Beata.
Don't turn from me. I've loved you so long!
Richard (clasps her hands).
One thing more. Listen to me. You played too reckless a game. Such things are avenged. No one knows what happened in the past. Twelve years have covered it; but it's ill disturbing the dead. Such things are avenged. Remember that.
Beata.
Well--and what of it?
Richard.
What of it?
Beata.
I shouldn't care--except for Norbert and Ellen. For I mean them to have all the happiness we have missed. Nothing must ever come between-- Hush! That is Holtzmann's voice. (She presses her left hand to her heart.) Quite steady. (She holds out her right hand to Richard.) Feel my pulse it's perfectly steady.