JUDGE. [To THE OTHER ONE] Who are you, sir?
THE OTHER ONE. I have told you twice. That you don't believe me is a part of your punishment, for if you could believe, your sufferings would be shortened by it.
JUDGE. [To his wife] It's—him—sure enough! For I feel as if I were turning into ice. How are we to get rid of him?—Why, they say that the unclean spirits cannot bear the sound of music. Play something on the harp, Caroline.
Though badly frightened, the OLD LADY sits down at the table on which the harp stands and begins to play a slow prelude in a minor key.
THE OTHER ONE listens reverently and with evident emotion.
OLD LADY. [To the JUDGE] Is he gone?
THE OTHER ONE. I thank you for the music, madam. It lulls the pain and awakens memories of better things even in a lost soul—Thank you, madam!—Speaking of the auction, I think you are doing right, although, in my opinion, an honest declaration of bankruptcy would be still better—Yes, surrender your goods, and let every one get back his own.
JUDGE. Bankruptcy? I have no debts——
THE OTHER ONE. No debts!
OLD LADY. My husband has no debts!
THE OTHER ONE. No debts! That would be happiness, indeed!