[_Throws herself before him--her arms around his knees, looking up_.]
Marie, in heaven's name rise! If any one should see you so----
[_Rising_.] You are right. It was low in me. But he who originates where I do, is low--so low----
Don't think of it, Marie! Think of this house and all the love it has given you!
How quiet everything is--not a sound to be heard--as silent as the grave----
Then be content, for they have buried us together!
And see the pale moon--how it throws its silvery rays over the garden--and yonder is your manzanillo-tree.
And its white, trembling leaves; see, see, each one seems alive--though not a breath of air is stirring. Come, let us go to it.
[_Cowering_.] No, no, I think it is time--we must----
There--something moved. It must be Gertrude. [_Goes to door C. and calls_.] "Gertrude!!!"
No, no; I saw a shadow. "Gertrude!" Remain here, I'll go see! [_Exit into garden_.]
Oh, I'm so afraid, George--so afraid----!
[George _returns, pale and agitated, trying to control himself_.]
Yes, there was--I can see it in your face!! Was it Gertrude?
George, you are as pale as death; What has happened? Tell me!
Nothing, nothing! There was a stranger in the garden--I sent him away.
[_Dully_.] Oh, I know--I know! It was--my mother----
What did she want? But why do I ask? [_Covers her face with her hands_.] Oh, my God--my God!!!!
[_Suddenly_.] Close the blinds--I have a fear--tight--so!! Now put up the bars--so--and here, so--so----
[_Embracing her_.] _Marie_! my darling!!!!
Yes, like that! [_She moves close to him_.] Here I want to sit still----
[_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?
[_Sinks into chair L. of table, back to audience_.]
[_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, passionately kissing him_.]
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!!!!!!!
Yes, yes; let them burn--they shall burn!!!!!
Kiss me no more--let me kiss you--I will take all upon myself--I will take all the consequences--_my mother is a thief, and so am I! George_--