Richard.
(Takes the letter, shudders at sight of the handwriting, tries to read it, and then hands it back.) I cannot----
Kellinghausen.
Then I will read it to you. It's meant for both of us. (He reads.) "Dear Michael, even if the poison is found in me they will think I took it by mistake. To avoid suspicion I shall do it while we are all at luncheon. I see that some one must pay the penalty--better I than he. He has his work before him--I have lived my life. And so I mean to steal a march on him. Whatever you have agreed upon between you, my death will cancel the bargain--he cannot die now without causing the scandal you have been so anxious to avert. I have always loved happiness, and I find happiness now in doing this for his sake, and the children's and yours. Beata." As she says, this cancels our agreement. You see that I must give you back your word.
Richard.
And you see, Michael----
Enter Norbert.
Norbert.
(Throws himself weeping into Kellinghausen's arms.) Uncle Michael!
Kellinghausen.
Go, my son--go to Ellen. (Norbert wrings Richard's hand without speaking, and goes out.)
Richard.
And you see, Michael, that I live because I must--that I live--because I am dead----