Sec.
I wasn’t saying it against you. I can understand your being a bit down this last week. I know your old man. But, God be praised, I can make you happy again and that’s what I’m here for. You’ll see your brother again to-night. People won’t point their fingers at him, but at those who threw him into prison. Does that earn me a kiss, a sisterly one, if it can’t be any other? Or should we play blind-man’s-buff for it? If I don’t catch you in ten minutes, I’ll go without and take a slap on the cheek into the bargain.
Clara (to herself).
I feel as if I’d suddenly grown a thousand years old and time had stopped still over my head. I can’t go back and I can’t go forward. Oh, this immovable sunshine and all the gaiety about me!
Sec.
You don’t answer. Of course, I’d forgotten. You’re engaged. O girl, why did you do that by me? And yet, have I any right to complain? She is all that’s dear and good. All that’s dear and good should have reminded me of her. And yet for years she was as good as dead to me. In return she has——If only it were a man whom one could honour and respect! But this Leonard——
Clara (suddenly hearing the name).
I must go to him. That’s it! I’m no longer the sister of a thief! O God, what do I want? He will, he must! Unless he’s a very devil, all will be as it was. (In horror.) As it was. (To Secretary.) Don’t be offended, Frederick.—What makes my legs so heavy all at once?
Sec.
Are you going?