I wanted to leave some time ago, but you made me stay. (_She buttons her coat, throws on her boa, and is about to go out. Then she turns around resolutely, and places herself before him._) Oh, I know--I'm disgraced--I'm not worthy of anything better--; but I needn't have had to endure _such_ scorn and contempt! (Ebeling _rises, looks at her, groans, buries his face in his hands, and falls back into the chair_. Margot _kneels beside him, weeping._) Dear--dearest--what is it? What's wrong, my darling? Ebeling (_compelling himself to be composed_). Stand up! (_She does so._) I am going to tell you. (_Stands up himself._) I asked your mother's consent to my marrying you to-day. There, now you know it. Good-bye. (_Sits down in the writing-chair. A pause._) Margot. (_Does not move. Her face becomes hard and bitter._) And now that you see what sort I am----H'm, yes. Ah, well, you'll soon console yourself. There are so many others. Why should it be just I? Let me suggest one of my friends--a dear--a pretty girl--with white teeth. Why take it to heart? It hurts for the moment--but one easily forgets. Such girls as I deserve nothing better. To them--one does this! (_Plucks the petals from the roses which are standing before her in the vase._) And then one throws them away--like this! (_Throws the petals in his face._) Ebeling (_brushing away the petals_). What have the roses done to you, my child? Margot. I sent them to you. I, too, may destroy them. Ebeling (_springing up_). It was you, you who all these years----? Margot. Good evening, Herr Ebeling. (_She goes out._) Ebeling. (_Pauses for a moment irresolutely, struggling with himself, then hurries after her. His voice is heard._) Stay here! Stay here! Come in here! (_He reappears at the centre door, pulling her by the arm._) Come in here! Come back! Margot. What do you want of me? I'll cry for help---- Ebeling. Come here! (_Drags her to the writing-table._) Margot. Leave me alone! Ebeling. Be quiet! Be quiet! (_Picks up one of the pictures standing on the table._) There! That woman dragged my name in the gutter. Will you do the same? Answer me! (Margot _stands motionless, the tears running down her cheeks._) Answer, I say. Margot (_slowly and heavily_). Ah, one thinks and says so much when there's no longer a particle of hope in one's life. Ebeling. I understand. (_He throws the picture on the ground; frame and glass are dashed to pieces._) Let us go to your parents. We'll arrange with them what's best to be done. (_As she doesn't move._) Well? (Margot _shakes her head._) You don't want to?