THE OLD MAN.
I don't know which one to choose…. We must take great precautions…. The father is old and ailing…. So is the mother; and the sisters are too young…. And they all loved her with such love as will never be again…. I never saw a happier household…. No, no, do not go near the window; that would be worse than anything else…. It is better to announce it as simply as possible,—as if it were an ordinary event,—and not to look too sad; for otherwise their grief will wish to be greater than yours and will know of nothing more that it can do…. Let us go on the other side of the garden. We will knock at the door and go in as if nothing had happened. I will go in first: they will not be surprised to see me; I come sometimes in the evening, to bring them flowers or fruit, and pass a few hours with them.
THE STRANGER.
Why must I go with you? Go alone; I will wait till I am called….
They have never seen me…. I am only a passer-by; I am a stranger….