Part 45 (1/2)

Richard.

(_Making a perceptible effort to change the conversation_.) My dear Countess, no one ever ventures to dispute your statements. But there is one family about which I want to say a word and that is the one we are in. (_Rising_.) I drink to the house of Kellinghausen!

The Others.

Hear--hear!

Richard.

The house of Kellinghausen! As I look back over my life, I don't know how to sum up all I owe to it. (_He turns to_ Beata.) To you, my dear friend----

Kellinghausen (_with forced gaiety_).

Is this a settlement in full, my dear fellow?

Richard.

(_Taken aback, but recovering himself instantly_.) You're right, Michael. There's no use trying; but there's something I want to say to you.

Kellinghausen.

Hear! hear!

Richard (_to the others_).

Since yesterday, you all know what I owe him. My success is his doing, all his doing. If I've gained my end, if I've reached the goal at last, it's to Kellinghausen I owe it. Here's to my good friend and yours!

The Others.

Hear! Hear! (_They clink their gla.s.ses_.)

Kellinghausen.

(_With a strained laugh, as he and_ Richard _touch gla.s.ses_.) You might have left that out.

Richard.

I should have written it if I hadn't said it.

Kellinghausen (_still on his feet_).

Gentlemen--Beata--I may speak for all of you, I believe? I think our friend Volkerlingk proved conclusively yesterday that if he has taken my place it is because he has the best right to it. (_On the verge of an outburst_.) A better right to it--than-- (_He is checked by a terrified glance from_ Beata, _who utters a low exclamation_.) Well--well--I'm not much of a speech-maker.--Gentlemen--Beata--long life to our friend Volkerlingk--long life to my successor!

Beata.

(_In a low voice, while the others gather about_ Richard.) Long life to him! (_She presses her hand to her heart, and rests heavily against the arm of her chair_.)

Prince (_to_ Kellinghausen).

Is anything wrong with the Countess?