Part 22 (1/2)

Prince.

_Now_ you've done it, young man!

Kellinghausen.

Do any of you know what he's driving at?

Brachtmann.

Yes.

Kellinghausen.

Richard, what does this mean? What is going on behind my back? You call yourself my friend--why have you kept me in the dark?

Richard (_very quietly_).

In the first place, dear Michael, we only heard of the business an hour or two ago; in the second place (_as he speaks_, Beata _enters from behind_), I am mixed up in it myself.

Kellinghausen.

You? In a slander that concerns me? (Richard _nods without speaking_.) Then there was all the more reason----

Brachtmann.

My dear Kellinghausen, the fault is mine. For the sake of the party, I asked Volkerlingk not to--

Prince (_suddenly noticing_ Beata).

H'm. Perhaps we had better-- (_he advances toward_ Beata). My dear Countess----

Beata _enters quietly_.

Beata.

Don't be afraid. I know what you are speaking of. I know all about it.

Michael, if these gentlemen would allow us to talk the matter over by ourselves----

Kellinghausen.

Thank you, my dear. But I think you had better keep out of it.

Richard--Brachtmann--if you'll come to my study---- (_They both a.s.sent_.)

Richard (_approaching_ Beata).

I will say good-night, Countess.