The German Classics of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries Volume Ix Part 124

Don't mention that--

SOPHY.

How you start! It was at sunset; and as I looked around, something was coming out from under the pines--so red. I--frightened--For G.o.d's sake, I say, why, that is blood!

[FORESTER _throws down his spoon and rises_.]

SOPHY.

Then the evening glow was reflected in the water.--But what is the matter with you?

FORESTER.

Always with your Dell. What do you care about the Dell?

SOPHY.

Did something happen to you there? People say the place is haunted.

Robert said so to me yesterday. They say that there is an accursed spot!

There some one committed a murd--

FORESTER (_seizes his gun_).

What do you know?

SOPHY (_recoiling in terror_).

Ulrich!--

FORESTER.

Will you keep quiet?

SOPHY (_stops before him, shuddering, filled with a presentiment_).

Ulrich! What have you done?

FORESTER (_has recovered his self-possession_).

Stuff and nonsense! Is this a night for such stories?

[_Lost in thought_.]

SOPHY.

Go ahead. Whether an hour sooner, or an hour later. You have me on your conscience.

[_Sinks down upon a chair to the left_.]

FORESTER (_pause; then he walks slowly up and down, and gradually comes near her, hesitating_).

I must tell you something, Sophy--if you do not already know it; it will not let me rest. I am in the right; but--and then I cannot tell--is it true or is it only an oppressive dream?--a dream in which one cannot do what one wishes--and exhausts oneself--because one must always do what one does not wish. Come here! Do you hear? Place your hand on the Bible.

SOPHY.

Great G.o.d! What can be the meaning of this!

FORESTER.

It would be horrible if I had been obliged to kill her, and after all everything were only--and then I should have in vain--Sophy!

[_Quite close to her; softly_.]

There is a report that a corpse is lying in the Dell!

SOPHY.

You are drunk or mad!

FORESTER.

I am in my right mind. Look at me, woman! Do you believe in a G.o.d in Heaven? Very well, Very well! Then place your hand upon the Bible, right here. There my right is written. Now say after me: "As truly as I hope to be saved--"

SOPHY (_faintly_).

As truly as I hope to be saved--

FORESTER.

"So truly shall it remain a secret what I am now about to hear."

SOPHY.

So truly shall it remain a secret what I am now about to hear.

[_Is obliged to sit down_.]

FORESTER.

And now give heed.--It is short--no But and no If about it--it is clear as the right--and right must remain right--else we need no G.o.d in Heaven! [_After he has made several attempts to begin, in a dejected and low voice, while he leads her to the footlights_.] Do not be frightened.

Robert shot our Andrew, and I--I have executed judgment upon him.

SOPHY.

Oh, G.o.d! [_She can scarcely keep herself on her feet; wants to go to the chair. He supports her_.]

FORESTER.