George.
_Marie_, my love! [_Strokes her hair affectionally, then moves away_.]
No, no, we must be strong! Only a few minutes ago, Gertrude came softly down those stairs; if she should come again--my G.o.d----!
Marie.
What did she want?
George.
You can imagine----
Marie.
The poor thing! But you will love her?
George.
As well as possible! But then I must not think of you.
Marie.
But you must not think of me--and I will try and not think of you!
George.
Never, Marie?
Marie.
Only occasionally--on holidays----
George.
Only then?
Marie.
And on St. John"s eve----
George.
When the fires are burning?
Marie.
Yes, and when the fires are out, then I shall cry----
George.
Marie!!!!
Marie.
No, no, George, sit still--I will sit here. Some one might be in the garden, after all.
George.
They are all sound asleep!
Marie.
Even so! We must be brave; not for mine--but for your sake, George.
George.
Why did you say that? What do you think of me?
Marie.
I think you are hard-hearted.
George.
And yet you love me?
Marie.
Yes, I love you, for your own sake. For you have had to struggle and fight--and that is what made you what you are. I have also fought and struggled; but I have lost faith in myself--lost faith in everything.
If you only knew!! Sometimes I am afraid of myself--sometimes I would commit murder, so restless and without peace I am.
George.
With me you would have found peace. We would have worked together and planned through half the nights--and you know how ambitious I am.
Marie.
And so am I, for you! You should be the first and greatest. They all shall bow before you--I myself will kneel before you and say to you: "You love to rule and command? Now rule--now command!!!!!!"
[_Throws herself before him--her arms around his knees, looking up_.]
George.
Marie, in heaven"s name rise! If any one should see you so----
Marie.
Let them see me----