[Drawing her along with him.] We must first pass through the mists, Irene, and then—
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.
I am free! I am free! I am free!
No more life in the prison for me!
I am free as a bird! I am free!
[Suddenly a sound like thunder is heard from high up on the snow-
field, which glides and whirls downwards with headlong speed.
PROFESSOR RUBEK and IRENE can be dimly discerned as they are
whirled along with the masses of snow and buried in them.
[Gives a shriek, stretches out her arms towards them and cries.] Irene!
[Stands silent a moment, then makes the sign of the cross before
her in the air, and says.
Pax vobiscum!
[MAIA's triumphant song sounds from still farther down below.