MAGDA.

Let me pass, father.

SCHWARTZE.

I'll kill you first. [Seizes her.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Leopold! [Enter Heffterdingt. He throws himself between them with a cry of horror. Magda, freed by the old man, goes slowly back, with her eyes fixed on the Pastor, to the seat, left, where she remains motionless.]

HEFFTERDINGT.

[After a silence.] In God's name!

SCHWARTZE.

Yes, yes, yes, Pastor--it made a fine family group, eh? Look at her! She has soiled my name. Any scoundrel can break my sword. That is my daughter; that is--

HEFFTERDINGT.

Dear Colonel, these are things which I do not understand, and which I do not care to understand. But it seems to me there must be something to do, instead of--

SCHWARTZE.

Yes, to do,--yes, yes,--there's much to do here. I have much to do. I don't see why I'm standing here. The worst of it is--the worst of it is, he can say to me--this man--you are a cripple--with your shaking hand--with such a one I can't fight, even if I have had your daughter for a-- But I will show him-- I will show him-- Where is my hat?

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Where are you going, Leopold? [Magda rises.]

SCHWARTZE.

My hat!

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[Gives him hat and stick.] Here, here!

SCHWARTZE.

So! [To Magda.] Learn to thank the God, in whom you disbelieve, that he has preserved your father until this hour, for he shall bring you back your honor!