When We Dead Awaken eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 81 pages of information about When We Dead Awaken.

When We Dead Awaken eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 81 pages of information about When We Dead Awaken.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Softly, urgently.] Does repentance come too late, now?

IRENE.

[Does not answer, but sits silent for a moment; then she points over the upland.] Look there, Arnold,—­now the sun is going down behind the peaks.  See what a red glow the level rays cast over all the heathery knolls out yonder.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Looks where she is pointing.] It is long since I have seen a sunset in the mountains.

IRENE.

Or a sunrise?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

A sunrise I don’t think I have ever seen.

IRENE.

[Smiles as though lost in recollection.] I once saw a marvellously lovely sunrise.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Did you?  Where was that?

IRENE.

High, high up on a dizzy mountain-top.—­You beguiled me up there by promising that I should see all the glory of the world if only I—–­

    [She stops suddenly.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

If only you—?  Well?

IRENE.

I did as you told me—­went with you up to the heights.  And there I fell upon my knees and worshipped you, and served you. [Is silent for a moment; then says softly.] Then I saw the sunrise.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Turning at him with a scornful smile.] With you—­and the other woman?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Urgently.] With me—­as in our days of creation.  You could open all that is locked up in me.  Can you not find it in your heart, Irene?

IRENE.

[Shaking her head.] I have no longer the key to you, Arnold.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

You have the key!  You and you alone possess it! [Beseechingly.] Help me—­that I may be able to live my life over again!

IRENE.

[Immovable as before.] Empty dreams!  Idle—­dead dreams.  For the life you and I led there is no resurrection.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Curtly, breaking off.] Then let us go on playing.

IRENE.

Yes, playing, playing—­only playing!

    [They sit and strew leaves and petals over the brook, where they
       float and sail away.

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When We Dead Awaken from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.