Frau v. Yburg. What's come over you, Herr Ebeling? You're not listening! Ebeling (_firmly, quietly_). Very well, then she _shall_ not. Frau v. Yburg. For God's sake! You, too! You, too, want---- Ebeling. My dear friend, I have done all that lay in my power, often against my own convictions, I can assure you. She knows what she is doing. She will not. Very well. I'm not here to bait her to her ruin. I am very sorry, but this time I must refuse my assistance. Frau v. Yburg. But what will happen? Must all our work count for nothing--your work, my work? For I have worked over her with all my powers, I need not hesitate to say it, worked to place her again on those spiritual heights where a young girl of family by right belongs. I have led her back to Religion, for whoever has anything to expiate must possess Religion. I have read with her only the most carefully selected books, books that could never, never endanger a young girl's imagination. And I have taken special care to see to it that when she was in the company of young people, she should, if possible, be stricter and even more reserved than the most timid of her friends. For her need of such behaviour was double theirs, wasn't it? And you yourself will admit that my efforts have been successful. No one could deny it and look into those clear, steadfast eyes of hers. (Ebeling _nods assent._) She has become all soul--all---- Ebeling (_doubtingly, sadly_). Ah! Frau v. Yburg. Yes, indeed, Herr Ebeling. No clandestine, no unseemly wish finds its way into her heart. I'll vouch for that. She glides through life like a silent spirit, cleansed and purified. Ebeling. And therefore we are to throw her into the jaws of that beast. Frau v. Yburg. Is there any other way? Do you know of any? Ebeling (_tormented_). H'm! She certainly has suitors enough! Frau v. Yburg. She'll reject them all--as she has heretofore. She simply says, "I shall not begin my new life with a lie. I think too much of myself for that. And to confess, to tell the man, and have him turn his back on me, or out of pure pity raise me to his own level--I think _entirely_ too much of myself for that." Ebeling. I believe one can readily appreciate her feelings. Frau v. Yburg. But what will become of her? Is she to wither and wear away--this heavenly young creature? (Ebeling _walks about, growing more and more excited. A pause._) Herr Ebeling, speak! Advise me! Ebeling (_firmly_). I know of only one solution: she must choose some one who knows it. Frau v. Yburg. Who could that be--except----?