[Sadly.] Yes, yes, Irene, I understand it.

[He seats himself on a stone beside the brook. She stands behind him, leaning against the wall of rock.

Irene.

[After a pause.] Why do you sit there turning your eyes away from me?

Professor Rubek.

[Softly, shaking his head.] I dare not—I dare not look at you.

Irene.

Why dare you not look at me any more?

Professor Rubek.

You have a shadow that tortures me. And I have the crushing weight of my conscience.