Uncle, what has happened? I've just met Brachtmann and Usingen. They said--uncle-- (Baron Ludwig _points silently to the door on the left_.

Norbert _hurries through it. Another pause_. Baron Ludwig _continues to pace up and down. The doctor_, Richard _and_ Michael _come slowly into the room_.)

The Doctor (_after a silence_).

Count, I am extremely sorry to have come too late. But it may be some comfort to you to know that I could have done nothing. Death was the result of heart disease--the end must have been instantaneous. May I ask who was the Countess's regular physician?

Kellinghausen.

Dr. Kahlenberg.

The Doctor.

I will notify him at once. Permit me to offer my sympathy.

Kellinghausen.

Thank you, doctor. (_Shakes his hand and accompanies him to the door.

The doctor goes out_. Baron Ludwig _shakes_ Kellinghausen's _hand silently, nods to_ Richard _and withdraws_.)

Richard.

Thank you, Michael--for letting me be with her----

Kellinghausen.

Read this. (_Hands him_ Beata's _letter_.)

Richard.

(_Takes the letter, shudders at sight of the handwriting, tries to read it, and then hands it back_.) I cannot----

Kellinghausen.

Then I will read it to you. It's meant for both of us. (_He reads_.) "Dear Michael, even if the poison is found in me they will think I took it by mistake. To avoid suspicion I shall do it while we are all at luncheon. I see that some one must pay the penalty--better I than he.

He has his work before him--I have lived my life. And so I mean to steal a march on him. Whatever you have agreed upon between you, my death will cancel the bargain--he cannot die now without causing the scandal you have been so anxious to avert. I have always loved happiness, and I find happiness now in doing this for his sake, and the children's and yours. Beata." As she says, this cancels our agreement.

You see that I must give you back your word.

Richard.

And you see, Michael----

_Enter_ Norbert.

Norbert.

(_Throws himself weeping into_ Kellinghausen's _arms_.) Uncle Michael!

Kellinghausen.

Go, my son--go to Ellen. (Norbert _wrings_ Richard's _hand without speaking, and goes out_.)

Richard.

And you see, Michael, that _I_ live because I must--that I live--because I am dead----

Curtain.