THE PHYSICIAN.

They are both ailing with the same disease, and it is a disease I do not know.—­But I have little hope left.  They were seized perhaps with the cold of the underground waters; or else those waters may be poisonous.  The decomposed body of Alladine’s lamb was found there.—­I will come back to-night.—­Meanwhile they must have silence....  The level of life is very low in their hearts....  Do not go into their rooms and do not speak to them, for the least word, in the state they are in, might cause their death....  They must succeed in forgetting one another. [Exit.

ONE OF THE SISTERS OF PALOMIDES.

I see that he will die.

ASTOLAINE.

No, no....  Do not weep;... one does not die so, at his age....

ANOTHER SISTER.

But why is your father angry without reason at my poor brother?

THIRD SISTER.

I think your father loved Alladine.

ASTOLAINE.

Do not speak so of it....  He thought I suffered.  He thought to have done good, and he did evil unwittingly....  That often happens to us....  It is my fault, perhaps....  I recall it to-day....  One night I was asleep.  I was weeping in a dream....  We have little courage when we dream.  I waked....  He was beside my bed, looking at me....  Perhaps he was deceived....

FOURTH SISTER (running).

Alladine has stirred a little in her room....

ASTOLAINE.

Go to the door ... listen....  Perhaps it was the nurse rising....

FIFTH SISTER (listening at the door).

No, no; I hear the nurse walking....  There is another noise.

SIXTH SISTER (also running).

I think Palomides has moved too; I hear the murmur of a voice seeking....

THE VOICE OF ALLADINE.

[Very feebly, within the room.] Palomides!...

ONE OF THE SISTERS.

She is calling him!...

ASTOLAINE.

Let us be careful!...  Go, go in front of the door, that Palomides may not hear....

THE VOICE OF ALLADINE.

Palomides!

ASTOLAINE.

My God!  My God!  Silence that voice!...  Palomides will die of it if he hear it!...

THE VOICE OF PALOMIDES.

[Very feebly, within the other room.] Alladine!...

ONE OF THE SISTERS.

He answers!...

ASTOLAINE.

Three among you remain here,... and we will go to the other door.  Come, come quickly.  We will surround them.  We will try to defend them....  Lie back against the doors....  Perhaps they will hear no longer....

ONE OF THE SISTERS.

I shall go into Alladine’s room....

SECOND SISTER.

Yes, yes; prevent her from crying out again.

THIRD SISTER.