No matter. Well I found I'd made a stupid blunder. I'd meant to convert Holtzmann but I hadn't meant to ruin _you_. Do you see? Then you made your speech to-day--and after that-- Well, I've been tramping the streets ever since, saying to myself: The man who could make that speech after what he's been through--well, he's suffered enough.--Baron Voelkerlingk, here are two letters written to you by-- (_he looks about him cautiously_) by a lady I needn't name. Don't ask me how I got them. I didn't steal them; and here they are, if you'll give me your word that you'll put a stop to that libel-suit. Richard. I think the suit has already been stopped. Meixner. H'm--well, your thinking so is hardly sufficient. Richard. It will have to be stopped, even if you keep those letters. Meixner (_startled_). Even if--? H'm--do things look as badly as that for you? Richard. You will kindly leave me out of the question. Meixner. Ah--well--here are your letters. (_Lays them on the table_.) Richard. If you didn't wish to do me a public injury, why not have shown them privately to my secretary? Meixner. They might have been forgeries. Richard. They may be so still. Meixner. When I've taken the trouble to return them to you? Holtzmann doesn't think so. He's packing up already. Perhaps you'd like to see him before he leaves? Richard. No. Meixner. Baron Voelkerlingk, if I have got you into trouble don't set it down to ill-feeling. Principle is principle, if we have to hang for it. Every man who has convictions must be prepared to go to the stake for them. Good-day to you, Baron Voelkerlingk. (_He goes out_.) Richard. (_Clutches the letters and strikes his clenched hand against his brow_.) Oh, to live again to live, to live! _Enter_ Norbert. Norbert. Father---- Richard. Well? Norbert. Aunt Beata was out. Richard. Out? At this hour? Why, she never goes out except for her morning drive. Where can she have gone? Norbert. No one knows. Richard. But she must have ordered the carriage? Norbert. It seems not. Richard. Well, thank you, my boy. What time is it? Norbert. Nearly seven. Richard. You had better dine without me. I shall go and enquire. She may have----