STRANGER. Suffer. It will pass. For that, too, is vanity.
MRS. WALSTRÖM. Suffer?
STRANGER. Yes, suffer! But with hope!
MRS. WALSTRÖM. [Holding out her hand to him] Thank you!
STRANGER. And let it be your consolation
MRS. WALSTRÖM. What?
STRANGER. That you don't suffer innocently.
MRS. WALSTRÖM walks out with her head bent low.
The STRANGER climbs the pile of debris marking the site of the burned house.
RUDOLPH. [Comes in, looking happy] Are you playing the ghost among the ruins?
STRANGER. Ghosts feel at home among ruins—And now you are happy?