Watchman.  The regulations don’t permit anybody to touch even the flowers that have been thrown away, because it’s believed they may spread infection—­which I don’t know if it’s true.

Abbe. [To Marion] In that case we have to obey, of course.  What’s your name, my little girl?

Marion.  My name is Marion.

Abbe.  And who is your father?

(Marion begins to bite one of her fingers and does not answer.)

Abbe.  Pardon my question, madame.  I had no intention—­I was just talking to keep the little one quiet.

(The Watchman has gone out.)

Jeanne.  I understood it, Reverend Father, and I wish you would say something to quiet me also.  I feel very much disturbed after having waited here two hours.

Abbe.  Two hours—­for him!  How these human beings torture each other!  O Crux!  Ave spes unica!

Jeanne.  What do they mean, those words you read all around here?

Abbe.  They mean:  O cross, our only hope!

Jeanne.  Is it the only one?

Abbe.  The only certain one.

Jeanne.  I shall soon believe that you are right, Father.

Abbe.  May I ask why?

Jeanne.  You have already guessed it.  When he lets the woman and the child wait two hours in a cemetery, then the end is not far off.

Abbe.  And when he has left you, what then?

Jeanne.  Then we have to go into the river.

Abbe.  Oh, no, no!

Jeanne.  Yes, yes!

Marion.  Mamma, I want to go home, for I am hungry.

Jeanne.  Just a little longer, dear, and we’ll go home.

Abbe.  Woe unto those who call evil good and good evil.

Jeanne.  What is that woman doing at the grave over there?

Abbe.  She seems to be talking to the dead.

Jeanne.  But you cannot do that?

Abbe.  She seems to know how.

Jeanne.  This would mean that the end of life is not the end of our misery?

Abbe.  And you don’t know it?

Jeanne.  Where can I find out?

Abbe.  Hm!  The next time you feel as if you wanted to learn about this well-known matter, you can look me up in Our Lady’s Chapel at the Church of St. Germain—­Here comes the one you are waiting for, I guess.

Jeanne. [Embarrassed] No, he is not the one, but I know him.

Abbe. [To Marion] Good-bye, little Marion!  May God take care of you! [Kisses the child and goes out] At St. Germain des Pres.

Emile. [Enters] Good morning, sister.  What are you doing here?

Jeanne.  I am waiting for Maurice.

Emile.  Then I guess you’ll have a lot of waiting to do, for I saw him on the boulevard an hour ago, taking breakfast with some friends. [Kissing the child] Good morning, Marion.