George.
Marie!!!
Marie.
The fires have all gone out, I suppose?
George.
Ah, yes; a small pyre of wood--it is soon burned down!
Marie.
And then it's as dark as ever!!! But, George, how beautifully you spoke
this evening! I have never heard anything like it before.
George.
You were the only one who understood me.
Marie.
No wonder! It was as though I spoke the words myself--that is, I don't
mean to say----
George.
What, dear?
Marie.
Oh, you know!
George.
But I don't know!
Marie.
[_After a pause_.] George, I have something to confess to you. In fact,
that is why I came down here so soon. You shall know it, you alone. I
have this day given my hand----
George.
[_With a start_.] _Marie!!!!_
Marie.
[_Astonished_.] Well?
George.
To whom?
Marie.
Why, to the pastor! Who else could it be? There is no one else!
George.
[_Reproachfully_.] Why did you do that? Why did you?
Marie.
I have my whole life before me, and the fires [_pointing to fields and
to heart_] will not burn forever----
George.
[_Bitterly_.] You should not have done it--you--it is a----
Marie.
Sh--not so loud!
George.
But you do not love him at all!!!!
Marie.
How do you know?
George.
[_Bitterly_,] How? Of course, how should I? I don't know! Pardon me!
Well, I congratulate you!
Marie.
[_Quietly_.] Thank you!
George.
But why am I the first one to be taken into your confidence? Why not
uncle? We two have not been so intimate as----
Marie.