The Joy Of Living (Es Lebe Das Leben) - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Won't you take my arm, Countess?
Beata.
No, no--thanks! Michael, make my excuses. I shall be back in a few minutes. (_She lingers in the doorway with a last smile and a last look at_ Richard.) Good-bye. I shall be back--in a few minutes. (_Goes out_.)
Kellinghausen (_to the others_).
Don't be alarmed. My wife often breaks down in this way--I knew by her excitement that it was coming. Please sit down again. I a.s.sure you that in a few minutes she--(_A heavy fall is heard in the next room_.
Richard _starts violently_. Michael _half springs from his seat, but controls himself with an effort. There is a short pause_.)--she'll be coming back laughing as usual. (_Whispers are heard behind the door to the left_. Richard _is seen to listen intently_.) What are you listening to? What's the matter?
Richard (_agitated_).
I beg your pardon--I thought I-- (Ellen _is heard to utter a piercing scream. The men start to their feet_. Michael _rushes out_.)
Baron Ludwig.
Surely that was Countess Ellen's voice?
Prince.
It doesn't look as if the Countess were going to come back laughing as usual.
Michael _enters with a ghastly face_.
Kellinghausen (_hoa.r.s.ely_).
The nearest doctor--any one--quick! (_Goes out again_. Richard _makes a motion as though to follow him, then turns and rushes out of the door to the right_.)
Brachtmann.
The Countess is subject to such attacks; but this seems--different.
Prince.
H'm--yes--quite so. (_There is a long silence_.)
Brachtmann (_to_ Baron Ludwig).
Your brother may not be able to find a doctor.
Baron Ludwig.
We must hope for the best. (_Another silence_.)
Prince.
Perhaps we had better be going----
Brachtmann.
(_Nods his a.s.sent; then to_ Baron Ludwig.) Are you coming?
Baron Ludwig.
I shall wait for my brother. (_He shakes hands with them_.)
Prince.
H'm. (_He and_ Brachtmann _go out_. Baron Ludwig _walks up and down the room shaking his head_.)
_Enter_ Conrad.
Baron Ludwig.
Well?
Conrad.
I can't say yet, your Excellency. (_He goes to the table_.) We are looking for the drops. Countess Ellen gave them to the Countess herself before luncheon.
Baron Ludwig.
I thought I saw something in her hand at luncheon. Has any one looked in her hand?
Conrad.
No. (_He goes out. There is a pause_.)
_Enter_ Richard _and a doctor_.
Richard.
Well? Has anything----
Baron Ludwig.
Nothing.
Richard.
Will you come this way, doctor?
The Doctor.
Thank you. (Richard _and the doctor go out_. Baron Ludwig _continues to pace the floor_.)
_Enter_ Norbert _by door on the right_.
Norbert.
