Nothing, nothing! There was a stranger in the garden--I sent him away.
Marie.
What stranger?
George.
[_Pained_.] Do not ask me!
Marie.
[_Dully_.] Oh, I know--I know! It was--my mother----
George.
Well, since you have said it----
Marie.
What did she want? But why do I ask? [_Covers her face with her hands_.] Oh, my G.o.d--my G.o.d!!!!
George.
_Marie_!
Marie.
[_Suddenly_.] Close the blinds--I have a fear--tight--so!! Now put up the bars--so--and here, so--so----
George.
[_Embracing her_.] _Marie_! my darling!!!!
Marie.
Hold me tight!!!
George.
Like this?
Marie.
Yes, like that! [_She moves close to him_.] Here I want to sit still----
George.
[_Looks at watch_.] If we only have time to catch that train---- [_The whistle of a locomotive is heard in the distance. He starts_.] Did you hear that?
Marie.
[_Smilingly_.] Yes!
George.
What was it?
Marie.
It was the train!
George.
Can you hear it this far?
Marie.
At night you can!
George.
[_Sinks into chair L. of table, back to audience_.]
My G.o.d! what shall we do now?
Marie.
[_Softly_.] I will tell you what we will do! We will sit still here--quietly--till the next train--till four o"clock!!!!
[_Throws herself upon George, pa.s.sionately kissing him_.]
George.
Marie! My love, my all! [_Kisses her_.]
Marie.
Kiss me again! Now, then, do you understand me? I am my own master, and care not for myself---- To-night is St. John"s night!!!!!!!
George.
And the fires are burning low----
Marie.
No, no; let them burn----