Magda, this gentleman asks for the honor-- [_As he sees the two together, he looks with sudden anger from one to the other_.] MAGDA. [_Anxiously_.] Father? SCHWARTZE. Now everything's arranged. Don't make it too long! [_To_ Magda.] Yes, everything's all right now. [_Exit_. VON KELLER. Ah, my dearest Magda, who could have suspected it? MAGDA. Then we are to be married. VON KELLER. Above all, I don't want you to entertain the idea that any design of mine has been at the bottom of this development which I welcome so gladly, which I-- MAGDA. I haven't reproached you. VON KELLER. No, you have no reason. MAGDA. None whatever. VON KELLER. Let me further say to you that it has always been my strongest wish that Providence might bring us together again. MAGDA. Then you have really never ceased to love me? VON KELLER. Well, as an honorable man and without exaggeration I can scarcely assert that. But since early this morning a holier and a more auspicious resolution has arisen within me-- MAGDA. Pardon me, would this holy and auspicious resolution have arisen within you just the same if I had come back to my home in poverty and shame? VON KELLER. My dearest Magda, I am neither self-seeking nor a fortune-hunter, but I know what is due to myself and to my position. In other circumstances there would have been no social possibility of making legitimate our old relations-- MAGDA. I must consider myself, then, very happy in these ten long years to have worked up unconsciously towards such a high goal. VON KELLER. I don't know whether I am too sensitive, but that sounds almost like irony. And I hardly think that-- MAGDA. That it is fitting from me? VON KELLER. [_Deprecatingly_.] Oh! MAGDA. I must ask for your indulgence. The role of a patient and forbearing wife is new to me. Let us speak, then, of the future [_sits and motions to him to do the same_]--of our future. What is your idea of what is to come? VON KELLER. You know, my dearest Magda, I have great designs. This provincial town is no field for my statesmanship. Besides, it is my duty now to find a place which will be worthy of your social talents. For you will give up the stage and concert-hall,--that goes without saying. MAGDA. Oh, that goes without saying? VON KELLER.