The Countess is right, Richard. It was foolish of us not to speak to each other. Richard. My dear Ludwig, perhaps we hadn't enough to say. Baron Ludwig. Or too much! Richard. Possibly. (_To_ Beata.) But, Countess---- Beata (_turning to join the others_). No, no. I am going to leave you two together. (_She moves away_.) Richard. Why do you look at her so strangely? Baron Ludwig. Strangely? What do you mean? Richard. You begrudge me this friendship, Ludwig. Baron Ludwig. Do I? Perhaps. You must remember that I am very lonely. I had hoped that your house might---- Richard. My house? With Leonie----? Baron Ludwig. Yes--your friend is different from Leonie. Richard. You needn't envy me, Ludwig. My friend is a dying woman. Every day I ask myself if I shall ever see her again. Baron Ludwig. My dear Richard, the woman lives in a thousand energies. She will survive us both. Richard. God grant it! Baron Ludwig. But--be on your guard. Richard. What do you mean? Baron Ludwig. (_Glancing at_ Kellinghausen.) Can we find a quiet corner somewhere? (_He takes_ Richard's _arm and they go toward the other room_.) _Enter_ Leonie, _on_ Norbert's _arm_. Leonie (_meeting the brothers_). What a touching spectacle! Look, Norbert! Baron Ludwig. Don't detain us, Leonie. We're going to have our photograph taken. (_He and_ Richard _go out_.) Leonie (_advancing toward the front_). How enchanting! And Beata as the angel of peace! Quite a new role for you, isn't it, dear? But you're _so_ versatile! Beata. Dear Leonie, find fault with me when I sow discord, but praise me when I make peace. Leonie. Do you care so much for praise? Beata. Don't you? Leonie. Oh, no one ever praises me. I suppose I don't know how to play my cards. Norbert, please have the carriage called. Norbert. Very well, mother. (_Goes out_.) Leonie. Ah, Prince--good-evening! (_He kisses her hand_.) How is it we never see you at our missionary meetings? Her Royal Highness wished me to say that she counts on your help. Isn't that flattering? (_To the others_.) The Prince is one of us, you know. He serves the cause of religion faithfully---- Prince.