The Lady.
What! Didn't he make any allusion--nothing----?
v. Wolters.
The only thing he said was that he had named me as executor.
The Lady.
But he had no relatives. Who is to inherit his large fortune?
v. Wolters.
As I've said, I don't know. However, he made a remark that I didn't
quite understand, and that I--pardon me--would rather not repeat, if
you don't mind.
The Lady.
Oh, please!
v. Wolters.
It might give you pain, Countess.
The Lady (_sadly_).
Nothing can give me pain after _this_.
v. Wolters.
Well, he said with a decided emphasis--though perhaps he did not intend
that I should notice it--he said, "The one who loved me best shall be
my heir."
The Lady.
What! He said that? Who could have loved him best if not I?
(_Terrified._) For God's sake, Herr von Wolters!
v. Wolters.
Don't be alarmed, Countess. That would be too grotesque.
The Lady.
Perhaps this is his revenge.
v. Wolters.
Revenge? On you? What for?
The Lady.
No, no--I'm quite out of my senses, I-- But, as you have the keys, you
won't mind doing me this slight favour.
v. Wolters.
What favour, Countess?
The Lady.
Search for the letters with me--now. It seems to me your duty, not only
as a friend but as a gentleman.
v. Wolters.
Pardon me, my dear Countess, you were certainly his last--perhaps his
only great love. But his life was varied--and if we were to open his
desk now--I really don't know what we might find there.
The Lady.
You mean there would be letters from other----?
v. Wolters.