Sachel.

Who can prove it? It is a good story to work upon our sympathies. They cannot deceive me. I will have no sympathies.

Esther.

[To Rosa.] Isn't it warm.

[They look off over the river.

Rosa.

But aren't those clouds beautiful? They are bringing a blessed rain; but they lower as if they brought a pestilence.

Esther.

You call them beautiful? You know very well that we are speculating in produce: if the drought keeps on the rich will have to pay dear for their vegetables, and the poor won't have any; it will profit us handsomely! And you only think of your own pleasure!

Rosa.