[He turns. She sways, then reaches out her arms. As irresistibly they move toward each other, Doeg and Merab appear through the curtains. Michal utters a low cry. They vanish.]

MICHAL

[In numb affright] Merab and Doeg!

DAVID

Yet what matter, now!

Were it the driven night-unshrouded dead!

Under the firmament is but one need,

That you will understand!

MICHAL

But Merab! ah,