Magda Part 39

MAGDA.

I will not do it--I will not do it.

HEFFTERDINGT.

You will have to.

MAGDA.

I would rather take my child in my arms and throw myself into the sea.

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Suppresses a violent start; continues after a silence, hoa.r.s.ely_.] Of course, that is the simplest solution. And your father can follow you.

MAGDA.

Oh, have pity on me! I must do whatever you demand. I don't know how you have gained such power over me. Oh, man, if the slightest memory of what you once felt, if the least pity for your own youth, still lives within you, you cannot sacrifice me so!

HEFFTERDINGT.

I do not sacrifice you alone, Miss Magda.

MAGDA.

[_With awakening perception_.] Good G.o.d!

HEFFTERDINGT.

There's no other way. I see none. You know yourself that the old man would not survive it. And what would become of your mother, and what would become of your poor sister? Miss Magda, it is as if with your own hand you set fire to the house and let everything burn that is within.

And this house is still your home--

MAGDA.

[_In growing agony_.] I will not, I will not. This house is not my home. My home is with my child!

HEFFTERDINGT.

This child, too. He will grow up fatherless, and will be asked, "Where is your father?" He will come and ask you, "Where is my father?" What can you answer him? And, Miss Magda, he who has not peace in his heart from the beginning will never win it in the end.

MAGDA.

All this is not true, and if it were true, have I not a heart too? Have I not a life to live also? Have I not a right to seek my own happiness?

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Harshly_.] No; no one has that. But do as you will. Ruin your home, ruin your father and sister and child, and then see what heart you have to seek your own happiness. [Magda _bows her head, sobbing. The_ Pastor _crosses to her, and leans over the table pityingly, with his hand on her hair_.] My poor--

MAGDA.

[_Seizing his hand_.] Answer me one question. You have sacrificed your life for my sake. Do you think, to-day, in spite of what you know and what you do not know, do you think that I am worth this sacrifice?

HEFFTERDINGT.

[_Constrained, as if making a confession_.] I have said already I am your fellow-sinner, Miss Magda.

MAGDA.

[_After a pause_.] I will do what you demand.

HEFFTERDINGT.

I thank you.

MAGDA.

Good-by.

HEFFTERDINGT.

Good-by. [_Exit. He is seen through the open door speaking to_ Marie _and sending her in_. Magda _remains motionless, with her face in her hands until he has gone_.

_Enter_ Marie.

MARIE.

What can I do, Magda?

MAGDA.

Where has the pastor gone?

MARIE.

Into the garden. Mamma is with him.

MAGDA.

If father asks for me, say I shall wait there. [_Nods towards left_.]

MARIE.

And haven't you a word for me, Magda?

MAGDA.

Oh, yes. Fear nothing. [_Kisses her on the forehead_.] Everything will come out well, so well--no, no, no. [_In weary bitterness_.] Everything will come out quite well. [_Exit, left_. Marie _goes into the dining-room_.]

_Enter_ Schwartze. _He takes out a pistol-case and opens it. Takes a pistol, c.o.c.ks it with difficulty, examines the barrel, and aims at a point on the wall. His arm trembles violently. He strikes it angrily, and lets the pistol sink. Enter_ Max.