I--er---- Wittich. Well, I consider it my duty--and mine alone--to protect the woman whom--until recently--I called my wife. And to save her from ruin, I am willing to make any sacrifice whatsoever. Pierre. Oh, as for that, of course---- Wittich. I intend to put no obstacle in the way of your desire to legitimize your relations. Pierre. Very kind of you--really--very thoughtful indeed. Wittich. Not because--not that I don't dare insist upon _my_ rights in this affair, but because I want to guard _her_ from lifelong misery. Pierre. Really, you wouldn't believe how often we have discussed this question--would he, Julia, dear? Julia. But I am never going to grant your wish, Pierre, dear. You shall keep your liberty--you shall be free! Even as I ask nothing better than to follow my own inclinations. If I am ruined because of them--well, it's no one's concern but my own--no one's! (_Tosses her head._) Wittich. May I inquire what those inclinations are? Julia. It's hard to say--off-hand.--You must feel it--you must-- Well, I want to be free!--I want to hold my fate in my own hands!--I want-- Oh, why talk about it? What is one poor, human life?--especially a life like mine!--I am branded--doomed to the gutter!--One need use no ceremony with me now! Wittich. Really! Well--h'm--if I had known that you felt that way about it--I should have made you--a different proposition--Julia, dear. Julia. Tell me! Please! Pierre. Yes--tell us--please! Wittich. I suppose I may assume that the people at the castle know nothing of this little adventure of the young Count's? Pierre. You may rest assured, my dear sir, that I know what is due a woman's honour. Wittich. Ah--really!--Well, I'm sure no one saw me coming here. So then, there need be no scandal. Pierre. That would certainly be most agreeable to all parties concerned. Wittich. But--how did the lady propose to leave here without being seen? Pierre. Pray, my dear sir, let that be my concern. Wittich. That concern, however, I shall share with you--my dear sir. And it seems to me that the best plan would be for the lady to put on a decent dress, walk through the grounds with me, and pay a visit to the Countess at the castle. Pierre. What!--my mother--? What's the use of that? Wittich.