They are coming by the walk that leads to the door.

[The old man goes away. Martha and Mary are seated on the bench, with their backs turned to the windows. Murmurs in the crowd.]

THE STRANGER.

S—t!… Do not speak.

[The elder of the two sisters rises and goes to bolt the door….]

MARTHA.

She opens it?

THE STRANGER.

On the contrary, she is shutting it. [A silence.

MARTHA.