Dear Michael, Richard and I conquered our feelings long ago. That is why we are so calm now. What happened between us happened years ago, and we are ready to pay the cost, whatever it is. Kellinghausen. Oh, as far as he's concerned, it's simple enough. He and I can soon settle our account. Richard. Yes. Kellinghausen. But you--you--how can you justify yourself? How have you reconciled it to your conscience to live beside me half a lifetime with this thing between us? Why didn't you come and ask me to set you free? Beata. Yes--that was what _he_ wanted--he has such a sense of honour! And to this day he has never understood why I wouldn't. I loved him too well to ruin his life--that's all. Even if he could have got a divorce and married me, such a marriage would have been his ruin. I should simply have finished the work that Leonie had begun. But what I wanted was to save him. And so all these years I have lied for him---- Kellinghausen. And what have you done for _me_? Or didn't I enter into your calculations? Beata. Michael, you must see that we can't discuss that now. It would be laughable if I were to try to explain to you---- Kellinghausen. Ha! Ha! Lies and deception! Wife--friend--everything! Everything! (_To_ Richard.) Why do you stand there as if you were struck dumb? Why don't _you_ try and whitewash yourself too? Richard. You said just now that our account was easy to settle. Beata. He sees things differently. I speak for myself. He looks at things as you do. Kellinghausen. And yet---- Beata. Wait, please! I have one word more to say, I have staked everything and lost--it's all over for us, all three of us. If I had spoken years ago, the same thing would have happened. You told me just now that I had made you happy. Well, that is what my lie has done. It has made you happy for fifteen years. Blame me for it--but don't forget it---- Kellinghausen. And God--and retribution? Do you never think of such things? No repentance--no remorse? Nothing? Nothing? Richard. Spare her, Michael. Let me answer for her. (Kellinghausen _advances toward him with clenched fist_.) Beata.