PROFESSOR RUBEK.

But not here in the half darkness!  Not here with this hideous dank shroud flapping around us—–­

IRENE.

[Carried away by passion.] No, no—­up in the light, and in all the glittering glory!  Up to the Peak of Promise!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

There we will hold our marriage-feast, Irene—­oh, my beloved!

IRENE.

[Proudly.] The sun may freely look on us, Arnold.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

All the powers of light may freely look on us—­and all the powers of darkness too. [Seizes her hand.] Will you then follow me, oh my grace-given bride?

IRENE.

[As though transfigured.] I follow you, freely and gladly, my lord and master!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Drawing her along with him.] We must first pass through the mists, Irene, and then—–­

IRENE.

Yes, through all the mists, and then right up to the summit of the tower that shines in the sunrise.

    [The mist-clouds close in over the scene—­PROFESSOR RUBEK and
       IRENE, hand in hand, climb up over the snow-field to the right
       and soon disappear among the lower clouds.  Keen storm-gusts
       hurtle and whistle through the air.

    [The SISTER OF MERCY appears upon the stone-scree to the left. 
       She stops and looks around silently and searchingly.

MAIA.

               I am free!  I am free!  I am free! 
               No more life in the prison for me! 
               I am free as a bird!  I am free!

    [Suddenly a sound like thunder is heard from high up on the snow-
       field, which glides and whirls downwards with headlong speed. 
       PROFESSOR RUBEK and IRENE can be dimly discerned as they are
       whirled along with the masses of snow and buried in them.

THE SISTER OF MERCY.

[Gives a shriek, stretches out her arms towards them and cries.] Irene!

    [Stands silent a moment, then makes the sign of the cross before
       her in the air, and says.

Pax vobiscum!

    [MAIA’s triumphant song sounds from still farther down below.