And then, you must try to bring a little more--more beauty into our life.--I surely have the right to demand that. Just look about you here. You know how passionately fond of roses I am. My soul demands something besides--potatoes! Well, I insist upon having roses around me. That's not unreasonable, is it? Wittich. You shall have roses enough to smother you. Pierre (_nervously_). Well, then, Julia, dear, I see no reason why we should not accept this proposition. Wittich. What have you got to say about it? Pierre. I beg your pardon, Herr Wittich. I certainly don't want to offend you. But--as Julia and I have found so much in each other--haven't we, Julia, dear? Julia. Yes--so very, very much, Pierre, dear.--And to know that we were so near--and yet could never see each other or talk together, or-- I, for my part, couldn't endure it, could you, Pierre? Pierre. Oh--as for that--well, it would be hard, Julia, dear. Julia. And what would the world say, dear George, if we should suddenly--and apparently without any cause--break off all communication with our neighbors? How would Pierre explain it to his mother? Why, he simply couldn't! No; if we are to carry out your plan, then everything must remain outwardly the same as before. Don't you agree with me, Pierre, dear? Pierre. (_Hesitating, with an apprehensive glance toward_ Wittich.) Outwardly--yes, Julia, dear. Wittich (_losing control of himself_). So that's your condition, is it? Julia (_with a sort of nervous impudence_). Yes, that's our condition--isn't it, Pierre, dear? (Pierre _does not reply, but looks at_ Wittich.) Wittich. Really?--Really!--Very well! (_He draws himself to his full height, his face flushes, and he looks around the room wildly, as if searching for something._) Julia. What are you looking for, George? Wittich. If you-- (_Gasps as if suffocating._) Julia. George! George! What's the matter? Wittich. There--there--there! (_With a loud cry, he falls upon the weapons and snatches one of the daggers._) Julia. Help! Help! Pierre! Save me! Pierre (_at the same time_).