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Page 79
SCENE III
THE 'ROSE' ROOM
[The LADY, dressed in white, is sitting by the cradle doing crochet
work. The green dress is hanging up by the door on the right. The
STRANGER comes an, and looks round in astonishment.]
LADY (simply, mildly, without a trace of surprise). Tread softly
and come here, if you'd see something lovely.
STRANGER. Where am I?
LADY. Quiet! Look at the little stranger who came when you were
away.
STRANGER. They told me the river had risen and swept everything off.
LADY. Why do you believe everything you're told? The river did
rise, but this little creature has someone who protects both her
and hers. Wouldn't you like to see your daughter? (The STRANGER
goes towards the cradle. The LADY lifts the curtain.) She's lovely!
Isn't she? (The STRANGER gazes darkly in front of him.) Won't you
look?
STRANGER. Everything's poisoned. Everything!
LADY. Well, perhaps!
STRANGER. Do you know that he has lost his wits and is wandering in
the neighbourhood, followed by his sister, who's searching for him?
He's penniless, and drinking. ...
LADY. Oh, my God!
STRANGER. Why don't you reproach me?
LADY. You'll reproach yourself enough: I'd rather give you good
advice. Go to the Convent of St. Saviour's, there you'll find a man
who can free you from the evil you fear.
STRANGER. What, in the convent, where they curse and bind?
LADY. And deliver also!
STRANGER. Frankly, I think you're trying to deceive me; I don't
trust you any more.
LADY. Nor I, you! So look on this as your farewell visit.
STRANGER. That was my intention; but first I wanted to find out if
we're of the same mind. ...
LADY. You see, we can build no happiness on the sorrows of others;
so we must part. That's the only way to lessen his sufferings. I
have my child, who'll fill my life for me; and you have the great
goal of your ambition. ...
STRANGER. Will you still mock me?
LADY. No, why? You've solved the great problem.
STRANGER. Be quiet! No more of that, even if you believe it.
LADY. But if all the rest believe it too. ...
STRANGER. No one believes it now.
LADY. It says in the paper to-day that gold's been made in England.
That it's been proved possible.
STRANGER. You've been deceived.
LADY. No! Oh, heaven, he won't believe his own good fortune.
STRANGER. I no longer believe anything.
LADY. Get the newspaper from the pocket of my dress over there.
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