One question, Councillor-- You and my daughter-- Please sit down.

VON KELLER.

My time is unfortunately--

SCHWARTZE.

[_Almost threatening_.] I beg you to sit down.

VON KELLER.

[_Not daring to resist_.] Thank you. [_They sit_.]

SCHWARTZE.

You met my daughter some years ago in Berlin?

VON KELLER.

Yes.

SCHWARTZE.

Councillor von Keller, I know you to be as discreet as you are sensible; but there are cases in which silence is a crime. I ask you--and your life-long relations with me give me the right to ask, as well as the mystery--which just now-- In short, I ask you, Do you know anything discreditable about my daughter's life there?

VON KELLER.

Oh, for Heaven's sake, how can you--

SCHWARTZE.

Do you not know how and where she lived?

VON KELLER.

No. I am absolutely--

SCHWARTZE.

Have you never visited at her house?

VON KELLER.

[_More and more confused_.] No, no, never, never.

SCHWARTZE.

Not once?

VON KELLER.

Well, I called on her once; but--

SCHWARTZE.

Your relations were friendly?

VON KELLER.

Oh, entirely friendly--of course, only friendly. [_A pause_.]

SCHWARTZE.

[_Pa.s.ses his hand over his forehead, looks earnestly at_ Von Keller; _then, speaking absently_.] So? Then, honestly--if it might be--if--if-- [_Gets up, goes to_ Von Keller, _and sits down again, trying to quiet himself_.] Dr. von Keller, we both live in a quiet world, where scandals are unknown. But I have grown old, very old. And therefore I can't--can't control my thoughts as I should. And I can't rid myself of an idea which has--suddenly--taken possession of me. I have just had a great joy which I don't want to be embittered. But, to quiet an old man, I beg you--give me your word of honor that--

VON KELLER.

[_Rising_.] Pardon me, this seems almost like a cross-examination.

SCHWARTZE.

You must know, then, what I--

VON KELLER.

Pardon me, I wish to know nothing. I came here innocently to make a friendly visit, and you have taken me by surprise. I will not be taken by surprise. [_Takes his hat_.]

SCHWARTZE.

Dr. von Keller, have you thought what this refusal means?

VON KELLER.

Pardon me, if you wish to know anything, I beg you to ask your daughter. She will tell you what--what-- And now you must let me go.

You know where I live. In case-- I am very sorry it has happened so: but-- Good-day, Colonel! [_Exit_.

SCHWARTZE.

[_After brooding for a time_.] Magda!

MARIE.

[_Running in anxiously_.] For Heaven's sake, what's the matter?

SCHWARTZE.

[_Chokingly_.] Magda,--I want Magda.

MARIE.