Kellinghausen. Beata--Richard--I don't need to be told that there's nothing wrong in this house--nothing wrong between you two, to put it plainly. I can see that for myself. But in such a dirty business the most harmless fact may be used against you; and you won't misunderstand me if I ask you--both-- You see, you two have always been in such close sympathy--I don't say that to reproach you--God forbid! It was natural enough--you're both so much cleverer than I am--but I ask you, for all our sakes, to look back and try to remember if you've ever written each other any letters that might--might seem--to an outsider--a little too friendly? Good heavens! _I_ should understand it if you had! Or--or--have you ever written anything about _me_? Anything that might--? There are plenty of things to criticise about me. But I must know the truth. There must not be the least pretext for this attack. I ask you to stop and consider. Richard. There is nothing to consider, my dear Michael. Kellinghausen. Not so fast, my dear fellow! Take time. Think the matter over. Richard. There is nothing to think over. Kellinghausen. Beata----? Beata. My answer is the same as Richard's, of course. Kellinghausen. Richard, our fate is in your hands. Do you advise me to bring suit? Richard. Oh--if you ask my advice---- Kellinghausen. I don't ask your advice but your assurance. I have pledged myself not to endanger the party. Give me your word of honour that I can bring suit without doing so. Richard (_straightening himself_). I give you my word of honour that--you---- (Beata _gives a suppressed cry_.) Kellinghausen. What is the matter? What ails you? Beata (_looking at_ Richard). He will give you his word of honour, and then he will go home and blow his brains out. Don't you see it in his face? Kellinghausen. What do you mean? Richard. Kellinghausen, ask your wife to leave the room, and I will---- Beata. Richard, for fifteen years we have shared all our joys and sorrows. We must share this too. Kellinghausen. (_Half strangled, tearing his collar open, and then throwing himself on_ Richard.) You--you--you! Richard (_seizing both his hands_). Michael, take care! This must be between ourselves. Remember that. Kellinghausen. Yes--yes--yes; I pledged my word--I remember--I--oh, you--you---- (_He sinks down in a chair near the table, and hides his face with tearless sobs_.) Beata (_approaching him after a pause_).