[Smiling and shaking his head.] No, Professor—­that would be against the rules.

MAIA.

[Impatiently.] Good Heavens, Rubek, I told you so this morning—­you must have dreamt it.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Drily.] Indeed?  Must I?  Thank you! [Turning to the INSPECTOR.] The fact is, I got up last night—­I couldn’t sleep—­and I wanted to see what sort of night it was—–­

THE INSPECTOR.

[Attentively.] To be sure—­and then—–?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I looked out at the window—­and caught sight of a white figure in there among the trees.

MAIA.

[Smiling to the INSPECTOR.] And the Professor declares that the figure was dressed in a bathing costume—–­

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

—­or something like it, I said.  Couldn’t distinguish very clearly.  But I am sure it was something white.

THE INSPECTOR.

Most remarkable.  Was it a gentleman or a lady?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

I could almost have sworn it was a lady.  But then after it came another figure.  And that one was quite dark—­like a shadow—–.

THE INSPECTOR.

[Starting.] A dark one?  Quite black, perhaps?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Yes, I should almost have said so.

THE INSPECTOR.

[A light breaking in upon him.] And behind the white figure?  Following close upon her—–?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Yes—­at a little distance—–­

THE INSPECTOR.

Aha!  Then I think I can explain the mystery, Professor.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Well, what was it then?

MAIA.

[Simultaneously.] Was the professor really not dreaming?

THE INSPECTOR.

[Suddenly whispering, as he directs their attention towards the background on the right.] Hush, if you please!  Look there—­don’t speak loud for a moment.

    [A slender lady, dressed in fine, cream-white cashmere, and
       followed by a SISTER OF MERCY in black, with a silver cross
       hanging by a chain on her breast, comes forward from behind
       the hotel and crosses the park towards the pavilion in front