+her hands and presses them to his face._) Good-bye. (_She turns to
+go._)
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                  III
+
+                             THE LAST VISIT
+
+                           A PLAY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+                  The Unknown Lady.
+                  Lieutenant Von Wolters.
+                  Mulbridge, a horse-trainer.
+                  His Wife.
+                  Daisy, their daughter.
+                  Kellermann.
+                  Tempski, an orderly.
+                  A Groom.
+
+
+                            The Present Day.
+
+
+            _The scene is laid in a large German garrison_.
+
+
+
+
+                             THE LAST VISIT
+
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Well, now we have seen our poor, dear captain for the last time.
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+Yes. He was a good fellow, our captain and--awfully fond of horses.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Daisy, what's the matter, dear? You've been standing here all
+alone, and yet, until now, you wouldn't stir from the coffin.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I saw him quite well from here, mother, dear.
+
+                      Mulbridge (_caressing her_).
+
+My girlie--my little girl. Yes--we all loved him.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+(_To_ Tempski, _who is sobbing._) There, there, Tempski, hush now. (_A
+bell rings, right._) There's the bell; go and open the door. (Tempski
+_goes out at the right._)
+
+                      Mulbridge (_to the_ Groom).
+
+And we'll be off to the stables!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Sh! The Lieutenant!
+
+                      Mulbridge (_to the Groom_).
+
+Go on! (_Pushes the_ Groom _out, left._)
+
+(Lieutenant von Wolters _enters. He is an attractive young officer,
+very smart in appearance, wearing the uniform of an Uhlan_. Kellermann,
+_a self-possessed, sharp-eyed man, follows him. While they are
+entering_, Tempski _comes in at the right, quietly places a wreath on
+one of the piles near the columns, and goes out again._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, Herr-- (_He puts his hand to his eyes, overcome for the moment,
+then stiffly, trying to conceal his emotion._) Herr--Kellermann was the
+name, wasn't it?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+At your service, Lieutenant.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+You have done everything very satisfactorily. I am much obliged to you.
+You understand that the removal of the coffin to the church is to be
+accomplished as secretly as possible.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I'm silent as the grave, Lieutenant. My business sort of carries that
+with it, don't you know.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It will be dark about half past five. I have ordered the troops that
+are to accompany the casket to be here at half past six. At the
+church--the catafalque and the rest--I can confidently leave all that
+to you?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Most assuredly, Lieutenant. I shall see that everything is of the
+finest.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+But remember your instructions: all superfluous ostentation is to be
+rigorously avoided--to-morrow at the funeral procession, also.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I understand, Lieutenant--because of the way he met his death.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The reason does not concern you. (_Turns to go._)
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+Beg pardon, Lieutenant, but may I speak to you? I've been in the
+captain's service seven years. I've been in Germany nearly eighteen
+years--have a German wife and daughter. I'm not as young as I used to
+be. What's going to become of the horses and the racing-stable, and--
+the rest?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, it's really too bad about him, Lieutenant. He's so fond of his
+horses. Why, if ever you want to speak to him, you have to go and stay
+at the stable. That's the only way I can manage to see him.
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+And she's a great help to me, too, Lieutenant.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I can understand your anxiety, Mulbridge. The captain spoke about you
+on our last journey together. He especially commended you and your
+family to my care. But, of course, everything will depend upon the
+heir.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And who is the heir, Lieutenant?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one knows. He had no relatives. But be assured that whoever it is, I
+will do my best to----
+
+                               Mulbridge.
+
+Thank you, Lieutenant! Thank you! (_He says a few words aside to his
+wife and goes out, left._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Have you anything else to do here, Herr Kellermann?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Yes, indeed, a great many things, Lieutenant. (_Goes out at the centre,
+carrying several wreaths, and then returns for more_. Frau Mulbridge
+_helps him._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Oh, by the way, may I have a word with you, Daisy? (Daisy _comes
+forward_, v. Wolters _continues aside to her._) My dear child, I know
+that the captain had a great deal of confidence in you.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, he had.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well then, listen. Some one wishes to come here before the casket is
+removed some one who must not be seen.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Very well. She may.
+
+                         v. Wolters (_amazed_).
+
+What----? She----?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Why, it must be the lady.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What lady?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+The lady for whom he let himself be shot.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What! You know----?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+She had to come, of course. Who else should it be?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+H'm! Well then, listen carefully. If the undertaker--or any other
+stranger--should still be here when it begins to grow dark, throw on a
+wrap and wait at the door downstairs until a carriage stops. Will you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Certainly I will. And Tempski?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, Tempski, faithful as he is----
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Tempski was never around in those days.
+
+             v. Wolters (_looking at her in astonishment_).
+
+Oh--so Tempski--was never--around--in those days! H'm! Well then, I'll
+undertake to get rid of Tempski myself. Thank you, my child. (_Gives
+her his hand, then aloud._) I have another errand, but I'll be back
+soon. (_Goes out at the right._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What did the lieutenant want of you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Nothing in particular--something about the wreaths.
+
+                Kellermann (_coming in from the back_).
+
+Yes, with all those wreaths, we'll have to have an extra carriage for
+the flowers. He was a fine man, he was--a highly respected man! And on
+horseback! Why, I've won every time I bet on him! Ah, yes, but sooner
+or later they all have to come to me!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And he was such a kind master! He was just like a child sometimes--so
+light-hearted and happy--like a little boy! Lately, to be sure,
+he-- (_The bell rings._) Well, Daisy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+(_Who has stood without moving, lost in thought._) I guess Tempski will
+go.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, yes, you're right. Tempski is outside.
+
+                Tempski (_brings in a wreath, sobbing_).
+
+F-from--our--major.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Tempski, it's perfectly natural that the major----
+
+                                Tempski.
+
+From--our--major.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Take the wreath from him, Daisy.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_She does so_. Tempski _goes out, crying._)
+
+                Kellermann (_reaching for the wreath_).
+
+From his major that must go on the coffin!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I'll do it.
+
+                        Kellermann (_in doubt_).
+
+Don't you think----?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, let her; she looks after everything.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+But nail it tightly, little lady--else it'll fall off when they're
+carrying him to the church.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, yes. (_Goes out back with the wreath. During the following
+conversation, the strokes of a hammer are heard._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Everything is so well arranged here. I don't see why they've got to
+take him to the church.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+The official statement is that it will prevent any demonstration in the
+street. You know, the town folks haven't taken very kindly to this
+murdering business of late. But, of course, that's not the real reason.
+The truth of the matter is that several very influential ladies would
+like to attend the funeral without being seen. H'm!--love never dies,
+they say. Ah, the captain was no saint, I can tell you!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What do you know about it?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Oh, well, there's a lot of talk about the veiled figures that used to
+go in and out of here at twilight. And if these mirrors could speak--!
+That reminds me--I'd almost forgotten--we must cover the mirrors.
+(Daisy _appears in front of the curtain. She is staring into space._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+But since the casket is to be taken away in less than an hour--what's
+the use?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+That doesn't make any difference. The mirrors have got to be draped. It
+would be a blemish on my art--and I wouldn't answer for it.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Go get a pair of lace curtains to hang over the mirrors.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_She does not stir._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy! You're not listening.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes I am, mother, dear. You asked me to-- (_Falters._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I asked you to fetch a pair of lace curtains.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes, mother, dear. (_Goes out, left._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Now that the child isn't here--tell me, Herr Kellermann, do you know
+anything about the cause of the duel? We're all groping in the dark
+here at the house.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Well, they're saying all sorts of things. But the dead are my friends.
+I never say anything against them. It's a business principle with me.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes--but the man who shot him, is he still walking around free as air?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Yes, that's the way with these fine folks. They fall upon one another
+like highwaymen. Your honour or your life! The man who survives can
+laugh. The man who falls--well, he falls into my arms. But, see here,
+getting into a duel with that fellow, that Baron Renoir--why it was
+nothing short of suicide! I tell you, where that man goes, no grass
+grows! On the turf, at the card-table, with the women--always the same
+story. That man shot him down like a rabbit. Oh, of course, it's
+always a fine thing to lay down your life for a woman. That's a phrase
+that----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Do you really think that a woman----?
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Sh! Here comes your little girl. (Daisy _enters with two vases, which
+she is carrying very carefully._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What's that you're bringing?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I stopped and filled them first.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+But you were to get a pair of lace curtains!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, forgive me, mother, dear. I thought you said vases. I'll go (_Exit
+with the vases._)
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I don't know what's come over the child! Why, she's been such a help
+these days--thought of everything, wanted to do everything herself.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+A nice little girl--how old is she?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Seventeen, her last birthday.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Is she at school?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+She's been going to the Art Institute. She wants to teach drawing.
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+I suppose the captain thought a lot of her?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Oh, dear me, yes. She was always around him from the time that she was
+a mere child. They used to play together out in the yard like two
+little kittens! Of course, when she grew older, that sort of thing
+stopped. But lately, when he seemed so worried, I----
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+So he seemed worried, did he?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, indeed. I've had my suspicions for the last two months. Well, when
+he seemed so worried, I used to manage to send her in to him pretty
+often. She read aloud to him--and so on. (Daisy _enters with a couple
+of curtains, and a dark coat on her arm._)
+
+                              Kellermann.
+
+Thanks, thanks, little lady. (_Takes the curtains from her and stands
+on a chair under one of the mirrors._) What lovely Venetian lace! Ah,
+yes, every mirror comes to this sooner or later!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I'd like to get a breath of fresh air, would you mind, mother, dear? I
+feel so----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, yes, dear. Go out for a little while. (Daisy _puts on her coat._)
+
+              Kellermann (_in front of the other mirror_).
+
+Why, here's a little bunch of flowers!
+
+                           Daisy (_eagerly_).
+
+Oh, please, please, let me have it.
+
+                  Kellermann (_blowing off the dust_).
+
+If it doesn't fall to pieces. (_Hands it to her._) Ah, yes, many, many
+loved him! He had a beautiful life, he had a beautiful death, and, as
+for a beautiful funeral--just leave that to Kellermann! (_Takes his
+hat._) I'll be back again for the procession. Good evening, ladies.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Good evening. (_To_ Daisy, _seeing her take off her coat._) I thought
+you said you were going out?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, well, I've changed my mind now.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I'm glad, because one feels so--so alone in here.
+
+                   Daisy (_with a glance backward_).
+
+But we are not alone yet.
+
+                Frau Mulbridge (_shuddering slightly_).
+
+That's just it.
+
+                 Daisy (_staring straight before her_).
+
+I'm not afraid.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Tell me something, Daisy, dear. Weren't you in there last night?
+
+                           Daisy (_alarmed_).
+
+Last night? I?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Yes, at the coffin.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+What should I be doing at the coffin?
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Well, I thought I heard some one go past the door.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+You must have been dreaming, mother, dear.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Very likely. I haven't been sleeping well these nights. See here,
+Daisy, perhaps he's left us something--you, at least--tell me, haven't
+you been thinking about that sometimes?
+
+              Daisy (_apart, with a glance at the clock_).
+
+If she doesn't come soon----!
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+What's that you were saying? (_The bell rings_. Daisy _starts._) Why,
+what's the matter with you? (v. Wolters _enters._)
+
+                        v. Wolters (_calling_).
+
+Tempski!
+
+          Tempski (_at the threshold, in military attitude_).
+
+Here, Lieutenant!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Hurry over to the garrison church and see if everything is ready.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Why, Kellermann will see----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+And then go--or no--stay there until the casket arrives. Do you
+understand?
+
+                                Tempski.
+
+At your command, Lieutenant. (_He goes out._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That's attended to. And now, my dear Frau Mulbridge, there's something
+that I want to confide to you. A visitor is coming here presently--a
+lady. (Frau Mulbridge _glances anxiously at_ Daisy, _who nods._) She is
+not to be seen by any one--except Daisy. Daisy, it appears, used to
+open the door for her sometimes in former days.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Daisy--? What does this mean?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, Tempski might have gossiped, you know.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And so he let _you_ open the door?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I never gossip, mother.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+I'm finding things out now! Why did I never hear of this before?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, you were always in the stables with father in the evening.
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+And there I was trying to keep this child from any knowledge of the
+things that went on in here--and he----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+We've no time for that now, Frau Mulbridge. Daisy, you will watch
+outside, won't you?
+
+                     Frau Mulbridge (_protesting_).
+
+Oh, that's too----
+
+                           Daisy (_firmly_).
+
+Yes, I'll watch. (_The bell rings softly._) Should I----? (v. Wolters
+_nods._)
+
+                  Frau Mulbridge (_calling her back_).
+
+Daisy! (Daisy _goes out without noticing her mother._)
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+May I ask, Frau Mulbridge, that you----
+
+                            Frau Mulbridge.
+
+Very well. We have served him faithfully, and I'll not start making any
+trouble now at the end. (_Exit, left_. v. Wolters _goes to the door at
+the right, listens, and then opens it cautiously_. The Unknown Lady
+_enters. She is heavily veiled, dressed entirely in black, and carries
+a spray of white roses. As she enters, she staggers slightly and leans
+against the writing-table for support._)
+
+             v. Wolters (_who has softly locked the door_).
+
+May I show you the way, Countess? (The Lady _shakes her head and
+motions questioningly toward the back_. v. Wolters _nods, and she goes
+out through the curtained doorway. After a short pause_, v. Wolters
+_opens the door at the right._)
+
+                        v. Wolters (_calling_).
+
+Daisy! (Daisy _appears at the threshold._) Kindly see that no one
+enters the house while this lady is here--no one, do you understand?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, yes, I understand very well.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It may be that she has something else to say to me. If the men should
+come for the casket before she has left, take them around the other
+way. Keep the main entrance clear.
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No, that wouldn't be safe.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, what shall we do?
+
+                      Daisy (_breathing heavily_).
+
+I'll--think of something.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+His death grieves you, too, dear child?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Me? Oh, yes--me too. (_She goes out_. v. Wolters _walks to and fro,
+pauses to listen in front of the curtain, turns on the electric lamp,
+again walks to and fro, etc. At a slight movement of the curtain, he
+stops, expectant_. The Lady, _still veiled, comes forward slowly until
+she has reached one of the chairs on the left. A pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Ah, Herr von Wolters--to let them close the coffin before I--I had seen
+him--I must confess, I had not expected that of you, Herr von Wolters.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I didn't dare prevent it, Countess--just because of your coming. It was
+the only way to have the house to ourselves.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't call me countess, Herr von Wolters. I am not a countess here.
+(_Glancing toward the door._) I am only an unhappy woman whom no one in
+this house knows, whom no one is to know.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Wouldn't you care to rest for a moment?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Are we quite safe here?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Quite. The little girl who, you say, is not unknown to you, is outside
+at the entrance. I have told her mother of your visit and she will not
+enter the house. If you wish, however, we can lock the door.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Yes, do. Or, no, perhaps it would be better not to--in case any one----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Very well.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Throws back her veil, revealing a very beautiful face, which is
+deathly pale and wears an expression of the deepest affliction. She
+sinks into the chair. A pause._) I wanted to lay my roses on his
+breast. Ah, Herr von Wolters, I loved that man with an infinite love.
+Perhaps grief will give my life a new and holier meaning--who knows? We
+seek beauty--and find grief. Tell me, Herr von Wolters, you were his
+best friend, did you never suspect----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Never, never.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And when you received my letter early this morning asking you to come
+at once--not even then?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I could draw--various conclusions--from that.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+For instance----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Oh, please--really, you must excuse me----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, Herr von Wolters. We are here--but why don't you sit down? (_He
+does so._) We are here together, you and I, to hold the last rites over
+our sainted dead. His friend and his beloved who else has any right to
+be here? Herr von Wolters, I have given you my full confidence--I have
+made a strange confession to you. You will not betray me?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And so, in this sacred hour, there must be no concealment between us.
+Answer me now. What does the world say?
+
+                      v. Wolters (_embarrassed_).
+
+The world says so many things, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Tell me, to what extent has my name been associated with this affair?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I can't conceal the fact from you, Countess. Your name is mentioned.
+
+                       The Lady (_thoughtfully_).
+
+Yes, that's what my husband says.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+But please let me add that not a shadow, not the slightest suspicion,
+has ever----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But what else can they think?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, when a woman is as beauti-- I mean, that when a woman
+is the centre of so much interest, it's not surprising that some notice
+was taken of the attentions which he--
+
+                   The Lady (_somewhat impatiently_).
+
+Yes--but----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It naturally was observed that my friend----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Our friend had a--what shall I say--a susceptible heart. We knew that,
+who knew him so well. This was not the first time he had--been
+interested in a woman. And that was why I arranged to have him seen in
+our house as little as possible--lately, not at all.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That fact did not escape notice, Countess. And as Baron Renoir was
+frequently seen with you--instead of----
+
+                     The Lady (_somewhat excited_).
+
+Don't mention that name, Herr von Wolters! I can't stand it! What could
+have possessed that man Renoir--? But do tell me the rest. I've heard
+only the merest details. They've only told me what they thought
+necessary.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one knows what actually occurred between the two men. He begged me
+to ask no questions. You know, he was so reserved of late. It may
+be that certain expressions which passed between them a few days
+ago--after they had been drinking--had something to do with it--no one
+knows. Perhaps there was some insult which was given in private--and
+which neither of them would make public. The assurance that the injury,
+whatever it may have been, was irreparable, must satisfy us.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh, how I hate that man Renoir!--quite apart from the trouble which he
+has gotten me into! My husband warned me against him long ago. "That
+scoundrel will compromise you some day," he said, "and then I'll have
+to fight a duel with him." Instead--this! Oh, you poor, poor darling!
+And now, when all was so quiet and peaceful between us!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, if you think that the change which came over him in
+the last few months betokened peace and quiet----
+
+                        The Lady (_nervously_).
+
+I don't know anything about that! It wasn't my fault! Was I to blame if
+he insisted on having notions? Tell me one thing, Herr von Wolters, did
+he die easily?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No one dies easily, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Was he still living when they reached the house?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No, he died on the field.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Do you know my first name, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Certainly.
+
+                        The Lady (_hesitating_).
+
+Did he--by any chance--speak--that name?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+That would have betrayed his secret, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I only meant--at the very last--when he was no longer--conscious.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No, Countess. But--pardon me, I don't want to be indelicate--but did he
+ever call you by some little--little term of endearment--some--
+(_Stops, embarrassed._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why do you ask?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+At the very end, he kept murmuring something that sounded like
+"Girlie"--or----
+
+                       The Lady (_indignantly_).
+
+My dear Herr von Wolters, our intimacy was of a different sort.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pardon me, Countess, but you yourself asked. (_She nods. A short
+pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Good heavens--these curtains over the mirrors! They make me feel as if
+I were looking a blind man in the eyes!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Would you like to have me remove them?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, no. Never mind. I want to ask you something, Herr von Wolters. Tell
+me, what do you think of me?
+
+                        v. Wolters (_confused_).
+
+What do you mean, Countess?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I want to know what I have done that I should be doomed to bring so
+much sorrow into the lives of others. I had only just left school when
+a strange young man shot himself under my window. It was on my account
+that my husband was transferred here from his former garrison. Tell me,
+what mark of Cain do I bear that all men follow me? I dress as simply
+as I can. I never go out without a double veil. Sometimes I have
+actually been tempted to throw vitriol in my face!
+
+                        v. Wolters (_candidly_).
+
+Oh, that would have been a shame, Countess!
+
+                         The Lady (_severely_).
+
+Herr von Wolters!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, Countess, to mar that image of divinity would be a sin--and I do
+not hesitate to repeat it beside the coffin of my friend.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't! (_Reaches him her hand, which he kisses respectfully._) Dear me,
+how strange it seems! Yesterday we scarcely knew one another--those few
+visits at my house don't count. To-day--this short conversation--and
+here we are, sitting side by side, the guardians of a secret which will
+be buried forever with him. It will, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah, my dear Countess, please do not offend me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Very well, I shall not worry. Did you love him very dearly?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I thought a great deal of him, Countess. He took care of me when I was
+a young fellow quite alone in the world. He was so-- Really, I don't
+know how I shall-- (_breaking down._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Courage, dear friend! We must both try to be brave.
+
+                         v. Wolters (_firmly_).
+
+Thank you, Countess. You will not have to reprove me again.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You evaded my question before. Do you consider me very guilty, Herr von
+Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+He loved you, Countess. That makes you holy in my eyes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I thank you for that word--little as I deserve it. It has never been my
+way to undervalue myself. But your opinion meant so much to me----
+
+                        v. Wolters (_puzzled_).
+
+What difference could my humble opinion----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Don't say that, my dear friend. There are few people--perhaps not even
+my own husband--who have ever seen me as you see me at this moment--so
+weak, so helpless, so--I had almost said--unguarded. Remember that--and
+spare me.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I hope that I have not been inconsiderate, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Putting her hand to her brow, stammering._) No, no, no; it's--it's
+grieving for him that makes me lose my wits. The world had so long set
+me on a pedestal that I thought I belonged there. Now I feel as if I
+were torn down. Now I lie there-- Herr von Wolters, pay no attention to
+me!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If I could only help you, Countess!
+
+                   The Lady (_smiling sorrowfully_).
+
+Help me--you? And yet, why not? His friend and his beloved! It is we,
+you and I, who are paying the last honours to the dead. Who could know
+his worth better than we? Whose grief could be more eloquent than ours?
+No, no, no--I must not talk. Ah, I see him before me now with his
+bright, careless smile--his conqueror's smile! I suppose you never were
+courted by women as he was?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+My dear Countess, I lead a fairly quiet, uneventful life.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you're not--you're not a Puritan, are you?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I must let others judge of that, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh! I should like to cry out my sorrow to the whole world--say to them
+all, "You sordid souls, you couldn't know how much I loved him! What do
+I care if you damn me, if you----" (_The bell rings. She starts._)
+There's the bell!
+
+                      v. Wolters (_reassuringly_).
+
+Probably just a wreath.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And if it's not--a----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Why, Daisy is outside. But to make sure-- (_Listens at the door, then
+opens it cautiously._) Daisy! (The Lady _drops her veil_. Daisy
+_appears at the threshold._)
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+What is it, Herr von Wolters?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Who rang?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+It was a wreath.
+
+                      v. Wolters (_to_ The Lady).
+
+Just as I supposed.
+
+                               The Lady (_to_ Daisy).
+
+Come here, dear. (Daisy _comes forward._) You used to open the door for
+me, didn't you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you don't know who I am?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You'll not try to find out?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, no.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Was he fond of you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Oh, yes.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And have you been crying since he died?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+No.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You're a pretty little girl.
+
+                            Daisy (_going_).
+
+Has my lady any more questions?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Taking out a gold purse, to_ v. Wolters.) Do you think one might give
+her anything? (v. Wolters _shakes his head._) Thank you, dear. We shall
+see each other again. (_As_ Daisy _lingers._) What is it?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Very well--since I shall see my lady again. (_Goes out._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+It did seem though, as if she were waiting for something.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If you will pardon me for the suggestion, it was surely not--not for
+money.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+By the way, this incident reminds me of something I was just about
+to-- Herr von Wolters, are you my friend?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+If you consider me worthy of that distinction, Countess.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Most assuredly. Well, Herr von Wolters, there is something that
+troubles me--something that desecrates my grief, if I may use the
+word. There's the anxiety--the fear that-- Yes, yes--I must tell you
+all. Herr von Wolters, he has my letters. Do you understand? (_He
+nods._) Didn't he give you something for me--a small, sealed package,
+perhaps--nothing?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+You are forgetting, Countess, that I was ignorant of all this until a
+short time ago.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Yes, that's true. H'm--it's really too bad. Who has the keys?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Why, he gave them to me just before the duel. I have them with me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You've looked through the writing-table?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, I had to hand over his papers to the legal authorities. I didn't
+consider myself entitled to touch his private correspondence at
+present.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why not?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+He made a will the day before the duel.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Really? In whose favor?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I don't know.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What! Didn't he make any allusion--nothing----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The only thing he said was that he had named me as executor.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But he had no relatives. Who is to inherit his large fortune?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+As I've said, I don't know. However, he made a remark that I didn't
+quite understand, and that I--pardon me--would rather not repeat, if
+you don't mind.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Oh, please!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+It might give you pain, Countess.
+
+                          The Lady (_sadly_).
+
+Nothing can give me pain after _this_.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Well, he said with a decided emphasis--though perhaps he did not intend
+that I should notice it--he said, "The one who loved me best shall be
+my heir."
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What! He said that? Who could have loved him best if not I?
+(_Terrified._) For God's sake, Herr von Wolters!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Don't be alarmed, Countess. That would be too grotesque.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Perhaps this is his revenge.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Revenge? On you? What for?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, no--I'm quite out of my senses, I-- But, as you have the keys, you
+won't mind doing me this slight favour.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What favour, Countess?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Search for the letters with me--now. It seems to me your duty, not only
+as a friend but as a gentleman.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pardon me, my dear Countess, you were certainly his last--perhaps his
+only great love. But his life was varied--and if we were to open his
+desk now--I really don't know what we might find there.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+You mean there would be letters from other----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I must say no more.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Well, I'll shut my eyes. I'll only look for my own handwriting.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+The will is to be opened in a few days, Countess. He has doubtless
+inserted a clause authorising me as executor to return certain papers
+to their owners--or destroy them.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Ah, I see you're a Puritan, after all.--No, no, I'll not trouble your
+conscience. This loyalty which you bear him to the very grave is
+so beautiful, so poetical, and I feel so near to you because of
+it--(_Putting her hand over her eyes._) Oh, those curtains in front of
+the mirrors! They make me feel as if I were dead myself, (v. Wolters
+_is about to tear them down._) No, no--don't. Thanks. Tell me, how long
+will it be before the will is opened?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Unfortunately, the day is not yet appointed.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I shall not sleep a moment until then. Not even my love, my grief, can
+outweigh this terrible fear. My honour, my future, my life--everything
+is at stake!
+
+                         v. Wolters (_amazed_).
+
+Countess!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Please stop calling me Countess.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Forgive me. What should I----?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Call me your friend. I want to be that. From this day you become closer
+to me than any other being in all the world. Are you not the legacy, as
+it were, that our dear dead has left me?--Ah, you and I must become
+like brother and sister, two beings who have--nothing--to conceal from
+one another. Herr von Wolters, will you be my guide, my confidant--my
+friend?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Countess! My dear, dear Countess!
+
+                          The Lady (_softly_).
+
+But you're not to----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Forgive me. Your kindness to me makes me feel so--confused--I----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Why should it? I feel certain that if he could see us at this moment,
+he himself would join our hands together.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Countess, if you ever need a man who would let himself be torn to
+pieces for you----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+No, not that. I only want you to take this great weight from my soul.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Ah, Countess, I am a man of my word.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+And that's what you call being torn to pieces for me?
+
+                       v. Wolters (_trembling_).
+
+Whether I can answer for this to him and to my own conscience--whether
+I can ever again think of him--without shame--will depend upon what we
+shall find in there.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+But you will open it? (_A pause._) Herr von Wolters, you'll not let me
+die of fear and distraction?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+I'll open it.
+
+                The Lady (_laying her hand on his arm_).
+
+Thanks, thanks! Ah, you are good----
+
+                   v. Wolters (_taking out the key_).
+
+Don't thank me. I feel as if he could hear it in there.
+
+                 The Lady (_shuddering involuntarily_).
+
+No--no! (v. Wolters _turns the key in the keyhole unavailingly._) Won't
+it work?--Heavens, why your hand is trembling. Let me have it.
+
+           v. Wolters (_with a last attempt at resistance_).
+
+The keys were entrusted to _me_, Countess.
+
+                        The Lady (_coaxingly_).
+
+Oh, do let me have it. (_Sits at the writing-table and opens the
+drawer. With a low cry of surprise._) Empty!
+
+                    v. Wolters (_bending over her_).
+
+Empty?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Are you sure that this was----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Yes, that was the drawer in which he kept his private papers. I'm sure
+of it.
+
+                  The Lady (_staring straight ahead_).
+
+Well, how can you explain----?
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Perhaps he burned everything.
+
+                  The Lady (_springing to her feet_).
+
+And perhaps not!--Who knows?--This is the way he played with the honour
+of the woman who gave him all! This is my thanks! This is the action of
+a gentleman!
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+No gentleman, Countess, can do more than let himself be shot for a
+woman.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Who asked him to do it? Was it my fault if jealousy of Renoir drove him
+mad? And perhaps this is really his revenge! Perhaps we'll live to see
+even more interesting disclosures!--This is my reward! This-- (Daisy
+_appears at the door in the centre._) What do you want?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I beg your pardon. My lady is looking for--letters?
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+So you've been in there eavesdropping, have you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I brought in a wreath.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+Well, what do you know about my letters?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Here they are. (_Takes a small package of letters from her dress and
+hands it to_ The Lady.) I intended to give them to you _secretly_ when
+you left.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Snatches the letters from her hand and looks at them._) How do you
+happen to have these letters?
+
+                         Daisy (_wonderingly_).
+
+Why, how should I happen to have them? He gave them to me.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+To you? Who are you? Why to you?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Because he knew that I would do exactly what he told me to do.
+
+                      The Lady (_to_ v. Wolters).
+
+Can you understand this?
+
+                         v. Wolters (_gently_).
+
+What did he tell you to do, Daisy?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+He said to me, "These letters belong to the lady who used to come to
+see me sometimes. No one is to know about her--not even Herr von
+Wolters.--When I am dead, the lady will----
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Did he say that?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Yes. "When I am dead, the lady will probably come here again. If she
+does, give her these letters. If she doesn't, then burn them with the
+others."
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+What others?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+Those over there in the stove.
+
+                  The Lady (_examining the letters_).
+
+Look at this! Unsealed! Unwrapped!
+
+                           Daisy (_smiling_).
+
+He knew that I wouldn't read them.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I suppose from now on I shall be at _your_ mercy!
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I don't know you, my lady. And even if I did, you need have no fear.
+
+                      The Lady (_to_ v. Wolters).
+
+Isn't she kind!
+
+                     Daisy (_always respectfully_).
+
+But I should like to ask you a favour, my lady.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+By all means. What could I deny you, my dear?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+(_Goes into the room behind and returns with the flowers that_ The Lady
+_had brought._) Oh please, please take these roses--away--with you.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What does this mean?
+
+                         Daisy (_imploringly_).
+
+Oh, please take them!
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What right have you to make such a shameless request of me?
+
+                                 Daisy.
+
+I heard--forgive me, I didn't want to--I heard the way you spoke about
+him before. And it seems to me that your flowers no longer belong upon
+his coffin.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+What do you say to that, Herr von Wolters? This person acts as if she
+were the mistress of the house!
+
+                           Daisy (_proudly_).
+
+I am.
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Stares at her through her lorgnette and smiles._) Oh, really!
+
+                 Daisy (_her bearing pure and proud_).
+
+The night before he died I became--his wife. (_A long pause._)
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+I hope you'll come and take tea with me in the near future, Herr von
+Wolters.
+
+                              v. Wolters.
+
+Pray, excuse me, but official duties will make it impossible for me
+to----
+
+                               The Lady.
+
+(_Taken aback, but quickly recovering herself._) Thank you just the
+same. (_A loud ring._)
+
+                Daisy (_starts and looks at the clock_).
+
+There are the troops already.--Would you be so kind, Herr von
+Wolters--? Please let no one come in here. (v. Wolters _bows and
+hurries out at the right._) May I take you out the back way, my lady?
+No one will see you--or at least, only my mother. (_As the heavy steps
+of the soldiers are heard, to herself, in suppressed agony._) And
+meanwhile--they will--take the coffin--away! (_Regaining possession of
+herself._) But wouldn't it be better to drop your veil? (The Lady _does
+so._) And your roses--do take them! (The Lady _snatches the roses from
+her hand._) This way, please. (_She opens the door at the left and goes
+out slowly behind_ The Lady, _her eyes turned longingly toward the room
+behind._)
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   IV
+
+                         THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+                          A COMEDY IN ONE ACT
+
+
+
+
+                               CHARACTERS
+
+
+      The Princess von Geldern.
+      Baroness von Brook, her maid of honour.
+      Frau von Halldorf.
+      Liddy      \
+                  > her daughters
+      Milly      /
+      Fritz Struebel, a student.
+      Frau Lindemann.
+      Rosa, a waitress.
+      A Lackey.
+
+
+                            The Present Day.
+
+
+_The scene is laid at an inn situated above a watering-place in central
+Germany._
+
+
+
+
+
+                         THE FAR-AWAY PRINCESS
+
+
+_The veranda of an inn. The right side of the stage and half of the
+background represent a framework of glass enclosing the veranda. The
+left side and the other half of the background represent the stone
+walls of the house. To the left, in the foreground, a door; another
+door in the background, at the left. On the left, back, a buffet and
+serving-table. Neat little tables and small iron chairs for visitors
+are placed about the veranda. On the right, in the centre, a large
+telescope, standing on a tripod, is directed through an open window_.
+Rosa, _dressed in the costume of the country, is arranging flowers on
+the small tables_. Frau Lindemann, _a handsome, stoutish woman in the
+thirties, hurries in excitedly from the left_.
+
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+There! Now she can come--curtains, bedding--everything fresh and clean
+as new! No, this honour, this unexpected honour--! Barons and counts
+have been here often enough. Even the Russian princes sometimes come
+up from the Springs. I don't bother my head about them--they're just
+like--that!--But a princess--a real princess!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Perhaps it isn't a real princess after all.
+
+                    Frau Lindemann (_indignantly_).
+
+What? What do you mean by that!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+I was only thinking that a real princess wouldn't be coming to an inn
+like this. Real princesses won't lie on anything but silks and velvets.
+You just wait and see; it's a trick!
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Are you going to pretend that the letter isn't genuine;--that the
+letter is a forgery?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Maybe one of the regular customers is playing a joke. That student,
+Herr Struebel, he's always joking. (_Giggles._)
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+When Herr Struebel makes a joke, he makes a decent joke, a real, genuine
+joke. Oh, of course one has to pretend to be angry sometimes--but as
+for writing a forged letter--My land!--a letter with a gold crown on
+it--there! (_She takes a letter from her waist, and reads._) "This
+afternoon, Her Highness, the Princess von Geldern, will stop at the
+Fairview Inn, to rest an hour or so before making the descent to the
+Springs. You are requested to have ready a quiet and comfortable room,
+to guard Her Highness from any annoying advances, and, above all, to
+maintain the strictest secrecy regarding this event, as otherwise the
+royal visit will not be repeated. Baroness von Brook, maid of honour to
+Her Highness." Now, what have you got to say?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+Herr Struebel lent me a book once. A maid of honour came into that, too.
+I'm sure it's a trick!
+
+            Frau Lindemann (_looking out toward the back_).
+
+Dear, dear, isn't that Herr Struebel now, coming up the hill? To-day of
+all days! What on earth does he always want up here?
+
+                          Rosa (_pointedly_).
+
+He's in such favour at the Inn.--He won't be leaving here all day.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+That won't do at all. He's got to be sent off. If I only knew how I
+could--Oh, ho! I'll be disagreeable to him--that's the only way to
+manage it!
+
+(Struebel _enters. He is a handsome young fellow without much polish,
+but cheerful, unaffected, entirely at his ease, and invariably
+good-natured._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Good day, everybody.
+
+                   Frau Lindemann (_sarcastically_).
+
+Charming day.
+
+                 Struebel (_surprised at her coolness_).
+
+I say! What's up? Who's been rubbing you the wrong way? May I have a
+glass of beer any way? Glass of beer, if you please!--Several glasses
+of beer, if you please.--(_Sits down._) Pestiferously hot this
+afternoon.
+
+                   Frau Lindemann (_after a pause_).
+
+H'm, H'm!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Landlady Linda, dear, why so quiet to-day?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+In the first place, Herr Struebel, I would have you know that my name is
+Frau Lindemann.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Just so.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+And secondly, if you don't stop your familiarity----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+(_Singing, as_ Rosa _brings him a glass of beer._)
+"Beer--beer!"--Heavens and earth, how hot it is! (_Drinks._)
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+If you find it so hot, why don't you stay quietly down there at the
+Springs?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Ah, my soul thirsts for the heights--my soul thirsts for the heights
+every afternoon. Just as soon as ever my sallow-faced pupil has thrown
+himself down on the couch to give his red corpuscles a chance to grow,
+"I gayly grasp my Alpine staff and mount to my beloved."
+
+                     Frau Lindemann (_scornfully_).
+
+Bah!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Oh, you're thinking that _you_ are my beloved? No, dearest: my beloved
+stays down there. But to get nearer to her, I have to come up here--up
+to your telescope. With the aid of your telescope I can look right into
+her window--see?
+
+                           Rosa (_laughing_).
+
+Oh, so that's why----
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Perhaps you think I'm interested in all that?--Besides, I've no more
+time for you.--Moreover, I'm going to have this place cleaned right
+away. Good-bye, Herr Struebel. (_Goes out._)
+
+                         Struebel (_laughing_).
+
+I certainly caught it that time! See here, Rosa, what's got into her
+head?
+
+                         Rosa (_mysteriously_).
+
+Ahem, there are crowned heads and other heads--and--ahem--there are
+letters _with_ crowns and letters _without_ crowns.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Letters--? Are you----?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+There are maids of honour--and other maids! (_Giggles._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Permit me. (_Tapping her forehead lightly with his finger._) Ow! Ow!
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+What's the matter?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, your head's on fire! Blow! Blow! And while you are getting some
+salve for my burns, I'll just-- (_Goes to the telescope._)
+
+(_Enter_ Frau Von Halldorf, Liddy, _and_ Milly. Frau Von Halldorf _is
+an aristocratic woman, somewhat supercilious and affected._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Here's the telescope, mother. Now you can see for yourself.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+What a pity that it's in use just now.
+
+                       Struebel (_stepping back_).
+
+Oh, I beg of you, ladies--I have plenty of time. I can wait.
+
+                 Frau v. Halldorf (_condescendingly_).
+
+Ah, thanks so much. (_She goes up to the telescope, while Struebel
+returns to his former place._) Waitress! Bring us three glasses of
+milk.
+
+           Liddy (_as_ Milly _languidly drops into a chair_).
+
+Beyond to the right is the road, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Oh, I have found the road, but I see no carriage--neither a royal
+carriage nor any other sort.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Let me look.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Please do.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It has disappeared now.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Are you quite sure that it was a royal carriage?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Oh, one has an instinct for that sort of thing, mother. It comes to one
+in the cradle.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_As_ Milly _yawns and sighs aloud._) Are you sleepy, dear?
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+No, only tired. I'm always tired.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Well, that's just why we are at the Springs. Do as the princess does:
+take the waters religiously.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+The princess oughtn't to be climbing up such a steep hill either on a
+hot day like this.
+
+                   Frau v. Halldorf (_more softly_).
+
+Well, you know why we are taking all this trouble. If, by good luck, we
+should happen to meet the princess----
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+(_Who has been looking through the telescope._) Oh, there it is again!
+
+                     Frau v. Halldorf (_eagerly_).
+
+Where? Where? (_Takes_ Liddy's _place._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It's just coming around the turn at the top.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Oh, now I see it! Why, there's no one inside!
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Well, then she's coming up on foot.
+
+                     Frau v. Halldorf (_to_ Milly).
+
+See, the princess is coming up on foot, too. And she is just as anaemic
+as you are.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+If I were going to marry a grand-duke, and if I could have my own
+carriage driven along beside me, I wouldn't complain of having to walk
+either.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+I can't see a thing now.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+You have to turn the screw, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+I have been turning it right along, but the telescope won't move.
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Let me try.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+(_Who has been throwing little wads of paper at_ Rosa _during the
+preceding conversation._) What are they up to?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It seems to me that you've turned the screw too far, mother.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Well, what shall we do about it?
+
+                          Struebel (_rising_).
+
+Permit me to come to your aid, ladies. I've had some experience with
+these old screws.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Very kind indeed. (Struebel _busies himself with the instrument._)
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+Listen, mother. If the carriage has almost reached the top the princess
+can't be far off. Wouldn't it be best, then, to watch for them on the
+road?
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Certainly, if you think that would be best, dear Liddy.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+This is not only an old screw, but it's a regular perverted old screw!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+Ah, really?--(_Aside to her daughters._) And if she should actually
+speak to us at this accidental meeting--and if we could present
+ourselves as the subjects of her noble fiance, and tell her that we
+live at her future home--just imagine what an advantage that would give
+us over the other women of the court!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+There, ladies! We have now rescued the useful instrument to which the
+far-sightedness of mankind is indebted.
+
+                           Frau V. Halldorf.
+
+Thanks, so much.--Pardon me, sir, but have you heard anything about the
+report that the princess is going to make the journey up here to-day?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+The princess? The Princess of the Springs? The Princess of the lonely
+villa? The Princess who is expected at the iron spring every morning,
+but who has never been seen by a living soul? Why, I am enormously
+interested. You wouldn't believe how much interested I am!
+
+                  Liddy (_who has looked out, back_).
+
+There--there--there--it is!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+The carriage?
+
+                                 Liddy.
+
+It's reached the top already. It is stopping over there at the edge of
+the woods.
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+She will surely enter it there, then. Come quickly, my dear children,
+so that it will look quite accidental.--Here is your money. (_She
+throws a coin to_ Rosa _and unwraps a small package done up in tissue
+paper which she has brought with her._) Here is a bouquet for you and
+here's one for you. You are to present these to the princess.
+
+                                 Milly.
+
+So that it will look quite accidental--oh, yes! (_All three go out._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Good heavens! Could I--? I don't believe it! Surely she sits--Well,
+I'll make sure right away-- (_Goes up to the telescope and stops._) Oh,
+I'll go along with them, anyhow. (_Exit after them._)
+
+                      Frau Lindemann (_entering_).
+
+Have they all gone--all of them?
+
+                                 Rosa.
+
+All of them.
+
+              Frau Lindemann (_looking toward the right_).
+
+There--there--two ladies and a lackey are coming up the footpath. Mercy
+me! How my heart is beating!--If I had only had the sofa re-covered
+last spring!--What am I going to say to them?--Rosa, don't you know a
+poem by heart which you could speak to the princess? (Rosa _shrugs her
+shoulders._) They're coming through the court now!--Stop putting your
+arms under your apron that way, you stupid thing!--oh dear, oh dear----
+
+(_The door opens_. A Lackey _in plain black livery enters, and remains
+standing at the door. He precedes_ The Princess _and_ Frau Von Brook.
+The Princess _is a pale, sickly, unassuming young girl, wearing a very
+simple walking costume and a medium-sized leghorn hat trimmed with
+roses_. Frau Von Brook _is a handsome, stately, stern-looking woman, in
+the thirties. She is well dressed, but in accordance with the simple
+tastes of the North German nobility._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Who is the proprietor of this place?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+At your command, your Highness.
+
+                     Frau v. Brook (_reprovingly_).
+
+I am the maid of honour.--Where is the room that has been ordered?
+
+                Frau Lindemann (_opens the door, left_).
+
+Here--at the head of the stairs--my lady.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Would your Highness care to remain here for a few moments?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Very much, dear Frau von Brook.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Edward, order what is needed for Her Highness and see that a room next
+to Her Highness is prepared for me. I may assume that these are your
+Highness's wishes?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why certainly, dear Frau von Brook. (The Lackey, _who is carrying
+shawls and pillows, goes out with_ Rosa, _left._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Mais puisque je te dis, Eugenie, que je n'ai pas sommeil. M'envoyer
+coucher comme une enfant, c'est abominable.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Mais je t'implore, cherie, sois sage! Tu sais, que c'est le medecin,
+qui----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, ton medecin! Toujours cette corvee. Et si je te dis----
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Chut! My dear woman, wouldn't it be best for you to superintend the
+preparations?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+I am entirely at your service. (_About to go out, left._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+One thing more. This veranda, leading from the house to the
+grounds--would it be possible to close it to the public?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Oh, certainly. The guests as often as not sit out under the trees.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Very well, then do so, please. (Frau Lindemann _locks the door._) We
+may be assured that no one will enter this place?
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+If it is desired, none of us belonging to the house will come in here
+either.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+We should like that.
+
+                            Frau Lindemann.
+
+Very well. (_Exit._)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Really, you must be more careful, darling. If that woman had understood
+French-- You must be careful!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+What would have been so dreadful about it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Oh, my dear child! This mood of yours, which is due to nothing but
+your illness--that reminds me, you haven't taken your peptonised milk
+yet--this is a secret which we must keep from everyone, above all from
+your fiance. If the Grand-Duke should discover----
+
+               The Princess (_shrugging her shoulders_).
+
+Well, what of it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+A bride's duty is to be a happy bride. Otherwise----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Otherwise?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+She will be a lonely and an unloved woman.
+
+          The Princess (_with a little smile of resignation_).
+
+Ah!
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What is it, dear? (The Princess _shakes her head._) And then think of
+the strain of those formal presentations awaiting you in the autumn!
+You must grow strong. Remember that you must be equal to the most
+exacting demands of life.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Of life? Whose life?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What do you mean by that?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, what good does it do to talk about it?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Yes, you are right. In my soul, too, there are unhappy and unholy
+thoughts that I would rather not utter. From my own experience I know
+that it is best to keep strictly within the narrow path of Duty.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And to go to sleep.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Ah, it isn't only that.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Look out there! See the woods!--Ah, to lie down on the moss, to cover
+oneself with leaves, to watch the clouds pass by high above----
+
+                      Frau v. Brook (_softening_).
+
+We can do that, too, sometime.
+
+                    The Princess (_laughing aloud_).
+
+Sometime!
+
+                  (The Lackey _appears at the door_).
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Is everything ready? (The Lackey _bows._)
+
+                   The Princess (_aside to_ Frau v. Brook).
+
+But I simply cannot sleep.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Try to, for my sake. (_Aloud._) Does your Highness command----
+
+                 The Princess (_smiling and sighing_).
+
+Yes, I command. (_They go out, left._)
+
+(_The stage remains empty for several moments. Then_ Struebel _is heard
+trying the latch of the back door._)
+
+                            Struebel's Voice.
+
+Hullo! What's up! Why is this locked all of a sudden? Rosa!--Open up!
+I've got to look through the telescope! Rosa! Won't you?--Oh, well,
+I know how to help myself. (_He is seen walking outside of the
+glass-covered veranda. Then he puts his head through the open window at
+the right._) Not a soul inside?-- (_Climbs over._) Well, here we are.
+What on earth has happened to these people? (_Unlocks the back door and
+looks out._) Everything deserted. Well, it's all the same to me.
+(_Locks the door again._) But let's find out right away what the
+carriage has to do with the case. (_Prepares to look through the
+telescope_. The Princess _enters cautiously through the door at the
+left, her hat in her hand. Without noticing_ Struebel, _who is standing
+motionless before the telescope, she goes hurriedly to the door at the
+back and unlocks it._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+(_Startled at the sound of the key, turns around._) Why, how do you do?
+(The Princess, _not venturing to move, glances back at the door through
+which she has entered._) Wouldn't you like to look through the
+telescope a while? Please do. (The Princess, _undecided as to whether
+or not she should answer him, takes a few steps back toward the door at
+the left._) Why are you going away? I won't do anything to you.
+
+                      The Princess (_reassured_).
+
+Oh, I'm not going away.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+That's right. But--where have you come from? The door was locked.
+Surely you didn't climb through the window as I did?
+
+                      The Princess (_frightened_).
+
+What?--You came--through the window?----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Of course I did.
+
+                   The Princess (_frightened anew_).
+
+Then I had rather (_About to go back._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Oh, my dear young lady, you just stay right here. Why, before I'd drive
+you away I'd pitch myself headlong over a precipice!
+
+                  The Princess (_smiling, reassured_).
+
+I only wanted to go out into the woods for half an hour.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Oh, then you're a regular guest here at the Inn?
+
+                       The Princess (_quickly_).
+
+Yes--yes, of course.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+And of course you drink the waters down below?
+
+                  The Princess (_in a friendly way_).
+
+Oh, yes, I drink the waters. And I'm taking the baths, too.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+
+Two hundred metres up and down every time! Isn't that very hard on you?
+Heavens! And you look so pale! See here, my dear young lady, don't you
+do it. It would be better for you to go down there--that is-- Oh,
+forgive me! I've been talking without thinking. Of course, you have
+your own reasons-- It's decidedly cheaper up here. _I_ know how to
+value a thing of that sort. I've never had any money in all my life!
+
+               The Princess (_trying to seem practical_).
+
+But when one comes to a watering-place, one must have money.
+
+               Struebel (_slapping himself on the chest_).
+
+Do I look to you as if I drank iron? Thank Heaven, I can't afford such
+luxuries! No; I'm only a poor fellow who earns his miserable pittance
+during vacation by acting as a private tutor--that's to say,
+"miserable" is only a figure of speech, for in the morning I lie abed
+until nine, at noon I eat five, and at night seven, courses; and as for
+work, I really haven't a thing to do! My pupil is so anaemic--why,
+compared to him, _you're_ fit for a circus rider!
+
+               The Princess (_laughing unrestrainedly_).
+
+Oh, well, I'm rather glad I'm not one.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Dear me, it's a business like any other.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Like any other? Really, I didn't think that.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+And pray, what did you think then?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, I thought that they were--an entirely different sort of people.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+My dear young lady, all people are "an entirely different sort." Of
+course _we_ two aren't. We get along real well together, don't we? As
+poor as church mice, both of us!
+
+                 The Princess (_smiling reflectively_).
+
+Who knows? Perhaps that's true.
+
+                          Struebel (_kindly_).
+
+Do you know what? If you want to stay down there--I'll tell you how one
+can live cheaply. I have a friend, a student like myself. He's here to
+mend up as you are. I feed him up at the house where I'm staying.
+(_Frightened at a peculiar look of_ The Princess's.) Oh, but you
+mustn't be-- No, I shouldn't have said it. It wasn't decent of me.
+Only, let me tell you, I'm so glad to be able to help the poor fellow
+out of my unexpected earnings, that I'd like to be shouting it from the
+housetops all the time! Of course, you understand that, don't you?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You like to help people, then?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Surely--don't you?
+
+                      The Princess (_reflecting_).
+
+No. There's always so much talk about it, and the whole thing
+immediately appears in the newspapers.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+What? If you help some one, that appears----?
+
+              The Princess (_quickly correcting herself_).
+
+I only mean if one takes part in entertainments for charity----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Oh, yes, naturally. In those things they always get some woman of rank
+to act as patroness, if they can, and she sees to it, you may be sure,
+that the newspapers make a fuss over it.
+
+                       The Princess (_demurely_).
+
+Oh, not every----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Just try to teach me something I don't know about these titled women!
+Besides, my dear young lady, where is your home--in one of the large
+cities, or----?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, no. In quite a small town--really more like the country.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Then, I'm going to show you something that you probably never saw
+before in all your life.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh do! What is it?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+A princess! H'm--not a make-believe, but a real, true-blue princess!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, really?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Yes. Our Princess of the Springs.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And who may that be?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, Princess Marie Louise.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Of Geldern?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Of course.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Do you know her?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, certainly.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Really? I thought that she lived in great retirement.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Well, that doesn't do her any good. Not a bit of it. And because you
+are such a jolly, good fellow, I'm going to tell you my secret. I'm in
+love with this princess!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+You can't imagine what a comfort it is. The fact is, every young poet
+has got to have a princess to love.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Are _you_ a poet?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Can't you tell that by looking at me?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+I never saw a poet before.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Never saw a poet--never saw a princess! Why, you're learning a heap of
+things to-day!
+
+                      The Princess (_assenting_).
+
+H'm--And have you written poems to her?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, that goes without saying! Quantities of 'em!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, please recite some little thing--won't you?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+No, not yet. Everything at the proper time.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Ah, yes, first I should like to see the princess.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+No, first I am going to tell you the whole story.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, yes, yes. Please do. (_Sits down._)
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Well, then--I had hardly heard that she was here before I was dead in
+love with her. It was just as quick as a shot, I tell you. Just as if I
+had waited all my life long to fall in love with her. Besides, I also
+heard about her beauty--and her sorrow. You see, she had an early love
+affair.
+
+                     The Princess (_disconcerted_).
+
+What? Are they saying that?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Yes. It was a young officer who went to Africa because of her--and died
+there.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And they know that, too?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+What don't they know?--But that's a mere detail--it doesn't concern
+me. Even the fact that in six months she will become the bride of a
+grand-duke--even that can make no difference to me. For the present she
+is _my_ princess.--But you're not listening to me!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, yes I am!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Do you know what that means--_my_ princess? I'll not give up _my_
+princess--not for anything in all the world!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But--if you don't even know her----?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I don't know her? Why, I know her as well as I know myself!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Have you ever met her, then?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I don't know of any one who has ever met her. And there's not a soul
+that can tell what she looks like. It is said that there were pictures
+of her in the shop-windows when she first came, but they were removed
+immediately. In the morning a great many people are always lurking
+around the Springs trying to catch a glimpse of her. I myself have
+gotten up at six o'clock a couple of times--on the same errand--and if
+you knew me better, you'd realise what that meant. But not a sign of
+her! Either she has the stuff brought to her house, or she has the
+power of making herself invisible. (The Princess _turns aside to
+conceal a smile._) After that, I used to hang around her garden--every
+day, for hours at a time. Until one day the policeman, whom the
+managers of the Springs have stationed at the gates, came up to me and
+asked me what on earth I was doing there. Well, that was the end of
+those methods of approach! Suddenly, however, a happy thought struck
+me. Now I can see her, and have her near to me as often as I wish.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why, that's very interesting. How?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Yes, that's just the point. H'm, should I risk it? Should I take you
+into my confidence?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You promised me some time ago that you would show her to me.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Wait a second. (_Looks through the telescope._) There she is. Please
+look for yourself.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But I am-- (_She, too, looks through the telescope._) Actually, there
+is the garden as plain as if one were in it.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+And at the corner window on the left--with the embroidery-frame--that's
+she.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Are you absolutely certain that that is the princess?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, who else could it be?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, 'round about a princess like that--there are such a lot of people.
+For instance, there is her waiting-woman, there's the seamstress and
+her assistants, there's----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+But my dear young lady, if you only understood anything about these
+matters, you would have been certain at the very first glance that it
+was she--and no one else. Observe the nobility in every motion--the
+queenly grace with which she bends over the embroidery-frame----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+How do you know that it's an embroidery-frame?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Why, what should a princess be bending over if not an embroidery-frame?
+Do you expect her to be darning stockings?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+It wouldn't hurt her at all!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Now, that's just one of those petty, bourgeois notions which we ought
+to suppress. It's not enough that we have to stick in this misery, but
+we'd like to drag her down, too--that being far above all earthly
+care----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, dear me!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+What are you sighing about so terribly?
+
+                             The Princess
+
+Tell me, wouldn't you like to have a closer acquaintance with your
+princess, sometime?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Closer? Why should I?--Isn't she close enough to me, my far-away
+princess?--for that's what I call her when I talk to myself about her.
+And to have her _still_ closer?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Why, so that you could talk to her and know what she really was like.
+
+                         Struebel (_terrified_).
+
+Talk to her! Heaven forbid! Goodness gracious, no! Just see here--how
+am I to face a princess? I'm an ordinary fellow, the son of poor folks.
+I haven't polished manners--I haven't even a decent tailor. A lady like
+that--why, she'd measure me from top to toe in one glance.--I've had my
+lessons in the fine houses where I've applied as tutor. A glance from
+boots to cravat--and you're dismissed!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And you think that I--(_correcting herself_)--that this girl is as
+superficial as that?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+"This girl"! Dear me, how that sounds! But, how should I ever succeed
+in showing her my real self? And even if I should, what would she
+care?--Oh, yes, if she were like you--so nice and simple--and with such
+a kindhearted, roguish little twinkle in her eye----!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Roguish--I? Why so?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Because you are laughing at me in your sleeve. And really I deserve
+nothing better.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But your princess deserves something better than your opinion of her.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+How do you know that?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+You really ought to try to become acquainted with her sometime.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+No, no, no--and again no! As long as she remains my far-away princess,
+she is everything that I want her to be--modest, gracious, loving. She
+smiles upon me dreamily. Yes, she even listens when I recite my poems
+to her--and that can't be said of many people! And as soon as I have
+finished, she sighs, takes a rose from her breast, and casts it down to
+the poet.--I wrote a few verses yesterday about that rose, that flower
+which represents the pinnacle of my desires, as it were.
+
+                       The Princess (_eagerly_).
+
+Oh, yes. Oh, please, please!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Well, then, here goes. H'm--"Twenty roses nestling close----"
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+What? Are there twenty now?
+
+                         Struebel (_severely_).
+
+My princess would not have interrupted me.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh please--forgive me.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I shall begin again.
+
+            Twenty roses nestling close
+              Gleam upon thy breast,
+            Twenty years of rose-red love
+              Upon thy fair cheeks rest.
+
+            Twenty years would I gladly give
+              Out of life's brief reign,
+            Could I but ask a rose of thee
+              And ask it not in vain.
+
+            Twenty roses thou dost not need
+              --Why, pearls and rubies are thine!--
+            With nineteen thou'dst be just as fair,
+              And _one_ would then be _mine_!
+
+            And twenty years of rose-wreathed joy
+              Would spring to life for me--
+            Yet twenty years could ne'er suffice
+              To worship it--and thee!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+How nice that is! I've never had any verses written to me b----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Ah, my dear young lady, ordinary folks like us have to do their own
+verse-making!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And all for one rose!--Dear me, how soon it fades! And then what is
+left you?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+No, my dear friend, a rose like that never fades--even as my love for
+the gracious giver can never die.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+But you haven't even got it yet!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+That makes no difference in the end. I'm entirely independent of such
+externals. When some day I shall be explaining Ovid to the beginners,
+or perhaps even reading Horace with the more advanced classes--no, it's
+better for the present not to think of reaching any such dizzy heights
+of greatness--well, then I shall always be saying to myself with a
+smile of satisfaction, "You, too, were one of those confounded artist
+fellows--why, you once went so far as to love a princess!"
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And that will make you happy?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Enormously!--For what makes us happy after all? A bit of happiness?
+Great heavens, no! Happiness wears out like an old glove.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well, then, what does?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Ah, how should I know! Any kind of a dream--a fancy--a wish
+unfulfilled--a sorrow that we coddle--some nothing which suddenly
+becomes everything to us. I shall always say to my pupils--"Young men,
+if you want to be happy as long as you live, create gods for yourselves
+in your own image; these gods will take care of your happiness."
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And what would the god be like that you would create?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+_Would be? Is, my dear young lady, is!_--A man of the world, a
+gentleman, well bred, smiling, enjoying life--who looks out upon
+mankind from under bushy eyebrows, who knows Nietzsche and Stendhal by
+heart, and--(_pointing to his shoes_) who isn't down at the heels--a
+god, in short, worthy of my princess. I know perfectly well that all my
+life long I shall never do anything but crawl around on the ground like
+an industrious ant, but I know, too, that the god of my fancy will
+always take me by the collar when the proper moment comes and pull me
+up again into the clouds. Yes, up there I'm safe.--And your god, or
+rather your goddess--what would she look like?
+
+                     The Princess (_thoughtfully_).
+
+That's not easy to say. My goddess would be--a quiet, peaceful woman
+who would treasure a secret, little joy like the apple of her eye, who
+would know nothing of the world except what she wanted to know, and who
+would have the strength to make her own choice when it pleased her.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+But that doesn't seem to me a particularly lofty aspiration, my dear
+young lady.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Lofty as the heavens, my friend.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+My princess would be of a different opinion.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Do you think so?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+For that's merely the ideal of every little country girl.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Not her ideal--her daily life which she counts as naught. It is my
+ideal because I can never attain it.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Oh. I say, my dear young girl! It can't be as bad as that! A young girl
+like you--so charming and--I don't want to be forward, but if I could
+only help you a bit!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Have you got to be helping all the time? Before, it was only a cheap
+lunch, now it's actually----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Yes, yes, I'm an awful donkey, I know, but----
+
+                       The Princess (_smiling_).
+
+Don't say any more about it, dear friend! I like you that way.
+
+           Struebel (_feeling oppressed by her superiority_).
+
+Really you are an awfully strange person! There's something about you
+that--that--
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I can't exactly define it.--Tell me, weren't you wanting to go into the
+woods before? It's so--so oppressive in here.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oppressive? I don't find it so at all--quite the contrary.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+No, no--I'm restless. I don't know what--at all events, may I not
+escort you--? One can chat more freely, one can express himself more
+openly--if one-- (_Takes a deep breath._)
+
+                       The Princess (_smiling_).
+
+And you are leaving your far-away princess with such a light heart?
+
+                        Struebel (_carelessly_).
+
+Oh, she! She won't run away. She'll be sitting there tomorrow
+again--and the day after, too!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+And so that is your great, undying love?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Yes, but when a girl like you comes across one's path----
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_Hurrying in and then drawing back in feigned astonishment._) Oh!
+
+                     Liddy and Milly (_similarly_).
+
+Oh!
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Well, ladies, didn't I tell you that you wouldn't find her? Princesses
+don't grow along the roadside like weeds!
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+(_Disregarding him ceremoniously._) The infinite happiness with which
+this glorious event fills our hearts must excuse in some measure the
+extraordinary breach of good manners which we are committing in daring
+to address your Highness. But, as the fortunate subjects of your
+Highness's most noble fiance, we could not refrain from----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Well, well! What's all this?
+
+                           Frau v. Halldorf.
+
+--from offering to our eagerly awaited sovereign a slight token of our
+future loyalty. Liddy! Milly! (Liddy _and_ Milly _come forward, and,
+with low court bows, offer their bouquets._) My daughters respectfully
+present these few flowers to the illustrious princess----
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I beg your pardon, but who is doing the joking here, you or----?
+
+(Frau v. Brook _enters_. The Princess, _taken unawares, has retreated
+more and more helplessly toward the door at the left, undecided whether
+to take flight or remain. She greets the arrival of_ Frau v. Brook
+_with a happy sigh of relief._)
+
+                       Frau v. Brook (_severely_).
+
+Pardon me, ladies. Apparently you have not taken the proper steps
+toward being presented to Her Highness. In matters of this sort one
+must first apply to me. I may be addressed every morning from eleven to
+twelve, and I shall be happy to consider your desires.
+
+                   Frau v. Halldorf (_with dignity_).
+
+I and my children, madame, were aware of the fact that we were acting
+contrary to the usual procedure; but the impulse of loyal hearts is
+guided by no rule. I shall be glad to avail myself of your very kind
+invitation.
+
+        (_All three go out with low curtsies to_ The Princess.)
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+What forwardness!--But how could you come down without me?--And what is
+that young man over there doing? Does he belong to those people?
+
+(The Princess _shakes her head_. Struebel, _without a word, goes to get
+his hat which has been lying on a chair, bows abruptly, and is about to
+leave._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Oh, no! That wouldn't be nice. Not that way----
+
+                       Frau v. Brook (_amazed_).
+
+What?--What!--Why, your Highness----!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Let me be, Eugenie. This young man and I have become far too good
+friends to part in such an unfriendly, yes, almost hostile, fashion.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much----
+
+                      The Princess (_to_ Struebel).
+
+You and I will certainly remember this hour with great pleasure, and I
+thank you for it with all my heart. If I only had a rose with me so as
+to give you your dear wish!--Eugenie, haven't we any roses with us?
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+(_Examining herself and searching among the vases._) Well, how are we
+going to manage it?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+I most humbly thank--your Highness--for the kind intention.
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+No, no--wait! (_Her glance falls upon the hat which she is holding in
+her hand with a sudden thought._) I have it!--But don't think that I'm
+joking.--And we'll have to do without scissors! (_She tears one of the
+roses from the hat._) I don't know whether there are just twenty
+(_Holding out one of the roses to him._) Well?--This rose has the
+merit of being just as real as the sentiment of which we were speaking
+before--and just as unfading.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+Is this--to be--my punishment? (The Princess _smilingly shakes her
+head._) Or does your Highness mean by it that only the Unreal never
+fades?
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+That's exactly what I mean--because the Unreal must always dwell in the
+imagination.
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+So that's it! Just as it is only the _far-away_ princesses who are
+always near to us.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Permit me to remark, your Highness that it is _high_ time----
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+As you see, those who are near must hurry away. (_Offering him the rose
+again._) Well?
+
+                                Struebel.
+
+(_Is about to take it, but lets his hand fall._) With the far-away
+princess there--(_pointing down_) it would have been in harmony, but
+with the-- (_Shakes his head, then softly and with emotion._) No,
+thanks--I'd rather not. (_He bows and goes out._)
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+(_Smiling pensively, throws away the artificial flower._) I'm going to
+ask my fiance to let me send him a rose.
+
+                             Frau v. Brook.
+
+Your Highness, I am _very_ much--surprised!
+
+                             The Princess.
+
+Well, I told you that I wasn't sleepy.
+
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Roses: Four One-Act Plays, by Hermann Sudermann
+
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