Vennema. You will come, won't you?
Louise. I cannot. I simply cannot. It is your happiness that I am thinking of. The intrusion of my life would spoil everything. Everybody will blame you.
Vennema. My child, I have long ago put behind me what the world says.
Louise [suddenly]. And William? What about William? What about him when I go back? No, I can't do it. I cannot leave him.
Vennema. What about your mother, Louise? She is waiting for you. She will be at the window to-night, waiting and peering out. Your chair is ready for you and she herself will open the door to greet you, to take you to her heart again. Do you know, Louise, she has been getting very gray of late. Come.
Louise. Mother isn't ill?
Vennema. Your mother wants to see you before she....
Louise [rising to her feet]. I ... I will do it.
Vennema. Thank you, my child. [He embraces her]. We shall go at once.
Louise. Ring for Sophie, please. Yes, we will go at once. [Close to him.] Mother is not seriously ill?