Jacques. Herr Lassalle can not receive her here—patience—I will tell him, and he will see her in half an hour in the parlor!
Enter HELENE
[Pauses breathlessly on the threshold, then pushes past the porter. The valet confronts her with arms outstretched to stay her entering.]
Helene. Ferdinand—I—I am here!
[Lassalle turns and stares, surprised, overcome, joyous—seizes the valet by the shoulder and pushes him out of the door, bowling over the porter who blocks the entrance. Lassalle and Helene face each other. He is about to take her in his arms; she backs away.]
Helene. Not yet, dear, not yet!
[She sinks into a chair in great confusion, struggling for breath.]
Lassalle. [Leaning over her tenderly] Tell me what has happened!
Helene. The worst.
Lassalle. You mean——