Norbert (kissing Beata's hand).
Good-bye, father. (Richard nods to him. Norbert goes out.)
Beata.
Will you dine with me to-day, Richard? (Richard shakes his head.)
Beata.
Just we two?
Richard.
I can't: my wife has a dinner: an ambassador and his wife, two lights of the Church, and others of the same feather. I must show myself on such occasions, to keep up appearances.
Beata.
I'm sorry. I should have liked to have you with me--to-day. How do you stand the suspense? Perhaps I don't show it--but I'm in a fever.