Norbert.
Aunt Beata--you're not the same since yesterday. I knew it all along. What a beastly business life is! You--you--of all women!--that they should dare attack you! The scoundrels--the miserable sneaking scoundrels!
Beata.
Norbert, dear, you must see that this is a matter we can't discuss. Besides, I have something else to talk to you about. Can you tell me what time it is?
Norbert.
Half-past four.
Beata.
Will you ring for the lamps, please? Ring twice. (Norbert rings.) I have only a few minutes to spare, but it won't take long to-- (Conrad brings in two lamps, and draws the curtains) to tell you what I-- (She hesitates, constrained by Conrad's presence.) This is Miss Mansborough's afternoon. She has probably gone out. (Conrad leaves the room.) You will find Ellen alone in her sitting-room--go and look for her--and when you find her, put your arms about her, and say to her, "I love you, and I shall always love you, in this world and the next"--provided there is any next!
Norbert.
Aunt Beata! (Falls on his knees before her and hides his face in her lap.)