THEKLA.
I? Nothing. Only he's so occupied--
He has no leisure time to think about
The happiness of us two.
[Taking his hand tenderly.
Follow me
Let us not place too great a faith in men.
These Terzkys--we will still be grateful to them
For every kindness, but not trust them further
Than they deserve;--and in all else rely
On our own hearts!

MAX.
O! shall we e'er be happy?

THEKLA.
Are we not happy now? Art thou not mine?
Am I not thine? There lives within my soul
A lofty courage--'tis love gives it me!
I ought to be less open--ought to hide
My heart more from thee--so decorum dictates:
But where in this place couldst thou seek for truth,
If in my mouth thou didst not find it?
We now have met, then let us hold each other
Clasped in a lasting and a firm embrace.
Believe me this was more than their intent.
Then be our loves like some blest relic kept
Within the deep recesses of the heart.
From heaven alone the love has been bestowed,
To heaven alone our gratitude is due;
It can work wonders for us still.

SCENE VI.

To them enters the COUNTESS TERZKY.

COUNTESS (in a pressing manner).
Come, come!
My husband sends me for you. It is now
The latest moment.
[They not appearing to attend to what she says,
she steps between them.
Part you!

THEKLA.
Oh, not yet!
It has been scarce a moment.

COUNTESS.
Ay! Then time
Flies swiftly with your highness, princess niece!

MAX.
There is no hurry, aunt.

COUNTESS.
Away! Away!
The folks begin to miss you. Twice already
His father has asked for him.

THEKLA.
Ha! His father!
COUNTESS.
You understand that, niece!

THEKLA.
Why needs he
To go at all to that society?
'Tis not his proper company. They may
Be worthy men, but he's too young for them;
In brief, he suits not such society.

COUNTESS.
You mean, you'd rather keep him wholly here?

THEKLA (with energy).
Yes! You have hit it aunt! That is my meaning,
Leave him here wholly! Tell the company----

COUNTESS.
What! have you lost your senses, niece?
Count, you remember the conditions. Come!

MAX (to THEKLA).
Lady, I must obey. Fairwell, dear lady!
[THEKLA turns away from him with a quick motion.
What say you then, dear lady?

THEKLA (without looking at him).
Nothing. Go!

MAX.
Can I when you are angry----

[He draws up t