Richard.
Kellinghausen, ask your wife to leave the room, and I will----
Beata.
Richard, for fifteen years we have shared all our joys and sorrows. We must share this too.
Kellinghausen.
(Half strangled, tearing his collar open, and then throwing himself on Richard.) You--you--you!
Richard (seizing both his hands).
Michael, take care! This must be between ourselves. Remember that.
Kellinghausen.
Yes--yes--yes; I pledged my word--I remember--I--oh, you--you---- (He sinks down in a chair near the table, and hides his face with tearless sobs.)