Richard.

Let her. It's her specialty.

Beata.

Every one knows that she never comes here, and her being here to-night is making people talk.

Baron Ludwig.

(_Approaching his brother, evidently at_ Kellinghausen's _instigation_.) Ah, here are the two friends talking together.

Beata.

(_Looking from one brother to the other_.) And the two enemies, too--thank heaven!

Baron Ludwig.

The Countess is right, Richard. It was foolish of us not to speak to each other.

Richard.

My dear Ludwig, perhaps we hadn't enough to say.

Baron Ludwig.

Or too much!

Richard.

Possibly. (_To_ Beata.) But, Countess----

Beata (_turning to join the others_).

No, no. I am going to leave you two together. (_She moves away_.)

Richard.

Why do you look at her so strangely?

Baron Ludwig.

Strangely? What do you mean?

Richard.

You begrudge me this friendship, Ludwig.

Baron Ludwig.

Do I? Perhaps. You must remember that I am very lonely. I had hoped that your house might----

Richard.

My house? With Leonie----?

Baron Ludwig.

Yes--your friend is different from Leonie.

Richard.

You needn't envy me, Ludwig. My friend is a dying woman. Every day I ask myself if I shall ever see her again.

Baron Ludwig.

My dear Richard, the woman lives in a thousand energies. She will survive us both.

Richard.

G.o.d grant it!

Baron Ludwig.

But--be on your guard.

Richard.

What do you mean?

Baron Ludwig.

(_Glancing at_ Kellinghausen.) Can we find a quiet corner somewhere?

(_He takes_ Richard's _arm and they go toward the other room_.)

_Enter_ Leonie, _on_ Norbert's _arm_.

Leonie (_meeting the brothers_).

What a touching spectacle! Look, Norbert!

Baron Ludwig.

Don't detain us, Leonie. We're going to have our photograph taken. (_He and_ Richard _go out_.)

Leonie (_advancing toward the front_).

How enchanting! And Beata as the angel of peace! Quite a new role for you, isn't it, dear? But you're _so_ versatile!