[As though transfigured.] I follow you, freely and gladly, my lord and master!
Professor Rubek.
[Drawing her along with him.] We must first pass through the mists, Irene, and then——
Irene.
Yes, through all the mists, and then right up to the summit of the tower that shines in the sunrise.
[The mist-clouds close in over the scene—Professor Rubek and Irene, hand in hand, climb up over the snow-field to the right and soon disappear among the lower clouds. Keen storm-gusts hurtle and whistle through the air.
[The Sister of Mercy appears upon the stone-scree to the left. She stops and looks around silently and searchingly.
[Maia can be heard singing triumphantly far in the depths below.
Maia.
I am free! I am free! I am free!