(_Listening, as though to make sure that they are alone_.) I sha'n't keep you long. Doctor you know how often I have said to you: "My dear friend, I've got to live--I've simply got to live; show me how--" and how you've always answered: "The only way is to avoid excitement." Well--I've borne that in mind--I've schooled myself to look at life through a tombstone, as it were--my own tombstone, doctor! I've done that. But now--now there are storms ahead, perhaps disasters. If they come, my judgment and energy are equal to them--but my valves are not. I found that out last night--it was only those drops of yours that saved me. But I can't live on those drops--you've warned me not to take them too often. And I don't want to die of this. Doctor, you must help me! Dr. Kahlenberg. Why, what's the meaning of all this? H'm. You're right. Strophanthus and digitalis are not meant for human nature's daily food. Besides, the effect might wear off.--My dear Countess, take your courage in both hands and run away. Turn your back on all these emotions. Human life is simply a process of molecular adjustment complicated by moral idiosyncrasies. Beata (_laughing_). I'm so glad to know it, doctor. (_Growing serious_.) But there is no time to run away. The storm may break in an hour. Dr. Kahlenberg. Child, what has happened? Ah, well, I never ask questions.--In an hour?--I am going home to despatch my whining women, and then I'll drop in again and see what has happened in the interval. Beata. And if to-day is only the prelude? Dr. Kahlenberg. So much the better. Then we shall have time to look the thing in the face. Meanwhile I'll give you something new to take--something that your system hasn't got used to. We physicians have a supply of such remedies to tide us over bad places. Beata. Thank you. Dr. Kahlenberg. Give me both hands, Countess. You and I know death too well to be much afraid of it. But if you want to live I'll do my best to help you. And now I'll go and assure my other patients that they're really ill. Good-bye. (_He goes out. In the hall he is heard greeting_ Norbert.) _Enter_ Norbert. Norbert. Aunt Beata, I'm so glad to see you looking so well. I was almost afraid---- Beata. It always cheers me to see you, Norbert. And to-day especially---- Norbert. To-day? Beata. 'Sh--to-day is a lucky day. Norbert. Lucky? In what way? Beata. Wait and see! Wait and see! Norbert. I say, Aunt Beata, you're not making fun of me? I don't half like the way you're smiling to yourself.