Julia (_stammering_). I simply--don't--understand it--at all! Pierre (_pointing to_ Wittich). Try it! Go to him! Julia. He's not a bit like himself. Pierre. Go on! Go on! Julia. (_Who has timidly approached her husband, bid has drawn back at a movement of his, suddenly throws herself at his feet with great emotion._) George! George!--I am guilty!--I have sinned before God and you!--I acknowledge my crime!--My life is in your hands!--Crush me--grind me to dust!--But God knows, I only obeyed a wretched impulse. My love for you has never left my heart.--My one desire is to die. Kill me!--Here!--Now!--But forgive me! Ah, forgive me! Wittich (_staring straight ahead_). Yes, they always talk like that--in books, at least. Julia. Forgive me! Wittich. There is nothing to forgive. And I am not going to kill any one. What good would it do? (Julia _sobs, hiding her face in her hands._) Pierre. Well, then--don't kneel there--like that--Julia, dear! Julia. I shall lie here until he raises me. Raise me! Take me in your arms! Oh, George---- Wittich. Yes, that's what they always say. (_Sinks into reverie again._) Pierre (_aside to her_). Hush! Stand up! (_She does so._) Well--h'm--I suppose I may assume, Herr Wittich, that you had some purpose in seeking this interview? Wittich. Yes--yes. (_Looking about him._) I can well imagine that my wife--er--that the lady must find it very pleasant here. Pierre. Oh, yes--we needn't hesitate to say that, need we, Julia, dear? Julia (_uncertainly adopting his tone_). No, indeed, Pierre, dear. Wittich. At least--she seems to have plenty of roses here. Julia (_laughing nervously_). Oh, yes--plenty. Wittich. May I ask whether the lady has made any arrangements for the future? Julia (_still timidly_). I was thinking of making my home in Paris, wasn't I, Pierre? Pierre. Yes. You see, Julia wants to live a life suited to her tastes and inclinations--a life such as she cannot have even here--a life consecrated to Beauty and Art. Wittich. They say that an existence of that sort comes high. Has my wife--er--has the lady made any provision for her expenses? Pierre (_embarrassed_). From the moment that I become of age I shall be in a position to--h'm--h'm---- Wittich. I see. But _until_ that moment--? Pierre.