Listen, Beata. I am not going to discuss the relations between my husband and yourself. It's a subject that no longer interests me. But it was you who took him away from me, and when I found you had taken him, I turned to my boy instead. Then you took him too. Now I have nothing left--nothing but my position in society, which I have built up slowly, year by year, by my own efforts, as you know. I am in the Princess Agnes's most intimate set, I am patroness of--but all this doesn't interest you. But how have I accomplished it? Simply by keeping my eyes shut and appearing to sanction your friendship with Richard.--And now, if you persist in dragging your husband in, there will be a scandal, and I shall have to sue for a divorce; and that will be excessively unpleasant for us all. Don't you agree with me? Beata. I might say so many things in reply.--In the first place, whatever I have taken was never really yours.--But no matter. I will only ask you one thing: have you thought of Ellen and Norbert? Leonie. Oh, Ellen and Norbert! I've no objection to the match, none whatever--but it's _your_ scheme, not mine, and you can't expect me to be particularly enthusiastic about it. But I should think it would be one more reason for _you_ to keep quiet. Beata. Then--if you don't mean to do anything--why did you bring me this? Leonie (_with irrepressible triumph_). Why did I bring it? Because I--(_relapses into her usual amiability_)--I thought it might interest you, and you see I was not mistaken. Ah, here comes Norbert! _Enter_ Norbert. Norbert. I'm sorry to have kept you, mother. The carriage was-- (_Startled_.) Why, Aunt Beata, what's the matter? Beata (_making an effort to smile_). Nothing, Norbert, dear. Leonie. Well, good-bye, Beata. Do be careful of yourself! I should be so sorry to think I had done anything to excite you. Come, Norbert, you must put me in the carriage, and then you can come back to your dear aunt. Norbert. I beg your pardon, mother, but I think Aunt Beata needs me now. If you'll wait for me a moment downstairs---- Leonie. What did I say? I congratulate you, Beata! (_She goes out alone_.) Norbert. What has she been saying to you? Beata. Oh, she was right--so right! Norbert (_alarmed_). Aunt Beata! Beata (_with an effort_). Norbert--my son--take me to Ellen. In a few minutes I shall be quite---- Norbert. Come, come-- (_Leads her gently out. Sounds of talk and laughter come from the inner room_.) _Enter_ Kellinghausen.