Why, what's the meaning of all this? H'm. You're right. Strophanthus and digitalis are not meant for human nature's daily food. Besides, the effect might wear off.--My dear Countess, take your courage in both hands and run away. Turn your back on all these emotions. Human life is simply a process of molecular adjustment complicated by moral idiosyncrasies.

Beata (_laughing_).

I'm so glad to know it, doctor. (_Growing serious_.) But there is no time to run away. The storm may break in an hour.

Dr. Kahlenberg.

Child, what has happened? Ah, well, I never ask questions.--In an hour?--I am going home to despatch my whining women, and then I'll drop in again and see what has happened in the interval.

Beata.

And if to-day is only the prelude?

Dr. Kahlenberg.

So much the better. Then we shall have time to look the thing in the face. Meanwhile I'll give you something new to take--something that your system hasn't got used to. We physicians have a supply of such remedies to tide us over bad places.

Beata.

Thank you.

Dr. Kahlenberg.

Give me both hands, Countess. You and I know death too well to be much afraid of it. But if you want to live I'll do my best to help you. And now I'll go and a.s.sure my other patients that they're really ill.

Good-bye. (_He goes out. In the hall he is heard greeting_ Norbert.)

_Enter_ Norbert.

Norbert.

Aunt Beata, I'm so glad to see you looking so well. I was almost afraid----

Beata.

It always cheers me to see you, Norbert. And to-day especially----

Norbert.

To-day?

Beata.

'Sh--to-day is a lucky day.

Norbert.

Lucky? In what way?

Beata.

Wait and see! Wait and see!

Norbert.

I say, Aunt Beata, you're not making fun of me? I don't half like the way you're smiling to yourself.

Beata.

Well, you must make the best of it, dear boy!

Norbert.

Aunt Beata--you're _not_ the same since yesterday. I knew it all along.

What a beastly business life is! You--you--of all women!--that they should dare attack you! The scoundrels--the miserable sneaking scoundrels!

Beata.

Norbert, dear, you must see that this is a matter we can't discuss.

Besides, I have something else to talk to you about. Can you tell me what time it is?

Norbert.

Half-past four.

Beata.

Will you ring for the lamps, please? Ring twice. (Norbert _rings_.) I have only a few minutes to spare, but it won't take long to-- (Conrad _brings in two lamps, and draws the curtains_) to tell you what I-- (_She hesitates, constrained by_ Conrad's _presence_.) This is Miss Mansborough's afternoon. She has probably gone out. (Conrad _leaves the room_.) You will find Ellen alone in her sitting-room--go and look for her--and when you find her, put your arms about her, and say to her, "I love you, and I shall always love you, in this world and the next"--provided there is any next!

Norbert.

Aunt Beata! (_Falls on his knees before her and hides his face in her lap_.)

Beata (_struggling with her tears_).

And then sit down in the twilight, you and Ellen, quietly, side by side, and talk of all the happiness that is coming to you and of all the good you mean to do. Let it be your hour of consecration. And I shall be with you all the while--feeling your happiness, thinking your thoughts--all through this next hour of my life.--Now go, Norbert. I hear some one coming--it must be your father. I will tell him--go, dear, go.

Norbert.

Aunt Beata! (_Kisses her hand_.)

Beata.

Your hour of consecration remember that, Norbert. (Norbert _goes out_.)

_Enter_ Richard.

Richard.

What has happened? You look radiant.