MAGDA.
[Staring at him.] And why did you do all this?
HEFFTERDINGT.
Well, first it is my calling. Then I did it for his sake, for I love the old man; and above all--for--your sake.
[Magda starts, and points to herself interrogatively.]
HEFFTERDINGT.
Yes, for your sake. For this weighed upon me: The day will come when she will turn homeward,--perhaps as victor; but perhaps also as vanquished, broken and ruined in body and soul-- Pardon me these thoughts, I had heard nothing of you-- In either case she shall find a home ready for her. That was my work, the work of long years; and now I implore you not to destroy it.