(She sits in a chair at some distance from the cradle, closes her eyes, and is soon fast asleep. A moment later she speaks as in a dream.)
I see her now the day she was baptized,
I have not smiled so much since that glad time.
My Pierre forgets me, spends his nights away
In drinking——
(A rather long pause.)
Dear Saint Nicholas, I pray,
Oh, give me rest—make me forget awhile——
(The Statue of Saint Nicholas moves. A bright light floods the room. Saint Nicholas comes slowly toward Jacqueline, and extends a hand to her.)
Saint Nicholas.—