The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) Part 40

(_Fervently_.) You still love your life, Richard? You still want to live?

Richard.

Haven't I told you so? Ever since----

Beata.

Never fear, dearest. You _shall_ live.

Richard (_with outstretched hands_).

Beata, before we part----

Beata.

Don't thank me--don't kiss me. I--good-bye, Richard. (_She goes out_.)

Richard.

Beata!

Curtain.

ACT V

ACT V

_The dining-room at_ Count Kellinghausen's. _In the middle of the stage a table with six covers. On the right a sofa, table, and chairs.

Sideboard on the left. In the centre at the back a wide door leading into the drawing-room. Door on the right into anteroom, door on the left into inner apartments. A window on the right, in the foreground.

Grey light of a winter's day_. Ellen _is busy arranging the flowers on the table_. Conrad _in the background. Enter_ Beata _from the left_.

Ellen.

Oh, mother, I'm so glad you've come. Will the flowers do?

Beata.

Beautifully, dear. (Conrad _goes out_.)

Ellen.

And the cards? Look--I've put you here, of course, with Baron Ludwig on your right, and Prince Usingen on your left.--Mother! You're not listening.

Beata.

Yes I am. But Brachtmann is older than the Prince. They must change places.

Ellen.

Very well. And this is Uncle Richard's seat, next to father's.

_Enter_ Kellinghausen.

Kellinghausen.

What about father?

Ellen.

I was only saying that I had put Uncle Richard next to you.

Kellinghausen.

Next to me?--Yes, yes; of course. Quite right. (_He pets her_.) Now, you monkey, be off!

Beata.

I shall see you before luncheon, dear.

Ellen.

Yes, mother. (_Goes out_.)

Kellinghausen.

I came to speak to you about our arrangements. I have just received a telegram from Rossitsch. Your rooms are ready for you. To prevent any talk, I shall take you there and leave you. I suppose you are ready to start this evening?

Beata.

Whenever you please, dear Michael.

Kellinghausen.

You don't seem to have made any preparations.

Beata (_smiling_).

I have so few to make!

Kellinghausen.