Richard (in a low tone, to Beata).
He knows nothing.
Beata (with an effort).
Michael--never mind--don't speak to them now! To-morrow Norbert will---- (She breathes painfully. Richard makes a startled movement.)
Kellinghausen.
What is it? Are you ill?
Beata.
No--no, it's nothing. But happiness reverberates so! Norbert is coming back to-morrow. He wishes to tell his mother first.
Kellinghausen.
Ah, that's thoughtful of him. I had forgotten about his mother. Well, shake hands, old man. Confound it--I'm ashamed to look you in the face with this cursed thing hanging over us. And to think how happy we three might be--oh, that hound, that vile infamous hound!