Richard (to the others).
Since yesterday, you all know what I owe him. My success is his doing, all his doing. If I've gained my end, if I've reached the goal at last, it's to Kellinghausen I owe it. Here's to my good friend and yours!
The Others.
Hear! Hear! (They clink their glasses.)
Kellinghausen.
(With a strained laugh, as he and Richard touch glasses.) You might have left that out.
Richard.
I should have written it if I hadn't said it.
Kellinghausen (still on his feet).
Gentlemen--Beata--I may speak for all of you, I believe? I think our friend Völkerlingk proved conclusively yesterday that if he has taken my place it is because he has the best right to it. (On the verge of an outburst.) A better right to it--than-- (He is checked by a terrified glance from Beata, who utters a low exclamation.) Well--well--I'm not much of a speech-maker.--Gentlemen--Beata--long life to our friend Völkerlingk--long life to my successor!