Oh, as to that---- Richard. Thank you. (_Shakes his hand_.) Holtzmann. Don't mention it. I did my duty, that's all. (_Bows and goes out_.) Beata. Richard! Isn't the struggle over yet? Richard. Beata--you have made me believe--in spite of myself--that--even now--I may be of use to the cause. I shall stick to my work, and try not to think. Beata. It may not be as hard as you imagine. Richard. Perhaps not. But when the blow falls--if it falls---- Beata. We'll laugh---- Richard. And meanwhile---- Beata. We'll live! (_They clasp each other's hands_.) Curtain. ACT II ACT II _The same scenery as in the first act. The drawing-room is brightly lit, the curtain in the opening at back of stage drawn back, showing two other apartments, also brilliantly lit. In the nearest one a group of gentlemen are at the billiard-table. In the third room the rest of the guests have just left the table. For some minutes_ Beata _is seen among them_. Brachtmann, Prince Usingen _and_ von Berkelwitz-Gruenhof _are just coming out of the billiard-room, talking together._ Brachtmann. (_Coming forward with_ Usingen.) Prince, I want a word with you later--an important matter. Prince. And I want a word with you. Brachtmann. On the same subject, probably. Prince. Perhaps. von Berkelwitz (_looking about him_). Deuced fine--magnificent! You've got to come up to town to see this kind of thing. Brachtmann. How is it we never see you in the Reichstag nowadays, my dear fellow? von Berkelwitz.