is the spirit of man wanting to come to life. It's the young man's wedding
morning, and Harlequin-valet--is putting out his wedding suit. There's a
Woman of the World this time instead of a Man of the World, who is going to
marry him only for his money. But Columbine, the chambermaid that he has
never even noticed ...

[Behind the dosed curtains a girl's voice is heard singing a simple
country song.

There! they've begun ... because I've been so long. That's her song. She
sings as she goes through the rooms a-dusting them. And when she sings,
little wild flowers grow up through the chinks of the boards.

UNCLE EDWARD. I suppose they are ready.

[She pokes her head between the curtains. Uncle Edward has really
melted to this last touch. He is wreathed in smiles.

She's a wonderful child. Knows the whole thing backwards. Thinks of new
bits for herself! I call to mind her mother saying ...


[Alice has turned back.

ALICE. Ready when we've counted twenty.

UNCLE EDWARD. Right.


[Alice counts: you can see her lips move. Uncle Edward hums his