Why did you call me? Must you hang on a woman's skirts like a
child?

STRANGER. I'm afraid now. Things are happening that have no natural
explanation.

LADY. But you were afraid of nothing. Not even death!

STRANGER. Death ... no. But of something else, the unknown.

LADY. Listen. Give me your hand. You're ill, I'll take you to a
doctor. Come!

STRANGER. If you like. But tell me: is this carnival, or ... reality?

LADY. It's real enough.

STRANGER. This beggar must be a wretched fellow. Is it true he
resembles me?

LADY. He will, if you go on drinking. Now go to the post office and
get your letter. And then come with me.

STRANGER. No, I won't. It'll only be about lawsuits.

LADY. If not?

STRANGER. Malicious gossip.

LADY. Well, do as you wish. No one can escape his fate. At this