Oh, how utterly you are astray! Both in us and around us life is fermenting and throbbing as fiercely as ever!

[Smiling and shaking her head.] The young woman of your Resurrection Day can see all life lying on its bier.

[Throwing his arms violently around her.] Then let two of the dead—us two—for once live life to its uttermost—before we go down to our graves again!

[With a shriek.] Arnold!

But not here in the half darkness! Not here with this hideous dank shroud flapping around us—

[Carried away by passion.] No, no—up in the light, and in all the glittering glory! Up to the Peak of Promise!

There we will hold our marriage-feast, Irene—oh, my beloved!

[Proudly.] The sun may freely look on us, Arnold.

All the powers of light may freely look on us—and all the powers of darkness too. [Seizes her hand.] Will you then follow me, oh my grace-given bride?

[As though transfigured.] I follow you, freely and gladly, my lord and master!