MAID (coming in again). The lady asks you to do her a service.
STRANGER. There she lies like an electric eel, giving shocks from a distance. What kind of service is it to be now?
MAID. There's a letter in the pocket of her green coat.
STRANGER. No good will come of that! (He takes the letter out of the green coat, which is hanging near the dress by fireplace.) I must be dead. I dreamed this, and now it's happening. My children have a stepfather!
MOTHER. Who are you going to blame?
STRANGER. Myself! I'd rather blame no one. I've lost my children.
MOTHER. You'll get a new one here.
STRANGER. He might be cruel to them....
MOTHER. Then their sufferings will burden your conscience, if you have one.
STRANGER. Supposing he were to beat them?