SOPHY.

In this storm?

WILLIAM (puts on his jacket).

He would be a fine hunter's boy who is afraid of a little bit of lightning. Only tell me which way Mary went. The one below along the brook? All right. She is not like the others, but she is only a girl. And they are afraid.

[Exit.]

SCENE III

SOPHY (alone; after him).

William! William! [Comes back.]

He is gone! And the storm is getting worse. A fog below, and the thunderstorm above coming nearer. And another one is coming on from the Brandsberg. And Ulrich outside, and none of the children at home. And I all alone in this solitary hunter's house in the midst of the forest, and at such an hour of the night!

[A door is heard slamming; she starts up.]