THE FATHER. I will go and open myself. [_He partly opens the little door; THE SERVANT remains outside in the opening._] Where are you?
THE GRANDFATHER. Your sister is at the door?
THE FATHER. It is only the servant. [_To THE SERVANT._] Who was that, that came into the house?
THE FATHER. Yes; someone came in just now?
THE GRANDFATHER. Who is it sighing like that?
THE UNCLE. It is the servant; she is out of breath.
THE FATHER [_to THE SERVANT_]. No one came in just now?
THE FATHER. But we heard someone open the door!
THE FATHER. Why was it open at this time of night?
THE SERVANT. I do not know, sir. I had shut it myself.
THE FATHER. Then who was it that opened it?
THE SERVANT. I do not know, sir. Someone must have gone out after me, sir....
THE FATHER. You must be careful.--Don't push the door; you know what a noise it makes!
THE SERVANT. But, sir, I am not touching the door.
THE FATHER. But you are. You are pushing as if you were trying to get into the room.
THE SERVANT. But, sir, I am three yards away from the door.
THE GRANDFATHER. Are they putting out the light?
THE GRANDFATHER. It seems to me it has grown pitch dark all at once.
THE FATHER [_to THE SERVANT_]. You can go down again now; but do not make so much noise on the stairs.
THE SERVANT. I did not make any noise on the stairs.
THE FATHER. I tell you that you did make a noise. Go down quietly; you will wake your mistress. And if anyone comes now, say that we are not at home.
THE UNCLE. Yes; say that we are not at home.
THE GRANDFATHER [_shuddering_]. You must not say that!
THE FATHER.... Except to my sister and the doctor.
THE FATHER. He will not be able to come before midnight. [_He shuts the door. A clock is heard striking eleven._]
THE GRANDFATHER. I thought that she was sitting at the table.
THE UNCLE. That would complete one's happiness!
THE GRANDFATHER. No one has come into the room?
THE GRANDFATHER. And your sister is not here?
THE GRANDFATHER. Ursula, tell me the truth, for the love of God!
THE ELDEST DAUGHTER. Grandfather! Grandfather! what is the matter with you?
THE GRANDFATHER. Something has happened! I am sure my daughter is worse!...
THE GRANDFATHER. You do not want to tell me!... I can see quite well there is something....