[Speaking softly to Ahab] Ahab, she stirs, she is waking. Her eyes are still closed, but her lips move as if to speak.

[Ahab bends over the sick woman]

The Mother

[Speaks with closed eyes, the tones of her voice like those of a song heard in the distance] Has he come? Is he here? Where is he, the son of my sorrow?

Jochebed

[Whispering] How wonderful! For the first time she speaks of him plainly.

Ahab

Nay, she is still dreaming.

The Mother

[Moves and opens her eyes] Are you there, Ahab? Is that you Jochebed? My dreams are dark and uneasy.