PEPEL. I don’t like it . . .
[They go out quickly. The stage is empty and silent for a few moments. Behind the door is heard a dull, staccato, incomprehensible noise. Then the Actor enters.]
THE ACTOR [stands at the open door, supporting himself against the jamb, and shouts] Hey, old man—where are you—? I just remembered—listen . . . [Takes two staggering steps forward and, striking a pose, recites]
“Good people! If the world cannot find
A path to holy truth,
Glory be to the madman who will enfold all humanity
In a golden dream . . .”
[Natasha appears in the doorway behind the Actor]
Old man! [recites]
“If to-morrow the sun were to forget
To light our earth,
To-morrow then some madman’s thought
Would bathe the world in sunshine. . . .”
NATASHA [laughing] Scarecrow! You’re drunk!
THE ACTOR [turns to her] Oh—it’s you? Where’s the old man, the dear old man? Not a soul here, seems to me . . . Natasha, farewell—right—farewell!