We must not ask about her life.

SCHWARTZE.

[Startled.] What? What? I must, not--

HEFFTERDINGT.

No, no; you must not ask--you must not ask--or-- [Struck by a new thought.] If you do not--yes--I am sure she will confess everything herself.

ACT III.

Scene: the same. Morning. On the table at the left, coffee-service and flowers.

[Mrs. Schwartze and Franziska discovered.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[Excitedly.] Thank Heaven, you've come. Such a time we've had this morning!