Oh, Ellen and Norbert! I've no objection to the match, none whatever--but it's _your_ scheme, not mine, and you can't expect me to be particularly enthusiastic about it. But I should think it would be one more reason for _you_ to keep quiet.

Beata.

Then--if you don't mean to do anything--why did you bring me this?

Leonie (_with irrepressible triumph_).

Why did I bring it? Because I--(_relapses into her usual amiability_)--I thought it might interest you, and you see I was not mistaken. Ah, here comes Norbert!

_Enter_ Norbert.

Norbert.

I'm sorry to have kept you, mother. The carriage was-- (_Startled_.) Why, Aunt Beata, what's the matter?

Beata (_making an effort to smile_).

Nothing, Norbert, dear.

Leonie.

Well, good-bye, Beata. Do be careful of yourself! I should be so sorry to think I had done anything to excite you. Come, Norbert, you must put me in the carriage, and then you can come back to your dear aunt.

Norbert.

I beg your pardon, mother, but I think Aunt Beata needs me now. If you'll wait for me a moment downstairs----

Leonie.

What did I say? I congratulate you, Beata! (_She goes out alone_.)

Norbert.

What has she been saying to you?

Beata.

Oh, she was right--so right!

Norbert (_alarmed_).

Aunt Beata!

Beata (_with an effort_).

Norbert--my son--take me to Ellen. In a few minutes I shall be quite----

Norbert.

Come, come-- (_Leads her gently out. Sounds of talk and laughter come from the inner room_.)

_Enter_ Kellinghausen.

Kellinghausen.

(_Putting his head through the curtains_.) Ha! No one there? Have our wives made way with each other? (_To_ Richard, _who has followed him_.) They're not so deuced fond of one another. I say, old man, just now, when I was talking about the elections, why did you all put on that air of statesmanlike reserve? Did I say anything out of the way?

Richard.

What an absurd idea!

Kellinghausen.

One is always liable to make an a.s.s of one's self. I'm not conscious of having blundered, but--oh, well, I sha'n't get anything out of you.

(_Raising the curtain and calling out_--) Brachtmann--Usingen--come here a moment.

Richard.

Michael, if you take my advice we'll drop the election for the present.

I give you my word that if anything occurs that reflects on you----

Kellinghausen.

On me? Reflects on me? What on earth do you mean? I'm thinking of the party. Our business is to look out for the party.

_Enter_ Brachtmann _and the_ Prince, _followed a moment or two later by_ Norbert.

Brachtmann.

Hear, hear! But what are you talking about?

Kellinghausen (_to_ Norbert).

Aha, young man, where have you come from? Tea in the school-room, eh?

Norbert.

Aunt Beata was not very well, Uncle Michael. (Richard _starts_.)

Kellinghausen.

Ah?

Norbert.

She is feeling better now. She will be here in a few minutes.

Kellinghausen.