Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

This scene is set in a basement apartment near the bridge. Garth inspects his violin as his sister Miriamne comes in. Their conversation reveals that the violin needs repair, that Garth hasn't gone out of the apartment for three days, and that their father is frightened. Miriamne describes him as reading without knowing what he's reading. He's fearful that, when a shadow crosses the page of his book, a blow will soon follow. Garth says she sees too much, and tells her she should go to school. Miriamne says she doesn't like school, because people whisper about her. When Garth asks her what they whisper about, she avoids answering by asking him what the letter he received from a lawyer was about. It's revealed that she read it, and knows that it indicated Garth should stay hidden. Further conversation reveals that...