A woman who resembles the
Lady, but who is not her and who is crocheting instead of eating. A
Man very like the Doctor, another like the Madman. Others like the
Father, Mother, Brother. Parents of the 'Prodigal Son,' etc. All
are dressed in white, but over this are wearing costumes of
coloured crepe. Their faces are waxen and corpse-like, their whole
appearance queer, their gestures strange. On the rise of the
curtain all are finishing a Paternoster, except the STRANGER.]
STRANGER (rising and going to the ABBESS, who is standing at a
serving table). Mother. May I speak to you?
ABBESS (in a black-and-white Augustinian habit). Yes, my son. (They
come forward.)
STRANGER. First, where am I?
ABBESS. In a convent called 'St. Saviour.' You were found on the
hills above the ravine, with a cross you'd broken from a calvary
and with which you were threatening someone in the clouds. Indeed,
you thought you could see him. You were feverish and had lost your
foothold. You were picked up, unhurt, beneath a cliff, but in
delirium. You were brought to the hospital and put to bed. Since
then you've spoken wildly, and complained of a pain in your hip,
but no injury could be found.
STRANGER. What did I speak of?
ABBESS. You had the usual feverish dreams. You reproached yourself
with all kinds of things, and thought you could see your victims,
as you called them.
STRANGER. And then?
ABBESS. Your thoughts often turned to money matters.
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