STRANGER. It's been coming for some time. Nothing can now prevent it. I must see him.
LADY. But if he won't receive you?
STRANGER. I'll go as a patient, and tell him of my sickness....
LADY (frightened). Don't do that!
STRANGER. You think he might be tempted to shut me up as mad! I must risk it. I want to risk everything—life, freedom, welfare. I need an emotional shock, strong enough to bring myself into the light of day. I demand this torture, that my punishment may be in just proportion to my sin, so that I shall not be forced to drag myself along under the burden of my guilt. So down into the snake pit, as soon as may be!
LADY. Could I come with you?
STRANGER. There's no need. My sufferings will be enough for both.
LADY. Then I'll call you my deliverer. And the curse I once laid on you will turn into a blessing. Look! It's spring once more.
STRANGER. So I see. The Christmas rose there has begun to wither.
LADY. But don't you feel spring in the air?