PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Jestingly.] Thanks!  And all the ill-luck in the world over you and your hunting!

ULFHEIM.

[Roaring with laughter.] There now, that is a wish worth having!

MAIA.

[Laughing.] Thanks, thanks, thanks, Professor!

    [They have both crossed the visible portion of the upland, and go
       out through the bushes to the right.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[After a short pause.] A summer night on the upland!  Yes, that would have been life!

IRENE.

[Suddenly, with a wild expression in her eyes.] Will you spend a summer night on the upland—­with me?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Stretching his arms wide.] Yes, yes,—­come!

IRENE.

My adored lord and master!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Oh, Irene!

IRENE.

[Hoarsely, smiling and groping in her breast.] It will be only an episode—­ [Quickly, whispering.] Hush!—­do not look round, Arnold!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Also in a low voice.] What is it?

IRENE.

A face that is staring at me.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Turns involuntarily.] Where! [With a start.] Ah—–!

    [The SISTER OF MERCY’s head is partly visible among the bushes
       beside the descent to the left.  Her eyes are immovably fixed
       on IRENE.

IRENE.

[Rises and says softly.] We must part then.  No, you must remain sitting.  Do you hear?  You must not go with me. [Bends over him and whispers.] Till we meet again—­to-night—­on the upland.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

And you will come, Irene?

IRENE.

Yes, surely I will come.  Wait for me here.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Repeats dreamily.] Summer night on the upland.  With you.  With you. [His eyes meet hers.] Oh, Irene—­that might have been our life.—­And that we have forfeited—­we two.

IRENE.

We see the irretrievable only when—­

    [Breaks off.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.