GUIMARD. I see bells ringing—I taste dead bodies—their smell in my mouth is like rancid butter—faugh!
BISKRA. Can't you hear the priest chanting the service for a dead child?
GUIMARD. Wait!—I cannot hear—[Wistfully] But do you want me to?—There!—I can hear it!
BISKRA. Do you see the wreath on the coffin they are carrying?
GUIMARD. Yes——
BISKRA. There are violet ribbons on it—and there are letters printed in silver—"Farewell, my darling George—from your father."
GUIMARD. Yes, that's it! [He begins to cry] My George! O George, my darling boy!—Elise—wife—can't you console me?—Oh, help me! [He is groping around] Elise, where are you? Have you left me? Answer! Call out the name of your love!
A VOICE. [Coming from the roof] Jules! Jules!
GUIMARD. Jules! But my name is—what is my name? It is Charles! And she is calling Jules! Elise—my beloved wife—answer me—for your spirit is here—I can feel it—and you promised never to love anybody else——
The VOICE is heard laughing.