ELIS. Oh, how terrible, how terrible—
MRS. HEYST. He asked how things were going—and imagine my fright—he asked if he might come and see us this evening.
ELIS. On a holy day?
MRS. HEYST. I was speechless—and he, I am afraid, mistook my silence for consent. So he may be here any moment.
ELIS [Rises]. Here?
MRS. HEYST. He said he wished to leave a paper of some sort which was important.
ELIS. A warrant! He wants to take our furniture.
MRS. HEYST. But he looked so queer. I didn't quite understand him.
ELIS. Well, then—let him come—he has right and might on his side, and we must bow down to him.—We must receive him when he comes.
MRS. HEYST. If I could only escape seeing him!