Part 16 (1/2)

Ebeling.

Has she been notified that the divorce has been granted?

Frau v. Yburg.

Yesterday--just after the proceedings--Baron von Kanoldt--came--with his proposal.

Ebeling.

H'm!--quicker than I had expected.

Frau v. Yburg.

My husband, of course, was simply thunderstruck. One can surely sympathise with him--von Kanoldt--a man in the forties--divorced--with grown children--and _such_ a reputation! But when he saw that I took the man's part--I had to do that, didn't I?

Ebeling.

That was our only course.

Frau v. Yburg.

Then his position, his wealth, his connections at court--oh, yes, and naturally our long friends.h.i.+p-- Of course, my husband doesn't surmise what this man did to her! In the end, he agreed that Margot herself should decide.

Ebeling.

Well, and--? What----?

Frau v. Yburg.

She came, looked him quietly in the face, and asked for time to think it over.

Ebeling.

It seems to me your husband was very clever. Otherwise, he might perhaps have----

Frau v. Yburg.

Yes, but when we were alone, just fancy! she declared quite simply: ”No, I won't do it.” I exclaimed, ”Why, my dear child, you're out of your mind! You know that we've done everything for the sake of this day!” ”Yes, I know all about it--but I won't.” ”You've been wis.h.i.+ng it for three years,” I said to her. And what do you suppose she answered!

”I never wished it. You talked it into me--and he.”

Ebeling.

”He?” Pardon me, who?

Frau v. Yburg.

You, Herr Ebeling.

Ebeling (_standing up in his excitement_).

My dear lady, it was my duty to carry out what you and Fraulein Margot desired--and what, in short, the circ.u.mstances demanded.