THE OFFICER. Yes and no. How can I enjoy seeing you suffer? Oh!
SHE. And do you think my happiness can be founded on your torments?
THE OFFICER. We are to be pitied—all of us!
ALL. [Raise their arms toward the sky and utter a cry of anguish that sounds like a dissonant chord] Oh!
THE DAUGHTER. Everlasting One, hear them! Life is evil! Men are to be pitied!
ALL. [As before] Oh!
For a moment the stage is completely darkened, and during that moment everybody withdraws or takes up a new position. When the light is turned on again, Foulstrand is seen in the background, lying in deep shadow. The strait is in the middle distance and Fairhaven in the foreground, both steeped in light. To the right, a corner of the Casino, where dancing couples are visible through the open windows. Three servant maids are standing outside on top of an empty box, with arms around each other, staring at the dancers within. On the verandah of the Casino stands a bench, where "Plain" EDITH is sitting. She is bare-headed, with an abundance of tousled hair, and looks sad. In front of her is an open piano.
To the left, a frame house painted yellow. Two children in light dresses are playing ball outside.
In the centre of the middle distance, a pier with white sailboats tied to it, and flag poles with hoisted flags. In the strait is anchored a naval vessel, brig-rigged, with gun ports. But the entire landscape is in winter dress, with snow on the ground and on the bare trees.
THE DAUGHTER and THE OFFICER enter.
THE DAUGHTER. Here is peace, and happiness, and leisure. No more toil; every day a holiday; everybody dressed up in their best; dancing and music in the early morning. [To the maids] Why don't you go in and have a dance, girls?
THE MAIDS. We?
THE OFFICER. They are servants, don't you see!