(Supported by Floris, she staggers to a chair, where she sits huddled, staring before her, dry-eyed. Floris puts his arms round her and, with his cheek against hers, rocks her to and fro, whispering, “Dearest, dearest, dearest!” A pause. The door opens and the Major and Otto appear on the threshold.)
The Major
(Ceremoniously.) Madam, I have done your father the honour of myself taking command of the firing-party. All I wanted was that your husband should prove his respect for discipline to the end! I give him back to you; you have nothing to blame him for. Everything went off very well, in a most correct and satisfactory manner. Your father died like a hero.... And now, Lieutenant Hilmer, go and embrace your wife....
Isabelle
(Suddenly drawing herself to her full height.) Go away!... Go away, both of you!...
Otto
What, I too, Isabelle?... But you don’t understand....
Isabelle
I understand everything, I understand too much, it’s you who will never understand anything!...
Otto