Ah, Herr von Wolters--to let them close the coffin before I--I had seen him--I must confess, I had not expected that of you, Herr von Wolters.
I didn't dare prevent it, Countess--just because of your coming. It was the only way to have the house to ourselves.
Don't call me countess, Herr von Wolters. I am not a countess here. (_Glancing toward the door._) I am only an unhappy woman whom no one in this house knows, whom no one is to know.
Quite. The little girl who, you say, is not unknown to you, is outside at the entrance. I have told her mother of your visit and she will not enter the house. If you wish, however, we can lock the door.
Yes, do. Or, no, perhaps it would be better not to--in case any one----
(_Throws back her veil, revealing a very beautiful face, which is deathly pale and wears an expression of the deepest affliction. She sinks into the chair. A pause._) I wanted to lay my roses on his breast. Ah, Herr von Wolters, I loved that man with an infinite love. Perhaps grief will give my life a new and holier meaning--who knows? We seek beauty--and find grief. Tell me, Herr von Wolters, you were his best friend, did you never suspect----?
And when you received my letter early this morning asking you to come at once--not even then?
I could draw--various conclusions--from that.
Oh, please--really, you must excuse me----
No, Herr von Wolters. We are here--but why don't you sit down? (_He does so._) We are here together, you and I, to hold the last rites over our sainted dead. His friend and his beloved who else has any right to be here? Herr von Wolters, I have given you my full confidence--I have made a strange confession to you. You will not betray me?
And so, in this sacred hour, there must be no concealment between us. Answer me now. What does the world say?
Tell me, to what extent has my name been associated with this affair?
I can't conceal the fact from you, Countess. Your name is mentioned.
But please let me add that not a shadow, not the slightest suspicion, has ever----
My dear Countess, when a woman is as beauti-- I mean, that when a woman is the centre of so much interest, it's not surprising that some notice was taken of the attentions which he--
It naturally was observed that my friend----