Part 17 (1/2)

Richard.

Let her. It's her specialty.

Beata.

Every one knows that she never comes here, and her being here to-night is making people talk.

Baron Ludwig.

(_Approaching his brother, evidently at_ Kellinghausen's _instigation_.) Ah, here are the two friends talking together.

Beata.

(_Looking from one brother to the other_.) And the two enemies, too--thank heaven!

Baron Ludwig.

The Countess is right, Richard. It was foolish of us not to speak to each other.

Richard.

My dear Ludwig, perhaps we hadn't enough to say.

Baron Ludwig.

Or too much!

Richard.

Possibly. (_To_ Beata.) But, Countess----

Beata (_turning to join the others_).

No, no. I am going to leave you two together. (_She moves away_.)

Richard.

Why do you look at her so strangely?

Baron Ludwig.

Strangely? What do you mean?

Richard.

You begrudge me this friends.h.i.+p, Ludwig.

Baron Ludwig.

Do I? Perhaps. You must remember that I am very lonely. I had hoped that your house might----