SCHWARTZE.

There, there! That is the spirit of rebellion abroad in the world. My child--my dear child--tell me that you were not in earnest--that you--that you--pity me--if-- [_Looking for the pistol-case_]. I don't know what may happen--child--have pity on me!

MAGDA.

Father, father, be calm, I cannot bear that.

SCHWARTZE.

I will not do it--I cannot do it-- [_Looking still for the pistol-case._] Take it from me! Take it from me!

MAGDA.

What, father?

SCHWARTZE.

Nothing, nothing, nothing. I ask you for the last time.

MAGDA.

Then you persist in it?

SCHWARTZE.

My child, I warn you. You know I cannot do otherwise.

MAGDA.

Yes, father, you leave me no other way. Well, then, are you sure that you ought to force me upon this man--[Schwartze _listens_] that, according to your standards, I am altogether worthy of him?

[_Hesitating, looking into s.p.a.ce_.] I mean--that he was the only one in my life?

SCHWARTZE.

[_Feels for the pistol-case and takes the pistol out_.] You jade! [_He advances upon her, trying to raise the weapon. At the same moment he falls back on the seat, where he remains motionless, with staring eyes, the pistol grasped in his hand, which hangs down by his side_.]

MAGDA.

[_With a loud cry_.] Father! [_She flies toward the stove for shelter from the weapon, then takes a few steps, with her hands before her face_.] Father! [_She sinks, with her knees in a chair, her face on the back. Calling and knocking outside. The door is broken open_.] _Enter_ Max, Marie, Heffterdingt, and Mrs. Schwartze.

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

Leopold, what's the matter? Leopold! [_To the_ Pastor.] O my G.o.d, he's as he used to be!

MARIE.

Papa dear! Speak, one word! [_Throws herself down at his right_.]

HEFFTERDINGT.

Get the doctor, Max.

MAX.

Is it a stroke?

HEFFTERDINGT.

I think so. [_Exit_ Max. _Aside to_ Magda.] Come to him. [_As she hesitates_.] Come; it is the end. [_Leads her trembling to_ Schwartze's _chair_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_Who has tried to take the pistol_.] Let it go, Leopold; what do you want with it? See, he's holding the pistol and won't let it go.

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Aside_.] It is the convulsion. He cannot. My dear old friend, can you understand what I'm saying to you? [Schwartze _bows his head a little_.

Magda _sinks down at his left_.] G.o.d, the All-Merciful One, has called you from on high. You are not her judge. Have you no sign of forgiveness for her? [Schwartze _shakes his head slowly_.]

MARIE.

[_Sinking down by_ Magda.] Papa, give her your blessing, dear papa! [_A smile transfigures his face. The pistol escapes from his hand. He raises his hand slowly to place it on_ Marie's _head. In the midst of this motion a spasm goes through his body. His arm falls back, his head sinks_.]

MRS. SCHWARTZE.

[_Crying out_.] Leopold!

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Taking her hand_.] He has gone home. [_He folds his hands. Silent prayer, broken by the sobbing of the women_.]

MAGDA.

[_Springing up and spreading out her arms in agony_.] Oh, if I had only never come! [Heffterdingt _makes a motion to beg her silence. She misunderstands_.] Are you going to drive me away? His life was the cost of my coming. May I not stay now?

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Simply and peacefully_. ] No one will hinder you from praying upon his grave.

[_Curtain falls slowly_.]

THE END.