Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/542

 Lena.—You shall never leave me, and if I hold you in my arms today it is not the first time in my life. Do you remember that evening last year just before you went away? We met in the corridor of the pavillion that was more than a brotherly embrace. It was not only farewell, but till we meet again.

Burris (Retreating under her passionate appeal until he reaches the writing desk).—I swear to you, Miss Lena, that I never dared to let myself feel for you anything but the most guarded respect.

Lena (As her side touches the desk she lets him go and catches the pistol. She starts for the door, but stumbles against a chair. She stands with her back to the wall.) I knew all the time what you intended to do It must not be.

Burris (Cautiously approaching and catching the barrel of the gun).—Not you, Miss Lena, but I alone stand as the victim of the curse. I alone am guilty.

Lena.—No, no, Mr. Burris, Karl! Don’t go without me! (She holds on to the stock.) It was I, from earliest childhood—she never—I gave you my heart, even as a child.

Burris (Now by brutal force attempts to gain possession of the gun).—Now then! (There its a shot. He lets go, staggers backward two steps and falls upon his face, never so much as quivering.)

Lena (Screaming involuntarily).—Burris. My God! It is impossible! (She is feeling for the body. She succeeds in finding at and with great effort attempts to turn him face upward. Hurried footsteps are heard.)

Rudolph (Without)—Who fired that shot? (Entering.) What’s this? Burris! (Helps Lena turn the body.)

( enters. feeling for the wound, touches the blood, screams and faints.)

Bara.—Jesu Maria!

Rudolph.—You attend to Miss Lena. (Helps carry her to the couch.)

Bara.—My gracious baron, it seems to me she does not breathe.

( suddenly rouses herself, and plainly shows that she has lost her reason.)

Rudolph.—Take her away! (Leads her off with .)

Steward (At the door).—For the love of Christ, not my lord?

Rudolph (Taking him by the shoulders and turning him to