[He and Boletta go out to the left.

[Ellida stands awhile gazing into the pond. From time to time she talks softly and in broken phrases to herself.

Outside on the footpath, beyond the garden fence, a Stranger in travelling dress enters from the left. He has bushy, reddish hair and beard, wears a Scotch cap, and has a travelling-wallet slung across his shoulder by a strap.

The Stranger.

[Walks slowly along by the fence, and looks into the garden. When he sees Ellida he stops, looks intently and searchingly at her, and says softly:] Good evening, Ellida!

Ellida.

[Turns round and cries out.] Oh my dear—have you come at last!

The Stranger.

Yes, at last.

Ellida.