Tomp. Why should I doubt the possibility of human petrifaction?
Dunn. (rushing at Tompkins, taking his hand) Bless you, Tompkins! Bless you! Now I can be believed! (crosses to others L. C.) The truth seemed so preposterous before, I dared not tell it. But now—oh—Tompkins! Tompkins! (embracing Tompkins)
Tomp. (pushing him away) Why this excitement?
Dunn. (going back R.) Because she, Niobe herself, from the time immediately after the Trojan war, who was there in the stone, has come to life!
Omnes. Come to life!!!
Dunn. (on pedestal) The uncovered electric wires imparted some vital current to the system, which roused the dormant principle of respiration and circulation, unpetrified her limbs and she is alive; alive, oh! (goes L.)
Music.
Tomp. (R. C.) Mirabile Dictu! (goes to R. corner)
Dunn. Call it what you like, Tompkins, you can’t alter it. Ah! She is here!
Niobe enters R. C. as Statue, coming down C.; white lime on Niobe.