Lona.

It was Dina that overshadowed you, Martha.

Martha.

It is well that she did. When he went away we were of the same age; when I saw him again—oh, that horrible moment—I realised that I was ten years older than he. He had lived out there in the bright, quivering sunshine, and drunk in youth and health at every breath; and here sat I the while, spinning and spinning——

Lona.

——the thread of his happiness, Martha.

Martha.

Yes, it was gold I spun. No bitterness! We have been two good sisters to him, Lona, have we not?

Lona.

[Embraces her.] Martha!