And in that design you have shifted me back, a little toned down—to serve as a background-figure—in a group.

[She draws the knife.

Professor Rubek.

Not a background-figure. Let us say, at most, a figure not quite in the foreground—or something of that sort.

Irene.

[Whispers hoarsely.] There you uttered your own doom.

[On the point of striking.

Professor Rubek.

[Turns and looks up at her.] Doom?

Irene.