Bishop. It pains me deeply that things should have taken this turn.

Leonarda. Then may I not hope that the fact may influence your
lordship's decision in some degree?

Bishop. My decision, madam, has nothing to do with your property.

Leonarda. During all these eight years have I offended you in any
way--or any one here?

Bishop. Mrs. Falk, you know quite well that you have not.

Leonarda. Or is it on account of the way I have brought up my niece--?

Bishop. Your niece does you the greatest credit, madam.

Leonarda. Then perhaps some of my people have been laying complaints
about me?--or some one has been complaining of them?

Bishop. Not even the most censorious person, my dear madam, could
pretend that you have been anything but exemplary in that respect.

Leonarda. Then what is it?

Bishop. You can scarcely expect me to tell a lady--

Leonarda. I will help you out. It is my past life.

Bishop. Since you say it yourself--yes.

Leonarda. Do you consider that nothing can expiate a past--about which,
moreover, you know nothing?

Bishop. I have not seen in you any signs of a desire to expiate it, Mrs.
Falk.

Leonarda. You mean that you have not seen me at confession or in church?

Bishop. Yes.

Leonarda. Do you want me to seek expiation by being untrue to myself?

Bishop. No; but the way I refer to is the only sure one.

Leonarda. There are others. I have chosen the way hard work and duty.

Bishop. I said the only sure way, Mrs. Falk. Your way does not protect
against temptation.

Leonarda. You have something definite in your mind when you say that,
have you not?--Shall I help you out again? It is General Rosen.

Bishop. Precisely.

Leonarda. You think I ought to send him away?

Bishop. Yes.

Leonarda. But it would be all up with him if I did. And there is a good
deal of ability in him.

Bishop. I have neither the right nor the desire to meddle in affairs
I know nothing of; but I must say that only a person of unimpeachable
reputation should attempt the rescue of such a man as General Rosen.

Leonarda. You are quite right.

Bishop. You are paying too high a price for it, Mrs. Falk, and without
any certainty of achieving anything.

Leonarda. Maybe. But there is one aspect of the matter that you have
forgotten.

Bishop. And that is?

Leonarda. Compassion.

Bishop. Quite so.--Yes.--Of course, if you approach the matter from that
point of view, I have nothing to say.

Leonarda. You