Hindes. And now?—Nothing. As you see, Berman never loved you. If it hadn't been for that unfortunate, ambiguous, absolutely botched, simply idiotic sentence....

Fanny [softly]. Hindes, I feel that I no longer care to live.

Hindes. Folly!

Fanny. I feel as if my heart had been torn in two. My soul is empty, desolate ... as if an abyss had opened before me.... What have I now in life for? I can live no longer!

Hindes. Folly! Nonsense!

Fanny. I have already lived my life....

Hindes. Absurd!

Fanny [resolutely]. I know what I'm talking about, and I know what to do.

[Silence.]

Hindes [regarding her closely. With blunt emphasis]. You're thinking now over what death you shall choose.