MICH. What are you?
AUDR. Just what you like to make of me. Don’t think I’m flattering you. Don’t think I’m bold and unwomanly. I’m only speaking the truth. You have changed me. I’m ready to do anything, believe anything, suffer anything that you bid me! To-night I’m on a pinnacle! I shall either be snatched up to the skies, or tumble into the abyss. Which will it be, I wonder?
MICH. (after a struggle, in a calm voice). Neither, I trust. I hope you will take your boat back in ten minutes, have a good passage across, a comfortable dinner from your pretty blue china, and a sound night’s rest. And to-morrow you will wake and forget this rather imprudent freak.
AUDR. Oh, you won’t tread the clouds with me! Very well! Down to the earth we come. I can be as earthly as the very clay itself. But I thought you wanted me to be spiritual.
MICH. I want you to be sincere, to be yourself.
AUDR. Very well. Tell me how. You are my ghostly father.
MICH. No, you’ve never allowed me to be a priest to you.
AUDR. I’ve never allowed you?
MICH. And I’ve never dared.
AUDR. Why not?