Lucie forces her to sit down beside her and takes her in her arms.
LUCIE. Come—into my arms. Put your head on my shoulder as you used when you were little. There now, tell me what the trouble is. [Speaking low]. My darling—my little darling—I’m afraid you’re most unhappy. Try and think that it’s mother.
ANNETTE [very low, crying piteously] Oh, mother! If you knew what I have done!
LUCIE [rocking her gently] There—tell me. Whisper it to me. Whisper—
Annette whispers. Lucie rises and separates herself from her sister. She hides her face in her hands.
LUCIE. Oh, Annette! You!
ANNETTE [kneeling and stretching out her arms] Forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! I deserve it all. But I’m almost mad.
LUCIE. You, Annette! You!
ANNETTE. Are you going to make me sorry I didn’t kill myself before I told you! Forgive me—
LUCIE. Get up. It’s too awful. I must forgive you. [She sits down].