One learns, little by little, to be master of oneself. And five minutes ago there was absolutely no hope, (bursting out) but if she no longer wants him--why shouldn't I--oh! (Hides his face in his hand, trembling with emotion.)
Frau v. Yburg.
Wait! I don't see, after you've led him on to this point, how you'll ever justify all this to Baron von Kanoldt.
Ebeling.
I don't know! Until now, I've led a tolerably respectable life. For, in the disgrace that she (pointing to the picture of his wife) brought upon me, I played no part.
Frau v. Yburg.
Oh, yes, everyone in society knows that.
Ebeling.
But I haven't once asked myself whether what I am now going to do--or should like to do--conforms to the prevailing standards of propriety. One ought to think it over, to let some time elapse--in short, I don't know! All I can say is that if she doesn't want him, if she won't take that--(checking himself)--him, well, then, the path is open to any one--to me as well as to another.
Frau v. Yburg (hesitating).