MAGDA. [_In tears_.] You make me a child again. [_A pause_.] HEFFTERDINGT. Then you will stay? MAGDA. [_Springing up_.] But they must not question me! HEFFTERDINGT. Must not question you? MAGDA. About my life outside there. They wouldn't understand,--none of them; not even you. HEFFTERDINGT. Well, then, they sha'n't. MAGDA. And you will promise me, for yourself and for the others? HEFFTERDINGT. Yes, I can promise it. MAGDA. [_In a stifled voice_.] Call them, then. HEFFTERDINGT. [_Opening the door on the left_.] She will stay. _Enter_ Marie; _then_ Mrs. Schwartze, Franziska, _and_ Schwartze. Marie _throws herself joyfully into_ Magda's _arms_. Mrs. Schwartze _also embraces her_. SCHWARTZE. It was your duty, my child. MAGDA. Yes, father. [_She softly takes his right hand in both of hers, and carries it tenderly to her lips_.] FRANZISKA. Thank Heaven! Now we can have supper at last! [_Opens the sliding door into the dining-room. The supper-table is seen, all set, and lighted brightly by a green-shaded hanging-lamp_.] MAGDA. [_Gazing at it_.] Oh, look! The dear old lamp! [_The women go slowly out_.] SCHWARTZE. [_Stretching out his hands_.] This is your greatest work, Pastor. HEFFTERDINGT. Oh, don't, I beg you! And there's a condition attached. SCHWARTZE. A condition? HEFFTERDINGT. We must not ask about her life. SCHWARTZE. [_Startled_.] What? What? I must, not-- HEFFTERDINGT. No, no; you must not ask--you must not ask--or-- [_Struck by a new thought_.] If you do not--yes--I am sure she will confess everything herself. ACT III. Scene: _the same. Morning. On the table at the left, coffee-service and flowers._ [Mrs. Schwartze _and_ Franziska _discovered_.] MRS. SCHWARTZE. [_Excitedly_.] Thank Heaven, you've come. Such a time we've had this morning! FRANZISKA. So? MRS. SCHWARTZE. Just think, two people have come from the hotel,--a gentleman who looks like a lord, and a young lady like a princess. They're her servants. FRANZISKA. What extravagance! MRS. SCHWARTZE.