Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

This play begins in 1890 and there are only two characters, Agnes and Michael. The first scene opens in a bedroom at night. In the center of the back wall, there is an arch; to the left of the arch is a fourposter bed. Other furnishings such as bed table, washstand, armchair and trunk are situated in the room. Only low-burning gas lamps light the dark room.

Suddenly the door opens and Michael appears, carrying Agnes. She is in a wedding gown and he in his tuxedo, complete with a top hat. He kisses her, swings her around and carries her to the bed. She playfully chides him that he has mussed her hair and dress while he moves to turn the lamps on higher. When he returns to her, he is kneeling, and he declares that he is worshipping her. She...