FAIRY. Farewell. [Elf and Fairy vanish.]

[Enter Lisa.]

LISA. Here in this peaceful church the good fairy promised me that
I should meet him--How shall I behold him now? Has he learned aught
of life, or is he still the same selfish, pleasure-loving youth who
pursues only fickle fortune? If he had had the courage to do a bad
act in a good cause, then he would at least have shown that he
could make a sacrifice for something besides himself; for the most
that we can give to a cause is our precious regard for ourselves.
Higher powers demand that such and such shall take place; they
choose the instruments where they will and none may give up the
commission, even if it means going under. My friend was not that
sort, and therefore, therefore--Hush! I hear footsteps--It is he!
No, I would not meet him yet; I must collect my thoughts. If I
conceal myself here--in the confessional--[Steps in.]

[Enter Pehr.]

PEHR. [Drops down on a prayer stool, left.] She flees from me, as I
flee from my bad thoughts! Alone, forsaken--what more is there for
me in life? Naught have I learned of life save its nothingness, and
no wishes are left to me but evil ones. My soul would be like an
empty shell were it not filled with her! My life--Ah, what has it
been? [Pall pounds on floor.] What was that?--Ghosts in the
sunshine? That would be a funny sight! [Broom raps on floor.]
Again! 'Tis said that one can see ghosts in broad daylight, if one
peeps through a door-crack, it is even maintained that one can see