[Hesitatingly, Jeremiah moves forward a few steps. He, too, is a prey to strong emotion]
The Mother
[Stretching out her arms towards him] You are there, I feel it. Would that I could see you clearly. Why come you not close, that I may touch you?
Jeremiah
[Not moving, his hands still clenched] I dare not, I dare not. Disaster dogs my footsteps. Curses go before me. Let me stand thus apart, lest my breath harm you, lest it strike terror to your soul.
The Mother
[Feverishly] My child, my arms crave for you. Come close, dear, come close. Are my lips so hateful to you? Is my hand so estranged?
Jeremiah
I am estranged from myself, and a stranger in this house.
The Mother