Dunn. The hardest lot ever put up; when you consider you’ve gone all these years without so much as having your nose chipped off! Why, you’ve been buried for centuries. (Niobe looks at him in wonder) And if they hadn’t started exploring the ruins of some of those old Temples, you’d be there still. I’m aware it’s a delicate subject with a lady, but I should estimate you must be close on three thousand years old.
Nio. (looking at him indignantly) How?
Dunn. (backing away from Niobe) Oh, you don’t look it!
Nio. (L.) Three thousand years! Oh, Zeus, and now the ban, the curse of mighty Phœbus is removed.
Dunn. (C.) Yes! And Phœbus is gone, too.
Niobe goes up L. behind and round table to C.
Nio. And all is new! Is this the Hesitaterion? The Throni are strange, the Katoptron colossal.
Dunn. Yes, you’ve got to do things big now-a-days.
Nio. (approaching Dunn C.) You truly say, the ages have rolled by; my husband, children, dead! In all the world, I have no one but you. (taking his hand)
Dunn. (snatching hand away—crosses to L. of her) No one but me! You’ve no claim on me;—that is—I have no claim on you!