Dearest! And yet you never stirred!
Ellen.
Oh, I prided myself on that! But last night it was so hard to keep quiet. I could feel your tears on my face--oh, how you were crying! And I did so want to cry with you. But I held my breath and lay as still as I could.--Mother, what has happened? Won't you tell me? I'm not a child any longer.
Beata.
Listen, dear. I want to ask you a question. Is there any one in the world--besides your father and me--that you're very fond of?
Ellen (softly).
You know, mother. I don't have to tell you things----
Beata.
Some one you're so fond of that you could live for him--or even die for him?
Ellen.