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----