SONIA nods an affirmative.

HELENA. Splendid! It will be easy to find out whether he loves
you or not. Don't be ashamed, sweetheart, don't worry. I shall be
careful; he will not notice a thing. We only want to find out
whether it is yes or no, don't we? [A pause] And if it is no,
then he must keep away from here, is that so?

SONIA nods.

HELENA. It will be easier not to see him any more. We won't put
off the examination an instant. He said he had a sketch to show
me. Go and tell him at once that I want to see him.

SONIA. [In great excitement] Will you tell me the whole truth?

HELENA. Of course I will. I am sure that no matter what it is, it
will be easier for you to bear than this uncertainty. Trust to
me, dearest.

SONIA. Yes, yes. I shall say that you want to see his sketch.
[She starts out, but stops near the door and looks back] No, it
is better not to know--and yet--there may be hope.

HELENA. What do you say?

SONIA. Nothing. [She goes out.]

HELENA. [Alone] There is no greater sorrow than to know another's