Night, night has come! And yet how long might be,
Endlessly long, the time until he comes.
[She wrings her hands.]
Might be!
[With shining eyes.]
But must not—yet, it might—
[She puts up her hair. During this time the nurse has stepped to the front window and waters the red flowers there.]
Dianora [much frightened]. Who's there, who's there! Oh, nurse, nurse, is it you? I've ne'er before seen you in here so late. Has ought occurred?—
Nurse. Why nothing, gracious one. Do you not see, I quite forgot my flowers—they've not been watered. On my way from church I suddenly remembered, quickly came.
Dianora. Yes, give the flowers water. But how strange you look, your cheeks are feverish, your eyes are shining—
Nurse [does not answer].