has come; and blessed may you be amongst women.

(The candles and lamps go out; it grows dark in the dining-room;
but a weak ray of light can be seen, coming from the brass standard
lamp in the LADY's room.)

LADY. Why's it grown dark? Oh!

STRANGER. Where are you, beloved? Give me your hand. I'm afraid!

LADY. Here, dearest.

STRANGER. The little hand, held out to me in the darkness, that's
led me over stones and thorns. That little, soft, dear hand! Lead
me into the light, into your bright, warm room; fresh green like
hope.

LADY (leading him towards the pale-green room). Are you afraid?

STRANGER. You're a white dove, with whom the startled eagle finds
sanctuary, when heaven's thunder clouds grow black, for the dove
has no fear. She has not provoked the thunders of heaven!

(They have reached the doorway leading to the other room, when the
curtain falls.)

***

[The same room; but the table has been cleared. The LADY is sitting
at it, doing nothing. She seems bored. On the right, down stage, a