MAGDA.
[In agony.] My father! [Escapes through the door of the dining-room, with her handkerchief to her face.]
Enter Schwartze, happy and excited, through the hall-door.
SCHWARTZE.
Ah, my dear Councillor--was that my daughter who just disappeared?
VON KELLER.
[In great embarrassment.] Yes, it was--
SCHWARTZE.
Why should she run away from me? Magda!
VON KELLER.
[Trying to block his path.] Had you not better-- The young lady wished to be alone for a little!
SCHWARTZE.
Now? Why? When one has visitors, one does not-- Why should she--
VON KELLER.
She was a little--agitated.
SCHWARTZE.
Agitated?
VON KELLER.
Yes; that's all.
SCHWARTZE.
Who has been here?
VON KELLER.
No one. At least, as far as I know.
SCHWARTZE.
Then, what agitating things could you two have to talk about?
VON KELLER.
Nothing of importance,--nothing at all, I assure you.
SCHWARTZE.
What makes you look so, then? You can scarcely stand.
VON KELLER.
I? Oh, you're mistaken, you're mistaken.
SCHWARTZE.
One question, Councillor-- You and my daughter-- Please sit down.
VON KELLER.
My time is unfortunately--
SCHWARTZE.
[Almost threatening.] I beg you to sit down.
VON KELLER.
[Not daring to resist.] Thank you. [They sit.]
SCHWARTZE.
You met my daughter some years ago in Berlin?
VON KELLER.
Yes.
SCHWARTZE.
Councillor von Keller, I know you to be as discreet as you are sensible; but there are cases in which silence is a crime. I ask you--and your life-long relations with me give me the right to ask, as well as the mystery--which just now-- In short, I ask you, Do you know anything discreditable about my daughter's life there?
VON KELLER.
Oh, for Heaven's sake, how can you--
SCHWARTZE.
Do you not know how and where she lived?
VON KELLER.
No. I am absolutely--
SCHWARTZE.
Have you never visited at her house?
VON KELLER.
[More and more confused.] No, no, never, never.
SCHWARTZE.
Not once?
VON KELLER.
Well, I called on her once; but--
SCHWARTZE.
Your relations were friendly?
VON KELLER.
Oh, entirely friendly--of course, only friendly. [A pause.]
SCHWARTZE.
[Passes his hand over his forehead, looks earnestly at Von Keller; then, speaking absently.] So? Then, honestly--if it might be--if--if-- [Gets up, goes to Von Keller, and sits down again, trying to quiet himself.] Dr. von Keller, we both live in a quiet world, where scandals are unknown. But I have grown old, very old. And therefore I can't--can't control my thoughts as I should. And I can't rid myself of an idea which has--suddenly--taken possession of me. I have just had a great joy which I don't want to be embittered. But, to quiet an old man, I beg you--give me your word of honor that--
VON KELLER.
[Rising.] Pardon me, this seems almost like a cross-examination.
SCHWARTZE.
You must know, then, what I--
VON KELLER.
Pardon me, I wish to know nothing. I came here innocently to make a friendly visit, and you have taken me by surprise. I will not be taken by surprise. [Takes his hat.]
SCHWARTZE.
Dr. von Keller, have you thought what this refusal means?
VON KELLER.
Pardon me, if you wish to know anything, I beg you to ask your daughter. She will tell you what--what-- And now you must let me go. You know where I live. In case-- I am very sorry it has happened so: but-- Good-day, Colonel! [Exit.
SCHWARTZE.
[After brooding for a time.] Magda!
MARIE.
[Running in anxiously.] For Heaven's sake, what's the matter?
SCHWARTZE.
[ Chokingly.] Magda,--I want Magda.
MARIE.
[ Goes to the door and opens it.] She's coming now--down the stairs.
SCHWARTZE.
So! [Pulls himself together with an effort.]
MARIE.
[Clasping her hands.] Don't hurt her! [Pauses with the door open. Magda is seen descending the stairs. She enters in travelling-dress, hat in hand, very pale, but calm.]