though perhaps unusual, for men and women are a strange race. Are
you ready to follow me?

STRANGER. I'm ready--for anything!

(The LADY kisses him on the forehead and makes the sign of the
cross simply, timidly and without gestures.)

LADY. Then come!


SCENE V

ON THE ROAD

[A landscape with hills; a chapel, right, in the far distance on a
rise. The road, flanked by fruit trees, winds across the
background. Between the trees hills can be seen on which are
crucifixes, chapels and memorials to the victims of accidents. In
the foreground a sign post with the legend, 'Beggars not allowed in
this parish.' The STRANGER and the LADY.]

LADY. You're tired.

STRANGER. I won't deny it. But it's humiliating to confess I'm
hungry, because the money's gone. I never thought that would happen
to me.

LADY. It seems we must be prepared for anything, for I think we've
fallen into disfavour. My shoe's split, and I could weep at our