The sergeant signs to the leading soldier to march. They file out quickly.
When Anderson returns from Mrs. Dudgeon’s he is astonished to find the room apparently empty and almost in darkness except for the glow from the fire; for one of the candles has burnt out, and the other is at its last flicker.
ANDERSON.
Why, what on earth—? (Calling) Judith, Judith! (He listens: there is no answer.) Hm! (He goes to the cupboard; takes a candle from the drawer; lights it at the flicker of the expiring one on the table; and looks wonderingly at the untasted meal by its light. Then he sticks it in the candlestick; takes off his hat; and scratches his head, much puzzled. This action causes him to look at the floor for the first time; and there he sees Judith lying motionless with her eyes closed. He runs to her and stoops beside her, lifting her head.) Judith.
JUDITH.
(waking; for her swoon has passed into the sleep of exhaustion after suffering). Yes. Did you call? What’s the matter?
ANDERSON.
I’ve just come in and found you lying here with the candles burnt out and the tea poured out and cold. What has happened?
JUDITH.
(still astray). I don’t know. Have I been asleep? I suppose— (she stops blankly) I don’t know.
ANDERSON.
(groaning). Heaven forgive me, I left you alone with that scoundrel. (Judith remembers. With an agonized cry, she clutches his shoulders and drags herself to her feet as he rises with her. He clasps her tenderly in his arms.) My poor pet!
JUDITH.
(frantically clinging to him). What shall I do? Oh my God, what shall I do?
ANDERSON.
Never mind, never mind, my dearest dear: it was my fault. Come: you’re safe now; and you’re not hurt, are you? (He takes his arms from her to see whether she can stand.) There: that’s right, that’s right. If only you are not hurt, nothing else matters.