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----