Niobe comes slowly down C., examining room in wonderment; goes round up R. and then deliberately to C.; Dunn, who has crouched behind or beside table, disarranges himself, tie, hair, etc.; then crawls round table up C., as Niobe turns and confronts him, he shrinks back on to knees, hands on chair. Music ceases. Niobe comes near Dunn regarding him with amazement; picture.
Nio. Hail to thee! What man art thou? How came you in this strange guise? Are you a slave?
Dunn. Yes—No—Certainly not! (aside) There’s no use in letting every stranger know I’m a cipher in my own house.
Nio. A Lord?
Dunn. (timidly rising) Lord and Master! (aside) I can truthfully say it while Helen is not on the premises.
Niobe approaches Dunn before speaking; he backs away from her.
Nio. How strange! (goes lower and regarding him, back to audience) How strange!
Dunn. (with wonderment) Strange! She thinks me strange! If she could only change places and regard herself, and doubt the existence of her faculties, as I do—(Niobe now moves, going up R.) When I see her move and hear her speak. No! I’ve got to believe it. It’s the Electricity. She’s there alive, Niobe herself; not a Statue. And I’m not dreaming, or drunk or demented. (staggers front of table)
Niobe has looked round apartment.