So must we all. But I mean to put it off as long as possible, I promise you! Beata (_standing up_). Richard, for fifteen years we haven't kept a single thought from each other, yet now that the end has come you throw me over as if you were paying off a discarded mistress. Richard (_agitated_). Beata! Beata. Don't be afraid. I am not going to force your confidence. You would only repeat what Michael has already told me--that you are going to travel, to disappear for a while.--Is this the laugh with which we were to have greeted death? Often and often, at night, when I've lain in bed struggling for breath, I've said to myself that I should die before morning. What if it really happened to-night? You'd have to wait then--you'd have no right to follow me. Think how people would talk if you did! (_With a sudden start_.) The children, Richard--there must be no shadow on the children. Richard. Beata, don't talk so wildly. Do shake off such fancies. Beata (_musing_). Yes--yes.--You know you'll have a note from Michael in the morning. Richard. What do you mean? Beata. A note asking you to luncheon to-morrow to meet some friends. Nothing more. Richard. What is the object---- Beata. It seems there has been some gossip at the clubs, and this is the shortest way of putting a stop to it. (_Entreatingly_.) You'll come, Richard, won't you? Richard. Beata! Why should we go through this new misery? Beata (_in wild anxiety_). Richard, you _will_ come? You must come. Richard. I can't, Beata. Beata. It is the last thing I shall ever ask of you. Now you're smiling again--well, I'll believe anything you tell me--about your travelling, about your disappearing--I'll believe anything, if you'll only come. Richard, come for the children's sake. And if not for the children's sake, come for mine--or I shall die of it--I shall die of it, Richard, in the night---- Richard (_overcome_). I will come. Beata. Give me your hand. (Richard _gives it_. Beata _takes his hand, and passes it over her eyes and cheeks_.) There--I'm quite quiet again, you see. (_Sits down_.) I don't know if I told you that I'm going to Rossitsch to-morrow. Richard. For good? Beata (_nodding_). So that, unless you come and pay me a visit there---- Richard. This is good-bye?