When We Dead Awaken Part 30

[He crosses over to her by means of stepping-stones below the cascade.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Where have you been all day, Irene?

IRENE.

[Pointing.] Far, far over there, on the great dead waste--

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Turning the conversation.] You have not your--your friend with you to-day, I see.

IRENE.

[Smiling.] My friend is keeping a close watch on me, none the less.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Can she?

IRENE.

[Glancing furtively around.] You may be sure she can--wherever I may go. She never loses sight of me-- [Whispering.] Until, one fine sunny morning, I shall kill her.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Would you do that?

IRENE.

With the utmost delight--if only I could manage it.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

Why do you want to?

IRENE.

Because she deals in witchcraft. [Mysteriously.] Only think, Arnold--she has changed herself into my shadow.

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Trying to calm her.] Well, well, well--a shadow we must all have.

IRENE.

I am my own shadow. [With an outburst.] Do you not understand that!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Sadly.] Yes, yes, Irene, I understand.

[He seats himself on a stone beside the brook. She stands behind him, leaning against the wall of rock.

IRENE.

[After a pause.] Why do you sit there turning your eyes away from me?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Softly, shaking his head.] I dare not--I dare not look at you.

IRENE.

Why dare you not look at me any more?

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

You have a shadow that tortures me. And I have the crushing weight of my conscience.

IRENE.

[With a glad cry of deliverance.] At last!

PROFESSOR RUBEK.

[Springs up.] Irene--what is it!