Won't you take my arm, Countess?

Beata.

No, no--thanks! Michael, make my excuses. I shall be back in a few minutes. (_She lingers in the doorway with a last smile and a last look at_ Richard.) Good-bye. I shall be back--in a few minutes. (_Goes out_.)

Kellinghausen (_to the others_).

Don't be alarmed. My wife often breaks down in this way--I knew by her excitement that it was coming. Please sit down again. I a.s.sure you that in a few minutes she--(_A heavy fall is heard in the next room_.

Richard _starts violently_. Michael _half springs from his seat, but controls himself with an effort. There is a short pause_.)--she'll be coming back laughing as usual. (_Whispers are heard behind the door to the left_. Richard _is seen to listen intently_.) What are you listening to? What's the matter?

Richard (_agitated_).

I beg your pardon--I thought I-- (Ellen _is heard to utter a piercing scream. The men start to their feet_. Michael _rushes out_.)

Baron Ludwig.

Surely that was Countess Ellen's voice?

Prince.

It doesn't look as if the Countess were going to come back laughing as usual.

Michael _enters with a ghastly face_.

Kellinghausen (_hoa.r.s.ely_).

The nearest doctor--any one--quick! (_Goes out again_. Richard _makes a motion as though to follow him, then turns and rushes out of the door to the right_.)

Brachtmann.

The Countess is subject to such attacks; but this seems--different.

Prince.

H'm--yes--quite so. (_There is a long silence_.)

Brachtmann (_to_ Baron Ludwig).

Your brother may not be able to find a doctor.

Baron Ludwig.

We must hope for the best. (_Another silence_.)

Prince.

Perhaps we had better be going----

Brachtmann.

(_Nods his a.s.sent; then to_ Baron Ludwig.) Are you coming?

Baron Ludwig.

I shall wait for my brother. (_He shakes hands with them_.)

Prince.

H'm. (_He and_ Brachtmann _go out_. Baron Ludwig _walks up and down the room shaking his head_.)

_Enter_ Conrad.

Baron Ludwig.

Well?

Conrad.

I can't say yet, your Excellency. (_He goes to the table_.) We are looking for the drops. Countess Ellen gave them to the Countess herself before luncheon.

Baron Ludwig.

I thought I saw something in her hand at luncheon. Has any one looked in her hand?

Conrad.

No. (_He goes out. There is a pause_.)

_Enter_ Richard _and a doctor_.

Richard.

Well? Has anything----

Baron Ludwig.

Nothing.

Richard.

Will you come this way, doctor?

The Doctor.

Thank you. (Richard _and the doctor go out_. Baron Ludwig _continues to pace the floor_.)

_Enter_ Norbert _by door on the right_.

Norbert.