No one knows.

Richard.

But she must have ordered the carriage?

Norbert.

It seems not.

Richard.

Well, thank you, my boy. What time is it?

Norbert.

Nearly seven.

Richard.

You had better dine without me. I shall go and enquire. She may have----

Norbert.

Is there anything I can do, father?

Richard.

No, no. Thanks, Norbert. (_He gives him his hand_.) Good-night, my lad.

Norbert.

Good-night, father. (_Goes out_.)

Richard (_to himself_).

My G.o.d! My G.o.d! (_He hurries toward the door, and starts back amazed_.)

_Enter_ Beata, _in hat and cloak, her face thickly veiled_.

Richard.

Beata! (_He closes the door_.) Where have you come from? Tell me, for heaven's sake!

Beata.

Alive!

Richard.

Did any one see you except George?

Beata.

Alive--alive! (_She sinks into a chair, trembling and hiding her face in her hands_.)

Richard.

Good G.o.d, Beata, rouse yourself! What has happened? Don't keep me in suspense. What is it, dearest? Answer me.

Beata.

I'm so cold.

Richard (_opening the door_).

George! (George _enters_.) Light the fire.

George (_kneels down and lights it_).

Yes, your Excellency.

Richard.

And see that no one interrupts us. I am engaged with Madame von Kellinghausen.

George.

Yes, your Excellency.

Richard.

If the Baroness comes in, say nothing, but let me know.

George.

Yes, your Excellency. (_Goes out_.)

Richard.

And now, come and sit by the fire. But take off your cloak first--there. And your hat and veil too?

Beata.

(_Letting her arms sink down helplessly_.) I can't.

Richard.

Wait, dear. (_He loosens her veil_.) How white you are! Come to the fire. (_He leads her to the fireplace_.) There! is that right?

Beata.