VON KELLER. [_Rising_.] Pardon me, this seems almost like a cross-examination. SCHWARTZE. You must know, then, what I-- VON KELLER. Pardon me, I wish to know nothing. I came here innocently to make a friendly visit, and you have taken me by surprise. I will not be taken by surprise. [_Takes his hat_.] SCHWARTZE. Dr. von Keller, have you thought what this refusal means? VON KELLER. Pardon me, if you wish to know anything, I beg you to ask your daughter. She will tell you what--what-- And now you must let me go. You know where I live. In case-- I am very sorry it has happened so: but-- Good-day, Colonel! [_Exit_. SCHWARTZE. [_After brooding for a time_.] Magda! MARIE. [_Running in anxiously_.] For Heaven's sake, what's the matter? SCHWARTZE. [_Chokingly_.] Magda,--I want Magda. MARIE. [_Goes to the door and opens it_.] She's coming now--down the stairs. SCHWARTZE. So! [_Pulls himself together with an effort_.] MARIE. [_Clasping her hands_.] Don't hurt her! [_Pauses with the door open_. Magda _is seen descending the stairs. She enters in travelling-dress, hat in hand, very pale, but calm_.] MAGDA. I heard you call, father. SCHWARTZE. I have something to say to you. MAGDA. And I to you. SCHWARTZE. Go in--into my room. MAGDA. Yes, father. [_She goes to the door, left_. Schwartze _follows her_. Marie, _who has drawn back frightened to the dining-room door, makes an unseen gesture of entreaty_.] ACT IV. Scene: _the same_. [Mrs. Schwartze _and_ Marie _discovered_. Mrs. Schwartze, _in hat and cloak, is knocking on the door at the left_.] MRS. SCHWARTZE. Leopold! Oh, Heaven, I dare not go in. MARIE. No, no, don't! Oh, if you'd only seen his face! MRS. SCHWARTZE. And they've been in there half an hour, you say? MARIE. Longer, longer! MRS. SCHWARTZE. Now she's speaking! [_Listening, frightened_.] He's threatening her. Marie, Marie! Run into the garden. The pastor's there, in the arbor. Tell him everything,--about Mr. von Keller's being here,--and ask him to come in quickly. MARIE. Yes, mamma. [_Hurries to the hall-door_.] MRS. SCHWARTZE. Wait a minute, Marie. Has Theresa heard anything? If it should get about--