VON KELLER. She was a little--agitated. SCHWARTZE. Agitated? VON KELLER. Yes; that's all. SCHWARTZE. Who has been here? VON KELLER. No one. At least, as far as I know. SCHWARTZE. Then, what agitating things could you two have to talk about? VON KELLER. Nothing of importance,--nothing at all, I assure you. SCHWARTZE. What makes you look so, then? You can scarcely stand. VON KELLER. I? Oh, you're mistaken, you're mistaken. SCHWARTZE. One question, Councillor-- You and my daughter-- Please sit down. VON KELLER. My time is unfortunately-- SCHWARTZE. [_Almost threatening_.] I beg you to sit down. VON KELLER. [_Not daring to resist_.] Thank you. [_They sit_.] SCHWARTZE. You met my daughter some years ago in Berlin? VON KELLER. Yes. SCHWARTZE. Councillor von Keller, I know you to be as discreet as you are sensible; but there are cases in which silence is a crime. I ask you--and your life-long relations with me give me the right to ask, as well as the mystery--which just now-- In short, I ask you, Do you know anything discreditable about my daughter's life there? VON KELLER. Oh, for Heaven's sake, how can you-- SCHWARTZE. Do you not know how and where she lived? VON KELLER. No. I am absolutely-- SCHWARTZE. Have you never visited at her house? VON KELLER. [_More and more confused_.] No, no, never, never. SCHWARTZE. Not once? VON KELLER. Well, I called on her once; but-- SCHWARTZE. Your relations were friendly? VON KELLER. Oh, entirely friendly--of course, only friendly. [_A pause_.] SCHWARTZE. [_Passes his hand over his forehead, looks earnestly at_ Von Keller; _then, speaking absently_.] So? Then, honestly--if it might be--if--if-- [_Gets up, goes to_ Von Keller, _and sits down again, trying to quiet himself_.] Dr. von Keller, we both live in a quiet world, where scandals are unknown. But I have grown old, very old. And therefore I can't--can't control my thoughts as I should. And I can't rid myself of an idea which has--suddenly--taken possession of me. I have just had a great joy which I don't want to be embittered. But, to quiet an old man, I beg you--give me your word of honor that--