To see him so low sunken.



SCENE XII.

COUNTESS, DUCHESS, THEKLA.

THEKLA (endeavoring to hold back the DUCHESS)
Dear mother, do stay here!

DUCHESS.
No! Here is yet
Some frightful mystery that is hidden from me.
Why does my sister shun me? Don't I see her
Full of suspense and anguish roam about
From room to room? Art thou not full of terror?
And what import these silent nods and gestures
Which stealthwise thou exchangest with her?

THEKLA.
Nothing
Nothing, dear mother!

DUCHESS (to the COUNTESS).
Sister, I will know.

COUNTESS.
What boots it now to hide it from her? Sooner
Or later she must learn to hear and bear it.