Part 5 (2/2)

What are you happy about, dear?

Ellen.

I don't know--does one ever?

Beata.

Has anything in particular happened?

Ellen.

No; nothing. That is--Norbert said-- Oh, yes to be sure; we met Uncle Richard.

Beata.

Ah--where?

Ellen.

In the Zoo. On horseback. He sent his love and said he would be in before dinner. Norbert is coming too. Mother, is it true that Uncle Richard is such a wonderful speaker? Norbert says he can do what he likes with people.

Beata.

Some people--but only those whose thoughts he can turn into feelings, or whose feelings he can turn into thoughts. Do you understand?

Ellen.

Oh, yes! You mean, one can give only to those who have something to give in return?

Beata.

Yes.

Ellen.

But he must have great power--I am sure of it! He's always so quiet, and says so little--yet one feels there's a great fire inside--and sometimes it blazes up.

Beata (_laughing_).

What do you know about it?

Ellen.

Oh, I know. It's just the same with-- Mother, how can people _bear_ life sometimes? It's so beautiful one simply can't breathe!

Beata (_with emotion_).

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