OLD LADY. Well, why shouldn't we?
JUDGE. Yes, why shouldn't we? Perhaps because that mesmerist comes here and talks a lot of superstitious nonsense?
OLD LADY. Tell me, do you really think he is nothing but a mesmerist?
JUDGE. [Blustering] That fellow? He's a first-class charlatan. A che-ar-la-tan!
OLD LADY. [Looking around] I am not so sure.
JUDGE. But I am sure. Su-ure! And if he should ever come before my eyes again—just now, for instance—I'll drink his health and say: here's to you, old humourist! [As he raises the glass, it is torn out of his hand and is seen to disappear through the wall] What was that? [The lantern goes out. OLD LADY. Help!
[A gust of wind is heard, and then all is silence again.
JUDGE. You just get some matches, and I'll clear this matter up. For I am no longer afraid of anything. Not of anything!
OLD LADY. Oh, don't, don't!
THE OTHER ONE. [Steps from behind one of the casks] Now we'll have to have a talk in private.