"Not so. By the hearth of my fathers I swear it. Orestes is here."
"Who told thee this tale that thou believest so strangely?"
"'Tis from proofs that I saw with mine own eyes, and not another's, that I believe. Listen, therefore. When I came to the tomb of my father, I saw on the top of the pillar offerings of milk that had been newly poured, and garlands of all manner of flowers. And marvelling much at this, I looked to see if any man was at hand; and seeing none, I drew near; and on the tomb I espied a lock of hair newly cut; and as soon as I espied it I knew that it was a token of Orestes, dearest of men in all the world to thee and me. And as I touched it I held my tongue from all words that might do hurt, and my eyes were filled with tears. And now think whose should this be but his? Who should do this but thou or I; and I did not, nor thou, who canst not go so far from this house; and my mother is not wont to do such things. 'Tis Orestes surely. And now sorrow hath passed away, and all things will be well."
"Nay," Electra made answer, "I pity thee for thy folly.'
"Do not my tidings please thee?"
"I know not why thou talkest so wildly."
"But may I not believe that which I have seen with mine own eyes?"
"O my sister, he is dead! Look not to him for help any more."
"But stay. From whom didst thou learn this?"
"From one who was at hand when he perished."