[Aside.] It is the convulsion. He cannot. My dear old friend, can you understand what I'm saying to you? [Schwartze bows his head a little. Magda sinks down at his left.] God, the All-Merciful One, has called you from on high. You are not her judge. Have you no sign of forgiveness for her? [Schwartze shakes his head slowly.]

MARIE.

[Sinking down by Magda.] Papa, give her your blessing, dear papa! [A smile transfigures his face. The pistol escapes from his hand. He raises his hand slowly to place it on Marie's head. In the midst of this motion a spasm goes through his body. His arm falls back, his head sinks.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[Crying out.] Leopold!

HEFFTERDINGT.

[Taking her hand.] He has gone home. [He folds his hands. Silent prayer, broken by the sobbing of the women.]

MAGDA.

[Springing up and spreading out her arms in agony.] Oh, if I had only never come! [Heffterdingt makes a motion to beg her silence. She misunderstands.] Are you going to drive me away? His life was the cost of my coming. May I not stay now?

HEFFTERDINGT.