Night. The room is filled with moonlight. Joseph is asleep at his desk…. He suddenly springs up in agitation.
JOSEPH. Ah! . . . It was only a dream! But what a dream! I thought I saw at the door—(he points) a strange and terrible animal! (There is a sound at the door, and he starts back in terror.) There it is now!
The curtains part, and Asenath enters, candle in hand.
ASENATH. Ssh! It is I—Asenath! Don't be afraid!
Joseph recovers his self-possession, and confronts her sternly.
JOSEPH. You, too!
ASENATH. My dear?
JOSEPH. So you have come to afflict me with more romantic folly!
ASENATH. (with concern) What is the matter with you, Joseph?
JOSEPH. What is the matter with me? Nothing is the matter with me. Why do you ask?