Was it long after you found her when I came?
THE STRANGER.
A few minutes, barely. I was going toward the village; it was already late, and the bank was getting dark. I was walking with my eyes fixed on the river because it was lighter than the road, when I saw something strange a step or two from a clump of reeds…. I drew near and made out her hair, which had risen almost in a circle above her head, and whirled round, so, in the current.
[In the room, the two young girls turn their heads toward the window.]
THE OLD MAN.
Did you see the two sisters' hair quiver on their shoulders?
THE STRANGER.
They turned their heads this way…. They simply turned their heads. Perhaps I spoke too loud. [The two young girls resume their former position.] But they are already looking no longer…. I went into the water up to my waist and I was able to take her by the hand and pull her without effort to the shore…. She was as beautiful as her sisters are.
THE OLD MAN.
She was perhaps more beautiful…. I do not know why I have lost all courage….