(They have gradually come to centre of room, which servants have lighted. Wong Fe silently returns, but at a sign from Ching she retreats and remains by wall, right, participating in the scene that follows, though Yu Tai Shun and Makuro are unaware of her presence.)
Makuro
Do you remember when I stood here once before, Yu Tai Shun?
Shun
Can you ask me that, Makuro?
Makuro
Why not, when you seem to have forgotten all that passed between us? I went from that meeting with an imperishable fire in my heart. I return, and the light that kindled mine is dark. We stood here, and the words you spoke were brighter than the lamps of Siangtan that we looked down upon. Shall I repeat them, Yu Tai Shun?
(Shun is silent.)
Ching