Kellinghausen. Then I will read it to you. It's meant for both of us. (_He reads_.) "Dear Michael, even if the poison is found in me they will think I took it by mistake. To avoid suspicion I shall do it while we are all at luncheon. I see that some one must pay the penalty--better I than he. He has his work before him--I have lived my life. And so I mean to steal a march on him. Whatever you have agreed upon between you, my death will cancel the bargain--he cannot die now without causing the scandal you have been so anxious to avert. I have always loved happiness, and I find happiness now in doing this for his sake, and the children's and yours. Beata." As she says, this cancels our agreement. You see that I must give you back your word. Richard. And you see, Michael---- _Enter_ Norbert. Norbert. (_Throws himself weeping into_ Kellinghausen's _arms_.) Uncle Michael! Kellinghausen. Go, my son--go to Ellen. (Norbert _wrings_ Richard's _hand without speaking, and goes out_.) Richard. And you see, Michael, that _I_ live because I must--that I live--because I am dead---- Curtain.