Part 34 (2/2)

The Lady (_softly_).

But you're not to----

v. Wolters.

Forgive me. Your kindness to me makes me feel so--confused--I----

The Lady.

Why should it? I feel certain that if he could see us at this moment, he himself would join our hands together.

v. Wolters.

Countess, if you ever need a man who would let himself be torn to pieces for you----

The Lady.

No, not that. I only want you to take this great weight from my soul.

v. Wolters.

Ah, Countess, I am a man of my word.

The Lady.

And that's what you call being torn to pieces for me?

v. Wolters (_trembling_).

Whether I can answer for this to him and to my own conscience--whether I can ever again think of him--without shame--will depend upon what we shall find in there.

The Lady.

But you will open it? (_A pause._) Herr von Wolters, you'll not let me die of fear and distraction?

v. Wolters.

I'll open it.

The Lady (_laying her hand on his arm_).

Thanks, thanks! Ah, you are good----

v. Wolters (_taking out the key_).

Don't thank me. I feel as if he could hear it in there.

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