Muhlingk. This forty thousand was a gift, not a loan.

Robert. Nevertheless, I consider myself responsible for its return.

Muhlingk. Has your father given his authority for the return of the money?

Robert. No, he has not.

Muhlingk. Then the money is your own?

Robert. Yes.

Muhlingk. Hmm!

Kurt. Don't you think it interesting, Father, that Herr Heinecke has saved so much money?

Robert. (_Thinks a moment, then realizes the meaning of_ Kurt's _insinuation, cries out, and steps forward drawing his revolver. He seizes_ Kurt _by the throat_) Cur! take that back!--back!

Muhlingk. Help! help!

(Leonore _enters_.)

Leonore. Have pity! Robert!

Robert. (_Lets the revolver fall and drops back, his face in his hands_. Kurt _struggling for breath sinks to sofa_) Oh!

(_Enter_ Frau Muhlingk.)

Frau Muhlingk. What is it? Kurt? (_Rushing to him_) Help! Murder!

Murder! Ring, Theodore!

Muhlingk. Quiet! There is no further danger! What more do you want? Get out!

Robert. Leave as a thief, eh? (_At a movement from_ Leonore) Yes, Leonore, you may as well know I've saved money, I'm a thief!

Leonore. Father, what is it?--what have you done!

Robert. Good. This is a day of reckoning. We might as well settle all accounts. The account between the Avenue and the Alley. We work for you. We give you sweat and blood. As a reward you ruin our daughter and pay for the disgrace with the money we've earned for you. That is what you call doing a kindness. I have fought tooth and nail for your business and never asked pay. I have looked up to you as a person looks up to something holy! You were my faith and my religion! And what did you do for me? You stole the honor of my house, for it was honorable even if it was in the Alley. You stole my heart and my people and even if they were poor beggars, I love them just the same. You stole the very pillow on which I might rest when I was worn out working for you!

You stole my home and my trust in G.o.d and man! You stole my sense of shame, my peace, my good conscience!--You have stolen the very sun out of my heaven!--You are the thieves--you!!

Muhlingk. (_After a pause_) Shall I have the servants put you out?

Leonore. (_Stepping between_) That you won't do, Father.

Muhlingk. What! You?

Leonore. He will leave of his own free will, unmolested, or Father, you can put me out, too.

Robert. Leonore, what are you doing?

Leonore. Haven't you a word of apology for him?--not a single word?

Muhlingk. You are mad!

Robert. Stop, Leonore! I will think of you with--grat.i.tude--as long as I live. When I leave you I leave the only thing that I can call home--G.o.d bless you! and farewell! (_He goes to door_)

Leonore. (_Embracing him_) Don't go! don't go!--or take me with you!

Robert. Leonore!

Muhlingk. What!!!

Leonore. Don't leave me alone! My soul is frozen between these walls!

You are my home, too! You have always been! See, I've thrown myself into your arms!

Muhlingk. Oh! what a disgraceful scene!

Leonore. Father dear, we needn't get angry with each other. I love this man. For that which you have taken from him I offer that which I have.

(_Half to_ Robert) I only have myself--If he wants that----

Robert. Leonore!

(_Enter_ Trast.)

Trast. What has happened?

Leonore. I thank you, my good friend, for showing me the right way.

Robert, let us make a new home, new duties.

Robert. (_Bitterly, with a look at_ Kurt _who is sitting as though dumb_) And a new honor! (_He takes her in his arms_)

Frau Muhlingk. So that is our thanks, Father!

Leonore. Father, Mother, I ask your forgiveness, but what I am doing now I must do! I am sure that it can't be wrong. But I beg of you, think kindly of me--sometimes.

Muhlingk. Ah, and you think you'll leave my house without my curse!

(_He lifts his arm as though to curse her_) You----

Trast. (_Stepping up to him_) No, Herr Councillor, what's the use of wearing yourself out with curses? (_Quietly_) and furthermore, in confidence, your daughter isn't making a bad match. The young fellow will have my station and, since I have no heirs, my fortune.

Muhlingk. But, Count--why didn't you explain!

Trast. (_Quickly stepping back and raising his hand as if to bless him_) Please submit your worthy blessing in writing!

(_Follows the two to the door as_