When We Dead Awaken Part 12

MAIA.

[Smiling across to the PROFESSOR and rising.] Yes, very much.

ULFHEIM.

[Also rising.] Spoken like a woman of spirit, madam! Come with me, then!

They swallow whole great thumping meat-bones--gulp them up and then gulp them down again. Oh, it's a regular treat to see them. Come along and I'll show you--and while we're about it, we can talk over this trip to the mountains--

[He goes out by the corner of the hotel, MAIA following him.

[Almost at the same moment the STRANGE LADY comes out of the pavilion and seats herself at the table.

[The LADY raises her gla.s.s of milk and is about to drink, but stops and looks across at RUBEK with vacant, expressionless eyes.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Remains sitting at his table and gazes fixedly and earnestly at her.

At last he rises, goes some steps towards her, stops, and says in a low voice.] I know you quite well, Irene.

THE LADY.

[In a toneless voice, setting down her gla.s.s.] You can guess who I am, Arnold?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Without answering.] And you recognise me, too, I see.

THE LADY.

With you it is quite another matter.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

With me?--How so?

THE LADY.

Oh, you are still alive.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Not understanding.] Alive--?

THE LADY.

[After a short pause.] Who was the other? The woman you had with you--there at the table?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[A little reluctantly.] She? That was my--my wife.

THE LADY.

[Nods slowly.] Indeed. That is well, Arnold. Some one, then, who does not concern me--

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Nods.] No, of course not--

THE LADY. --one whom you have taken to you after my lifetime.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Suddenly looking hard at her.] After your--? What do you mean by that, Irene?

IRENE.

[Without answering.] And the child? I hear the child is prospering too.

Our child survives me--and has come to honour and glory.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Smiles as at a far-off recollection.] Our child? Yes, we called it so--then.

IRENE.

In my lifetime, yes.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.