The Lonely Way-Intermezzo-Countess Mizzie Part 83

SIGISMUND

What do you mean?

AMADEUS

I mean simply that two of my friends are now on their way to your house on my behalf....

SIGISMUND

Well...?

AMADEUS

To demand reparation for what ... (_looking Sigismund straight in the eye_) I believed you guilty of.

SIGISMUND (_takes a step back; a pause ensues during which they stare hard at each other_) You have challenged.... (_Reaching out his hand_) That's fine!

AMADEUS (_does not accept the proffered hand_)

SIGISMUND

But it's splendid! I can a.s.sure you that the whole matter now a.s.sumes quite a different aspect. And, of course, I shall be at your disposal just the same, if you insist.

AMADEUS (_draws a deep breath, looks long at Sigismund, and shakes his head at last_) No, I won't any longer. (_He shakes hands with him, and then begins walking to and fro, muttering to himself_) Cecilia....

Cecilia...! (_Returning to Sigismund and addressing him in a totally different tone_) Won't you please be seated, Sigismund?

SIGISMUND

No, thank you.

AMADEUS (_feeling repelled and suspicious again_)

Just as you please.

SIGISMUND

Don't misunderstand me, please. But I suppose this ends our conference, my dear Master. (_Looking around_) And yet I must admit that your rude treatment has made me feel a great deal more at ease. Isn't that strange? And in spite of the fact that, after this unexpected turn, my hopes must be held practically--I beg your pardon!--completely disposed of.... In spite of this I feel actually in much better spirits than I have done for a long time. Even if I am not to have the happiness of which I have foolishly dared to dream so long....

AMADEUS

Was it so very foolish?

SIGISMUND (_good-humoredly_)

Oh, yes. But this is at least an acceptable conclusion. (_Shaking his head_) It seems queer! If I hadn't come here at this very moment, you might never have learned--you might never have believed--might have believed that Cecilia.... And one of us might perhaps--must perhaps have.... (_He makes a gesture to complete the sentence_)

AMADEUS

It was indeed a strange coincidence that made you choose this particular moment....

SIGISMUND

Coincidence, you say? Oh, no, there are no coincidences--as you will discover sooner or later. (_Pause_) Well, good-by then, and give my regards to Mrs. ... Adams ...

AMADEUS

You can safely call her Cecilia.

SIGISMUND

... and tell her, please, that she mustn't be angry with me for having taken such a step without her knowledge. Of course, my going away won't surprise her. When leaving her yesterday, I told her that I couldn't continue this kind of existence.

AMADEUS

And she...? What did she say?

SIGISMUND (_hesitatingly_)

She....

AMADEUS (_excited again_)

She tried to keep you here...?

SIGISMUND

Yes.

AMADEUS

So that after all...!

SIGISMUND

Now she won't try any longer, my dear Master. (_With a wistful smile_) I have served my purpose.

AMADEUS

What do you mean?

SIGISMUND

Oh, I can see now why she needed me--of course, you were not at all aware of it!

AMADEUS

Why did she need you?

SIGISMUND