_The dining-room at_ Count Kellinghausen's. _In the middle of the stage a table with six covers. On the right a sofa, table, and chairs. Sideboard on the left. In the centre at the back a wide door leading into the drawing-room. Door on the right into anteroom, door on the left into inner apartments. A window on the right, in the foreground. Grey light of a winter's day_. Ellen _is busy arranging the flowers on the table_. Conrad _in the background. Enter_ Beata _from the left_. Ellen. Oh, mother, I'm so glad you've come. Will the flowers do? Beata. Beautifully, dear. (Conrad _goes out_.) Ellen. And the cards? Look--I've put you here, of course, with Baron Ludwig on your right, and Prince Usingen on your left.--Mother! You're not listening. Beata. Yes I am. But Brachtmann is older than the Prince. They must change places. Ellen. Very well. And this is Uncle Richard's seat, next to father's. _Enter_ Kellinghausen. Kellinghausen. What about father? Ellen. I was only saying that I had put Uncle Richard next to you. Kellinghausen. Next to me?--Yes, yes; of course. Quite right. (_He pets her_.) Now, you monkey, be off! Beata. I shall see you before luncheon, dear. Ellen. Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.) Kellinghausen. I came to speak to you about our arrangements. I have just received a telegram from Rossitsch. Your rooms are ready for you. To prevent any talk, I shall take you there and leave you. I suppose you are ready to start this evening? Beata. Whenever you please, dear Michael. Kellinghausen. You don't seem to have made any preparations. Beata (_smiling_). I have so few to make! Kellinghausen. I have no objection to Ellen's remaining with you till the spring. Then we can see about sending her to a boarding-school. Beata. I consent to that too. Kellinghausen. You could hardly expect your refusal to make much difference. Beata (_still smiling_). Don't be afraid. I understand my position. Kellinghausen. And who is to blame for it? Beata. My dear Michael, we neither of us care for tragedy. Why not let that be? Kellinghausen. You're right.--Where have you put my seat? Beata. Here. Kellinghausen. Another torture to undergo! Beata.