Beata. Don't say _our_ heads--don't include yourself with the rest. You think of your duty; they think of their rights. You use the masses in order to serve them. The others think only of power. Richard. Oh, as to that--we all want power. Beata. Yes: the question is, for whose benefit?--Ah, well, I see I shall have to tell you--you ought to know--the sooner the better, I suppose! Richard. Tell me what? Beata. Dear--did you really think it was Michael's fondest wish to resign his seat in Parliament, and live only for his horses? Richard. I've heard him say so often enough. Beata. And so you leaped into the breach--in the interests of the party? Richard (_hesitating_). And because--(_suddenly_) Beata--there's been some deception? (Beata _nods_.) Some one has been working against me----? Beata. Or for you--as you please.--Sit down beside me, dear; give me both your hands--so! And now listen. I couldn't bear to see your disappointment--your suffering--I suffered with you too intensely! And so--don't look so startled, or I shall lose heart and be afraid to go on.--How shall I tell you?--It's taken me a year a whole year's work. By degrees I persuaded him that he was unsuited to Parliamentary life--gradually I turned him against the pottering routine-work which is the only thing he can do--little by little I made him see what a boon it would be for the country and the party if he would only let you take his place. Till at last he did---- Richard (_rising_). Ah---- Beata. Can you say _now_ that I didn't want you elected? (Richard _is silent_.) I should never have told you this if I hadn't known that his pride in his heroic feat would make him betray himself sooner or later. (_A pause_.) After all, think how little he's given up! To him it was only a--pastime--to you it is life. I had no choice, had I? You do see that, don't you? (_A pause_.) Richard, I may be a very wicked woman, but at least I deserve one look from you! Richard.