You put the question in a way that suggests suicide. That was not----

Richard.

It is your own choice. All I ask is two days' respite. You won't refuse it? (Kellinghausen shrugs his shoulders.) Good-bye. (Goes out.)

Curtain.

ACT IV

A study in the house of Richard Völkerlingk. Doors on the right and left, at the back. A fireplace in the middle background, the rest of the wall hidden by book-cases, which frame the fireplace and doors. In the foreground, to the left, a window. To the right of it, a writing-table. In the centre a table covered with periodicals and books. On the right a leather sofa and arm-chairs. Behind these a door. Rich and sombre decorations, old pictures, armour, etc. A hanging-lamp with a green shade, another lamp on a table, both lit. Through the window one sees the twilight. Holtzmann is seated at the centre-table, reading.

Enter George.

George.

Herr Holtzmann, some one is asking for the Baron.