Helena—In other words: taken the coals out of the fire with the poker—continue——

Storm—That’s all.

Helena—And you dared to come to me! [Her entire manner has changed.]

Storm—No matter what you’ve been—done—I love you.

Helena—Do not come so near. Only those who have helped to make such death as mine may go a little way toward the ardours of that decay.

Storm—What have I done?

Helena—You have dared to bring to a woman, who has known love, the whinny of a pauper.

Storm—What am I?

Helena—[Softly, to herself.] How sensitively the handles cling to the vase, how delicate is the flesh between the fingers.

Storm—I—I don’t know you.