Scene 4
Leonard.
Yes, Clara, you talked about keeping one’s word, and just because I am a man of my word, I am compelled to answer as I do. I broke with you a week ago. You can’t deny it. There lies the letter. (He passes the letter; she takes it mechanically.) I had good reason to; your brother—you say he’s been cleared. I’m glad to hear it. In the course of this week I have made promises elsewhere. I had a perfect right to, because you didn’t protest at the right time against my letter. In my own mind I was as free as before the law. Now you’ve come, but I’ve already given my word and taken somebody else’s, yes—(aside) I wish it were so!—she’s in the same condition as you.—I’m sorry for you—(stroking back her hair, Clara passive, as if she did not notice it), but you’ll understand that the mayor is not to be trifled with.
Clara (absently).
Trifled with!
Leonard.
Now, you’re getting sensible. And as for your father, you can tell him straight to his face that he’s to blame for it all. Don’t stare at me like that, don’t shake your head; it is so, my girl, it is so! Just tell him so; he’ll understand and keep quiet, I’ll answer for it. (Aside.) When a man gives away his daughter’s dowry, he needn’t be surprised if she’s left on the shelf. It puts my back up to think of it, and almost makes me wish the old boy was here to be lectured to. Why do I have to be cruel? Simply because he was a fool! Whatever happens, he’s responsible for it, that’s clear. (To Clara.) Would you like me to talk to him, myself? I’ll risk a black eye for your sake and go to him. He can be as rude as he likes, he can throw the boot-tree at me, but he’ll have to swallow the truth, in spite of the belly-ache it gives him, and leave you in peace. Be assured of that. Is he at home?
Clara (standing up straight).
Thank you. (Going.)
Leonard.
Should I come across with you? I’m not afraid.
Clara.
I thank you as I would thank a snake that had entwined itself around me, and then left me of its own accord to follow other game. I know that I’ve been stung, and am only released because it doesn’t seem worth while to suck the bit of marrow out of my bones. But I thank you in spite of it, for now I shall have a quiet death. Yes, it is no mockery! I thank you. I feel as if I had seen through your heart into the abyss of hell, and whatever may be my lot in the terrors of eternity, I shall have no more to do with you, and that’s a comfort! And just as the unhappy creature bitten by a snake is not blamed for opening his veins in horror and disgust and letting his poisoned life well quickly away, so it may be that God of His grace will take pity on me when He sees you and what you’ve made of me.—If I had no right ever to do such a thing, how should I be able to do it?—One thing more: my father knows nothing of this, he doesn’t suspect, and in order that he may never know, I shall leave this world to-night. If I thought that you——(Takes a step wildly towards him.) But that’s folly. Nothing could suit you better than to see them all stand and shake their heads and vainly ask why it happened!
Leonard.
Such things do happen. What’s to be done? Clara!
Clara.
Away, away! He can speak! (Going.)
Leonard.
Do you think I believe you?
Clara.
No!
Leonard.
If you kill yourself, you kill your child, too.
Clara.
Rather both than kill my father! I know you can’t amend sin with sin. But what I do now, comes on my head alone. If I put the knife in his hand, it affects him as well as me. I get it in any case. That gives me courage and strength in all my anguish. It’ll go well with you on this earth. (Goes out.)