THE ELDEST DAUGHTER. That is because we are not talking any more, grandfather.
THE GRANDFATHER. But why are you all silent?
THE UNCLE. What do you want us to talk about?--You are really very peculiar to-night.
THE GRANDFATHER. Is it very dark in this room?
THE UNCLE. There is not much light. [_Silence._]
THE GRANDFATHER. I do not feel well, Ursula; open the window a little.
THE FATHER. Yes, child; open the window a little. I begin to feel the want of air myself. [_The girl opens the window._]
THE UNCLE. I really believe we have stayed shut up too long.
THE DAUGHTER. Yes, grandfather; it is wide open.
THE GRANDFATHER. One would not have thought it was open; there is not a sound outside.
THE DAUGHTER. No, grandfather; there is not the slightest sound.
THE FATHER. The silence is extraordinary!
THE DAUGHTER. One could hear an angel tread!
THE UNCLE. That is why I do not like the country.
THE GRANDFATHER. I wish I could hear some sound. What o'clock is it, Ursula?
THE DAUGHTER. It will soon be midnight, grandfather. [_Here THE UNCLE begins to pace up and down the room._]
THE GRANDFATHER. Who is that walking round us like that?
THE UNCLE. Only I! only I! Do not be frightened! I want to walk about a little. [_Silence._]--But I am going to sit down again;--I cannot see where I am going. [_Silence._]
THE GRANDFATHER. I wish I were out of this place!
THE DAUGHTER. Where would you like to go, grandfather?
THE GRANDFATHER. I do not know where--into another room, no matter where! no matter where!
THE UNCLE. It is too late to go anywhere else. [_Silence. They are sitting, motionless, round the table._]
THE GRANDFATHER. What is that I hear, Ursula?
THE DAUGHTER. Nothing, grandfather; it is the leaves falling.--Yes, it is the leaves falling on the terrace.
THE GRANDFATHER. Go and shut the window, Ursula.
THE DAUGHTER. Yes, grandfather. [_She shuts the window, comes back, and sits down._]
THE GRANDFATHER. I am cold. [_Silence. THE THREE SISTERS kiss each other._] What is that I hear now?
THE FATHER. It is the three sisters kissing each other.
THE UNCLE. It seems to me they are very pale this evening. [_Silence._]
THE GRANDFATHER. What is that I hear now, Ursula?
THE DAUGHTER. Nothing, grandfather; it is the clasping of my hands. [_Silence._]