PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Jestingly.] Thanks! And all the ill-luck in the world over you and your hunting!
ULFHEIM.
[Roaring with laughter.] There now, that is a wish worth having!
MAIA.
[Laughing.] Thanks, thanks, thanks, Professor!
[They have both crossed the visible portion of the upland, and go out through the bushes to the right.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[After a short pause.] A summer night on the upland! Yes, that would have been life!
IRENE.
[Suddenly, with a wild expression in her eyes.] Will you spend a summer night on the upland--with me?
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Stretching his arms wide.] Yes, yes,--come!
IRENE.
My adored lord and master!
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
Oh, Irene!
IRENE.
[Hoa.r.s.ely, smiling and groping in her breast.] It will be only an episode-- [Quickly, whispering.] Hush!--do not look round, Arnold!
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Also in a low voice.] What is it?
IRENE.
A face that is staring at me.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Turns involuntarily.] Where! [With a start.] Ah--!
[The SISTER OF MERCY"s head is partly visible among the bushes beside the descent to the left. Her eyes are immovably fixed on IRENE.
IRENE.
[Rises and says softly.] We must part then. No, you must remain sitting.
Do you hear? You must not go with me. [Bends over him and whispers.]
Till we meet again--to-night--on the upland.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
And you will come, Irene?
IRENE.
Yes, surely I will come. Wait for me here.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Repeats dreamily.] Summer night on the upland. With you. With you. [His eyes meet hers.] Oh, Irene--that might have been our life.--And that we have forfeited--we two.
IRENE.
We see the irretrievable only when--
[Breaks off.
PROFESSOR RUBEK.
[Looks inquiringly at her.] When--?