MAX. Councillor von Keller. MAGDA. [_Speaking with difficulty_.] He--what?--he? MAX. [_Laughing_.] Pardon me, but you're as white now as he was. MAGDA. [_Quietly_.] I? White? _Enter_ Theresa _with a card_. MAX. Here he is. Dr. von Keller. MAGDA. Let him come up. MAX. [_Smiling_.] I'll only say to you, my dear cousin, that he's a very important man, who has a great career before him, and promises to be a pillar of our religious circle. MAGDA. Thank you! _Enter_ Von Keller _with a bouquet_. MAX. [_Crossing to him_.] My dear Councillor, here is my cousin, who is delighted to see you. You will excuse me. [_Exit, with a bow to each_. [Von Keller _remains standing at the door_. Magda _moves about nervously. Silence_.] MAGDA. [_Aside_.] Here is my spectre! [_Indicates a seat at the table, left, and sits down opposite_.] VON KELLER. First, you must allow me to express my warmest and most sincere good wishes. This is a surprise which you happily could not have expected. And as a sign of my interest, allow me, my dearest friend, to present you with these modest flowers. MAGDA. Oh, how thoughtful! [_Takes the flowers with a laugh, and throws them on the table_.] VON KELLER. [_In embarrassment_.] I--I see with sorrow that you resent this approach on my part. Have I in any way been wanting in the necessary delicacy? In these narrow circles a meeting could not have been avoided. I think it is better, my dearest friend, that we should come to an understanding,--that we should know the relations-- MAGDA. [_Rising_.] You're right, my friend. I was not at the height of my own nature just now. Had I been, I might have played the deserted Marguerite to the end. The morals of home had infected me a little. But I am myself again. Give me your hand bravely. Don't be afraid, I won't harm you. So--tight--so! VON KELLER. You make me happy. MAGDA. I've painted this meeting to myself a thousand times, and have been prepared for it for years. Something warned me, too, when I undertook this journey home--though I must say I hardly expected just here to-- Yes, how is it that, after what has passed between us, you came into this house? It seems to me a little-- VON KELLER.