Part 30 (2/2)

Beata.

Michael, you must see that we can't discuss that now. It would be laughable if I were to try to explain to you----

Kellinghausen.

Ha! Ha! Lies and deception! Wife--friend--everything! Everything! (_To_ Richard.) Why do you stand there as if you were struck dumb? Why don't _you_ try and whitewash yourself too?

Richard.

You said just now that our account was easy to settle.

Beata.

He sees things differently. I speak for myself. He looks at things as you do.

Kellinghausen.

And yet----

Beata.

Wait, please! I have one word more to say, I have staked everything and lost--it's all over for us, all three of us. If I had spoken years ago, the same thing would have happened. You told me just now that I had made you happy. Well, that is what my lie has done. It has made you happy for fifteen years. Blame me for it--but don't forget it----

Kellinghausen.

And G.o.d--and retribution? Do you never think of such things? No repentance--no remorse? Nothing? Nothing?

Richard.

Spare her, Michael. Let me answer for her. (Kellinghausen _advances toward him with clenched fist_.)

Beata.

You have questioned _me_, Michael; let me question you. Must every natural instinct end in remorse and repentance? Sin? I am not conscious of sinning. I did the best that it was in me to do. I simply refused to be crushed by your social laws. I a.s.serted my right to live; my right to self-preservation. Perhaps it was another way of suicide--that's no matter. You know what my life has been--how I've had to buy it, hour by hour and drop by drop, at the nearest chemist's--well, wretched as it is, I've loved it too dearly to disown it now! Yes, I've loved it--I've loved everything--everything around me--you too, Michael--ah, don't laugh--yes, you too--even if I've--ah-- (_Her breath comes in long gasps and she reels and clutches a chair, closing her eyes as she leans against it. Then she opens them again_.) Which one of you will--help me to the door? (Richard _makes a movement, and then draws back_.)

Kellinghausen.

Beata, from now on there will be no one to help you.

Beata.

Thank you. (_With an intense effort, she walks out of the room_.)

Kellinghausen (_to_ Richard).

And now----?

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