Frau Mulbridge.
Very well. We have served him faithfully, and I'll not start making any
trouble now at the end. (_Exit, left_. v. Wolters _goes to the door at
the right, listens, and then opens it cautiously_. The Unknown Lady
_enters. She is heavily veiled, dressed entirely in black, and carries
a spray of white roses. As she enters, she staggers slightly and leans
against the writing-table for support._)
v. Wolters (_who has softly locked the door_).
May I show you the way, Countess? (The Lady _shakes her head and
motions questioningly toward the back_. v. Wolters _nods, and she goes
out through the curtained doorway. After a short pause_, v. Wolters
_opens the door at the right._)
v. Wolters (_calling_).
Daisy! (Daisy _appears at the threshold._) Kindly see that no one
enters the house while this lady is here--no one, do you understand?
Daisy.
Oh, yes, I understand very well.
v. Wolters.
It may be that she has something else to say to me. If the men should
come for the casket before she has left, take them around the other
way. Keep the main entrance clear.
Daisy.
No, that wouldn't be safe.
v. Wolters.
Well, what shall we do?
Daisy (_breathing heavily_).
I'll--think of something.
v. Wolters.
His death grieves you, too, dear child?
Daisy.
Me? Oh, yes--me too. (_She goes out_. v. Wolters _walks to and fro,
pauses to listen in front of the curtain, turns on the electric lamp,
again walks to and fro, etc. At a slight movement of the curtain, he
stops, expectant_. The Lady, _still veiled, comes forward slowly until
she has reached one of the chairs on the left. A pause._)
The Lady.
Ah, Herr von Wolters--to let them close the coffin before I--I had seen
him--I must confess, I had not expected that of you, Herr von Wolters.
v. Wolters.
I didn't dare prevent it, Countess--just because of your coming. It was
the only way to have the house to ourselves.
The Lady.
Don't call me countess, Herr von Wolters. I am not a countess here.
(_Glancing toward the door._) I am only an unhappy woman whom no one in
this house knows, whom no one is to know.
v. Wolters.
Wouldn't you care to rest for a moment?
The Lady.
Are we quite safe here?
v. Wolters.
Quite. The little girl who, you say, is not unknown to you, is outside
at the entrance. I have told her mother of your visit and she will not
enter the house. If you wish, however, we can lock the door.
The Lady.